Qualification: BA (Hons)
Course Length: 3 years
UCAS Code: W410
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We are ranked 5th in the UK for dance and drama in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, 6th for drama, dance and cinematic in the Complete University Guide 2023, and 7th in the UK for drama and dance in the Guardian University Guide 2023. The course received an overall satisfaction score of 100% in the National Student Survey 2022. 

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 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.
 

AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

 

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.

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.

2023 entry requirements

 

A-Level CCC
BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma MMM
European Baccalaureate 68 per cent
International Baccalaureate 30 overall
Scottish Highers BBBCC
Welsh Baccalaureate CC
Access to HE Diploma 21 at Distinction plus 3 at Merit plus 21 at Pass

If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year. Find out more about the International Foundation Year.

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above (or international equivalent)

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.  

For more audition information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

A non-refundable audition fee will be charged.

 

IELTS minimum overall: 6.5

IELTS minimum by component: 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element

If you are an international student and you are concerned that your English is not to the required standard, you may benefit from the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

 

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 & MeElephant 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