New College Lanarkshire is adding to its repertoire of performing arts courses with two new Honours degree qualifications.
From August, the college will strengthen its partnership with Queen Margaret University (QMU) by developing two ambitious new courses.
BA Honours musical theatre with creative enterprise and BA Honours acting with creative enterprise will be offered for the first time during the 2021-22 academic year.
The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.
Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.
The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.
Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android
The courses aim to "nurture and cultivate future leaders" in the performing arts industry in the post-pandemic recovery.
Gregor Duncan from the college told Lanarkshire Live : “It is fantastic to be able to introduce the Honours degree at this time.
"And with everything that has been happening in the performing arts world recently, it is absolutely vital.
“It is essential we re-map the way that the industry works and how performers have a place in that. They have to make their own work and be very creative."
Staff in the college's performing arts team have worked with professionals in the theatre, film and television industries to shape practical courses that teach students a range of skills that will equip them for their future.
Students who gain a place in the Honours courses will be tasked with forming a series of small companies and producing projects such as performances, film or drama therapies that will involve forming connections with the community and industry.
They will work closely with professional mentors who will provide advice on creative pathways and taking ownership of their careers.
NCL formed a partnership with QMU in Edinburgh in 2018 to provide the validation and accreditation of its degree-level Performing Arts programmes.
Gregor added: “The support we receive from QMU for our ordinary degree programmes has been superb and they were very keen that this Honours progression went ahead."
Professor David Stevenson from QMU said he was "delighted" to see the education centres collaborate.
He told us: "By combining professional actor training with the skills necessary to create and sustain new companies, festivals, and projects this degree will ensure graduates are ready to help shape the future of Scotland’s cultural sector.”
NCL offers a highly regarded portfolio of performing arts courses in dance, musical theatre and acting, ranging from SCQF 1 to SCQF 10; to find out more, or apply, visit here
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
