Qualification: BA (Hons)
Course Length: 3 years
UCAS Code: AD29
Apply now

Programme overview

Our BA Actor-Musician course is run by Guildford School of Acting (GSA), one of the most highly regarded theatre schools in the UK. You’ll be taught by industry-leading professionals, and join a vibrant community of talented individuals.

We’ll develop your combined talents as an actor and a musician, including the versatility to work professionally as an actor or actor-musician in a wide range of theatrical contexts.

Surrey is ranked in the top three for drama and dance in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2020 and top five by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.

What you will study

On our BA Actor-Musician course, you’ll develop performance skills in acting, musicianship, dance and singing, alongside essential critical and evaluative skills.

In your first year, you’ll strengthen core skills in acting, dance, singing and music. In your second year, you’ll work on texts as diverse as Shakespeare, Lloyd Webber, Sondheim, Chekhov and Ibsen, with musicianship skills integrated within your studies. In your third year, you’ll work on three main projects: a play, a musical and a devised piece, alongside a showcase for industry, performed in London.

By developing your skills as an actor-musician, you’ll be able to take advantage of the ever-growing demand for versatile professional performers who can combine superb acting ability with a high standard of musicianship.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits.

The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

Our BA Actor Musician Course received 100% overall satisfaction in the recent National Student Survey 2020. Over the last decade or so we have seen a great increase in productions that integrate the skills of the actor with the skills of the musician in performance. Through this programme we aim to produce strong actors and strong performers with excellent skills as ensemble players and musicians. It’s an exciting time in the industry to be looking at how the role of the actor-musician can be developed and defined by the students.

Nicholas Scrivens, Programme Leader

Read graduate Persia Babayan-Taylor's take on life at GSA on the Actor-Musician course

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

What qualifications do you need?

 

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 here

Other international qualifications

Required subjects

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

The course does not require a specific grade standard. However, your playing and sight-reading ability should be of a high level and your understanding of harmony and music should be advanced – roughly equivalent to Grade 8 ABRSM and Grade 5 Theory.

Selection and audition process

Offers are made in terms of grades and a successful audition (which will include acting, movement and singing/instrument workshops).

Applicants are invited to a single-day Audition Workshop.  You will be asked to prepare:

  • A speech from a play or film, lasting up to two minutes; and a musical theatre song or jazz standard performed to a backing track or self-accompanied, lasting up to two minutes; and
  • An instrumental piece of music on your first instrument and in your preferred style, lasting up to two minutes

Speeches

You can choose a speech from any play or film, It should last around two minutes and be delivered in your own accent. Ideally, the character should be close to your own playing age.

If you are invited to a Recall Audition Workshop, you will be asked to take part in acting, voice, movement and music sessions; you may also be asked to re-present your first-round audition material.

Full guidance for each element of the audition will be sent by e-mail upon application.  Applications for the BA (Hons) Actor-Musician programme should be made via UCAS.

For more audition information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

A non-refundable audition fee is usually charged.

English language requirements

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.

Tuition fees

 

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

Bursaries and scholarships

 

We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it. Find out more about bursaries and scholarships.

International students

 

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.

Graduate Prospects

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.

Apply now through the University of Surrey website

Apply now
Contact