Programme overview
Training to become an actor is an intensive process which requires curiosity, courage and commitment. At Guildford School of Acting (GSA), we’ll help you develop your imagination, range, skills and technique. You’ll learn how to prepare for rehearsal, how to rehearse and how to use independent and proactive processes to achieve your best work possible for stage and screen.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
What you will study
Drawing on the teaching and practices of Stanislavsky and Lecoq, our BA Acting course will develop your technical skills. You’ll learn important critical and evaluative skills, and develop your imagination through play, improvisation and scene work. You’ll also take screen acting classes and complete film and radio projects that allow you to explore the processes needed in today’s recorded media.
You’ll attend classes and workshops with guest speakers to develop your professional network and employment opportunities. As you come to the end of your course, you’ll complete your transition to professional performer with a final industry showcase - with invited agents and industry guests.
Drama school training is like no other. You’ll learn skills you never even intended to and make friends who will always understand you like no others.
Graduate Stories:
Alexandra Mardell BA (Hons) Acting Graduate 2015
Dominic Short BA (Hons) Acting Graduate 2019
Programme structure
The academic year is divided into three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. All modules are either 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
To view the course structure please click here
Disclaimer: Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Entry requirements
To view the entry requirements please click here
Entry is also subject to successful audition. Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to complete the programme may also be considered.
GSA International Auditions in Philadelphia, USA
We are excited to announce we will be holding in-person auditions this year in Philadelphia. This will be open to all GSA applicants. If you are applying for BA Acting or BA Musical Theatre and would like to audition in Philadelphia, you must have completed the first round video audition stage, and to have been invited to a recall audition.
The auditions will take place on 22 January 2024 in Philadelphia. Venue TBC
In order to be invited to this audition, we must receive your application no later than Friday 5 January 2024. For BA Musical Theatre and BA Acting applications, we must receive your UCAS application by Friday 3 November 2023. The deadline to submit first-round videos will be Friday 1 December 2023.
Please note: the above only applies to applicants interested in auditioning in Philadelphia, USA.
For more information about auditions, please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS
A non-refundable audition fee will be charged.
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate programmes
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it. Find out more about bursaries and scholarships.
Experienced staff in our International Student Office are available to help from the moment you consider studying at the University. We offer professional advice on immigration, visa issues, entry qualifications, pre-departure information, employment regulations and international student welfare.
Our graduates have an unrivalled employment record in West End shows, national tours, television, radio and film. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:
- Brenda Blethyn OBE
- Bill Nighy
- Ella Balinska
- Owen Teale
- Celia Imrie
- Jonjo O’Neill
- Alexandra Mardell
- Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE
- Danielle Fiamanya
- Tam Mutu
- Caroline Sheen
- Rob Kazinsky
- Jade Anouka
- Chris Geere
- Emma Barton
- Justin Fletcher MBE
- T'Nia Miller
- Stephen Carlile
- Maiya Quansah-Breed
- Grace Mouat
- Bronagh Waugh
Our alumni have also secured employment in numerous regional theatres, opera and ballet companies, arts venues, scenic construction and prop-making companies, corporate events and lighting, sound and video hire companies, as well as attaining management and creative production roles for major venues and production companies including the Really Useful Group, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, the National Theatre, the BBC, the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, ATG Theatres and PRG Dubai. Other career paths have included teaching and outreach work.
Theatre (West End)
- The Effect, The Royal National Theatre
- Richard III, The Royal Shakespeare Company
- Warhorse, New London Theatre
- Strangers on a Train, Gielgud Theatre
- Chariots of Fire, Gielgud and Hampstead Theatres
- The Rivals, Theatre Royal, Haymarket
- The Mousetrap, St Martin’s Theatre
- The Tempest, The Old Vic
- The 39 Steps, Criterion Theatre
Film
- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Working Title
- Calendar Girls, Buena Vista Productions
- Defiance, Paramount Pictures
- Nanny McPhee, Universal Pictures
- Pacific Rim, Warner Bros
- Red Tails, 20th Century Fox
- What a Girl Wants, Warner Brothers
- Saving Grace, 20th Century Fox
- The Prince & Me: Elephant Adventure, First Look Studios
- The Prince & Me 4: Royal Adventures in Paradise, First Look Studios
- Love Actually, Universal Pictures
- 28 Days Later, 20th Century Fox
Television
- Vera, ITV
- Death In Paradise, BBC
- Waterloo Road, BBC
- Death Comes to Pemberley, BBC
- The Great Train Robbery
- A Copper’s Tale, BBC
- Doctor Who "Day of the Doctor", BBC
- My Mad Fat Diary, E4
- Game of Thrones, HBO
- The Café, Sky 1
- Holby City, BBC
- Casualty, BBC
- Doctors, BBC
- Silk, BBC
- Midsomer Murders, ITV
- Stella, Sky 1
- Call the Midwife, BBC
- Fresh Meat, E4
- True Blood, HBO
- Hollyoaks, Channel 4
- Trollied, Sky 1