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Musical Theatre: HND (Year 1)

Group of musical theatre students performing a choreographed ensemble scene on stage, with central performers in dark costumes and dancers in white behind them.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
HND
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

2 Academic Years - 2.5 Days p/w
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Easterhouse
Apply now

Course overview

Bring stories to life through song, dance and performance.

This vibrant and demanding course offers immersive, practical training in acting, voice, singing, dance and movement, designed to prepare you for a professional career in musical theatre and the wider performing arts industry.

You’ll work with industry-experienced tutors and guest practitioners to refine your creative and technical skills through a series of ensemble and solo projects that mirror professional rehearsal and performance conditions.

The course is highly practical and physically intensive, featuring conditioning, leaps, turns, partnering, lifting, supporting, floor work and choreography as core components. A good level of stamina and physical capability is essential, as you’ll be training and performing daily across multiple disciplines.

As part of Glasgow Kelvin College’s Performing Arts faculty, you’ll collaborate with Platform Theatre and visiting professionals, taking part in workshops and public performances that build real industry connections.

You’ll also gain invaluable experience performing in our professional festive production, working alongside an external director, musical director, choreographer and full technical team.

Graduates from this programme progress to leading drama schools and conservatoires across the UK or move directly into careers in theatre, film, television, cruise ships, entertainment and education. With Glasgow’s renowned creative scene as your stage, you’ll have every opportunity to shine.

This course is ideal for:

  • Aspiring musical theatre performers ready for intensive triple-threat training.
  • Learners who thrive in a high-energy, physically active creative environment.
  • Students aiming to progress to HND Year 2, degree or conservatoire-level study.
  • Individuals passionate about storytelling through acting, singing and movement.

What you will learn

Your training covers the full range of performance disciplines required by today’s musical theatre industry:

  • Acting Technique – character development, text analysis and ensemble skills.
  • Singing Techniques – vocal control, harmony, interpretation and repertoire.
  • Dance Techniques – jazz, contemporary and musical theatre choreography.
  • Voice Techniques – projection, breath support and accent work.
  • Production & Performance Techniques – stagecraft, rehearsal processes and show production.
  • Professional Development & Etiquette – audition preparation, portfolio building and industry conduct.
  • Theatre Making Technique – devising, collaboration and creative processes.
  • Live Performance – full-scale public productions and showcases.

Teaching combines workshops, rehearsals, performances and reflective practice, supported by coaching from experienced professionals.

HND Musical Theatre students rehearsing a dramatic ensemble scene for “35mm” in a studio at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Behind the Scenes | HND Musical Theatre 🎬🎶

Here’s a look back at our HND Musical Theatre students rehearsing for their recent production of 35MM at Platform Theatre.

From early rehearsals to performance night, the cast worked incredibly hard to bring powerful storytelling and dynamic music to the stage.

A fantastic showcase of talent, teamwork and dedication.

Performance. Passion. Presence.

* this video only contains singing, there is no voiceover

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ Minimum of one Higher, at grade ’C’ or above, preferably in English or Drama

✅ Alternatively, successful completion of an NC or NQ Acting or Musical Theatre programme

✅ Entry by audition only – including a group workshop covering Dance, Singing and Acting

✅ Two contrasting performance pieces may be requested at audition 

ℹ️ This course is physically demanding and requires stamina, focus, and full participation.

If you have specific needs or would like to discuss potential adjustments, we encourage you to contact us before applying. Our team is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and will work with you to explore reasonable adjustments where feasible.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

🎭 Musical Theatre Performer

🎤 Stage or Screen Actor

💃 Dancer or Choreographer

🎬 Film/TV Performer

🧑‍🏫 Arts Educator or Facilitator

🚢 Cruise Ship Entertainer or Touring Performer 

Future prospects

After completing Year 1, you can progress to HND Year 2 Musical Theatre BA level, with UHI Perth at Kelvin or apply to degree-level study at conservatoires and universities across the UK.

Many graduates continue to careers in professional theatre, education and creative arts leadership.

Our Environment

Throughout the courses, our students are often involved in dance, acting, singing and movement performances that focus on climate related activities.

We re-purposes wood and materials for building sets and props and upcycle costumes from our many performances

Musical theatre student in dark costume holding a suitcase during a dramatic stage scene, with another performer standing behind under theatrical lighting.
Group of musical theatre students seated in a staged scene, wearing character costumes and reacting together during a performance.
Musical theatre student reclining on a stage prop bed during a performance, with other students posed around the set under purple lighting and stage fog.
Musical theatre students seated on a bench during a dramatic scene, with central performers leaning together and others watching from either side.
Musical theatre students running forward in formation during a choreographed ensemble number, performing under colourful stage lighting.
Two musical theatre students seated together on a bed during a staged scene, performing dialogue under focused stage lighting.
Musical theatre students performing a scene at desks and tables, with one student speaking while others write or type as part of the set.
Two musical theatre students performing a duet on stage in front of a lit “Judy’s Joint” sign, with other performers seated and dancing behind them.
Musical theatre student standing at centre stage holding a handbag during an ensemble scene, with other performers reacting around her.
Musical theatre student performing a solo on stage in costume, standing in front of a winter-themed set under theatrical lighting.
Musical theatre students performing a coordinated kick line on stage during a festive ensemble number.

Other Courses You Might Consider

Find out about our Performing Arts Department
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