From introductory level to degree level, there is a variety of progression routes available for each performing arts discipline, offering the chance for students to specialise in a number of fields. New for 2006 are the Foundation Degree Theatre Arts and the BA (Hons) Theatre Arts. Both allow for specialisation in dance, theatre or technical theatre. The courses are practical with plenty of scope for involvement in large-scale productions.

Another course - the BA (Hons) Sonic Arts - is designed to investigate the evolving demands of the music industry. Students will develop their academic knowledge alongside their practical skills, producing a final 'product' - a performance, installation or other medium exploring the use of Sonic Arts. The course is suited to both performing musicians and music technologists.

The students at the College benefit from the extensive, specialist facilities at the Arts Centre. These include a large theatre - seating audiences of up to 300, a smaller theatre seating up to 84, and a booking office with a computerised front-of-house system.

Dance students have access to two dance studios with sprung floors and four rehearsal rooms. Music students have the use of the recital room, a range of individual and group practice rooms, three industry-standard recording studios and two high-specification music technology suites.

Samuel Moran, 26, is about to embark on the new BA (Hons) Theatre Arts degree course at ncn. Having just completed the HND in Dance at the College, he is well on the way to achieving his dream of becoming a professional choreographer.

At the age of 20, Samuel loved to dance, but never imagined he was good enough to study the subject at college. His sister encouraged him to try a course at ncn.

"Standing in the queue for the Level 1 Dance course, I looked at the long queue of girls and lost my nerve," said Samuel. "I ended up stepping across to the bakery queue and enrolling on a bakery course instead!"

Samuel stuck with bakery for a year, but his heart was still with dancing. With support from family and friends he switched to Level 1 Dance, and in due course was accepted onto the BTEC First Diploma (BFD) in Dance, and later the BTEC National Diploma (BND) in Dance.

"The BFD was a brilliant introduction to dance. I loved the practical side of the course, but struggled with the written work," said Samuel. With the help of his tutors, Samuel discovered he was dyslexic and since then has received plenty of support with projects, presentations and dissertations.

"Being accepted onto the HND was like winning the Lottery," said Samuel. "Since starting my dance studies I've found it hard to believe that I'm good enough to progress to the next level. But my tutors have always believed in me and encouraged me to keep going."

"I've looked at other institutions offering top-up degrees, but I can't find anywhere I'd rather study," said Samuel. "The facilities are great; we have access to excellent professional performance spaces. We are regularly visited by professional practitioners who work with all the performing arts students during week-long sessions to give us new ideas and a chance to work together on a variety of projects."

"After this coming year I'd like to begin my career as a dancer and hopefully work with a dance company under a professional choreographer. My dream is to become a choreographer myself one day, and I think this is the best way to achieve it."

For more information about the Performing Arts and Music courses at ncn: Tel: 0115 9 100 100
E-mail: enquiries@ncn.ac.uk
Web: www.ncn.ac.uk