Our BA (Hons) Actor‑Musician is an intensive vocational degree that trains performers across acting, singing, musicianship, and dance. Through technique classes, ensemble projects, musical theatre, screen work, and performances, you will build the versatility demanded of today’s stage and screen professional.
This quadruple-threat three‑year conservatoire degree at Guildford School of Acting prepares you for your future career, training you to work as an actor, musical theatre performer, or actor‑musician, for stage, screen, audio, and lots more.
Guildford School of Acting is arguably one of the world’s most successful conservatoires, with alumni appearing in the West End, on Broadway, and across the world. We provide personalised, industry-focused instruction and education within the discipline of an ensemble to develop your skills and abilities in preparation for a successful and rewarding career.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama, and cinematics in The Complete University Guide 2026.
My journey has been immensely rewarding and transformative. Through dedicated training in acting, singing, dance, and my individual instruments, (flute, piccolo and drums) I’ve learned and worked on so many different styles of theatre and techniques that I can take further into my career. Apart from this, I’ve learned invaluable skills in teamwork. Collaborating with fellow students in rehearsals and productions has fostered a sense of camaraderie and taught me the importance of trust and mutual support.
Kacey Wadge, BA (Hons) Actor-Musician student.
What you will study
On our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician programme, you’ll develop performance skills in acting, musicianship, dance, and singing, alongside essential critical and evaluative skills. You'll learn:
- Core disciplines: Acting, dance, singing and instrumental musicianship, with regular classes, workshops and practical performance.
- Text work & repertoire: In year 2 especially, you’ll study a broad range of theatrical texts, as diverse as Shakespeare, Lloyd Webber, Sondheim, Chekhov and Ibsen, integrating your musical skills with dramatic interpretation.
- Creative and devised work: You’ll take part in devised pieces, musicals, plays, and ensemble projects that require you to use both acting and musical skills in creative combinations.
- Industry readiness & performance practice: You will have opportunities to perform in public productions including a showcase for industry professionals in London, developing your ability to work under professional conditions.
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.
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.
To view the entry requirements please click here
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.
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.
After graduating, you’ll be equipped for roles in musical theatre, actor-musician productions, ensemble theatre, new work, and more. The combination of dramatic and musical skills increases employability. Alumni are working in theatres, touring productions, regional companies, and have agents who recognise the added value of both actor and musician.
GSA graduates have an unrivalled employment record. Some of 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.
Why study at GSA
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the UK’s leading accredited drama schools, providing dedicated conservatoire training within a purpose-built environment on the University of Surrey campus.
GSA operates a pedagogic approach that utilises student-centred learning. Every module has an ethos of nurturing and enabling employability and personal development opportunities for the students. Our working practices encourage dialogue and are most effective when a collaborative approach is undertaken. Our learning environment grants our students the freedom to take risks and to embrace spontaneity.
We keep our cohorts small to ensure you get personal attention and contact from our expert teachers, who have extensive first-hand experience in professional theatre in the UK, Europe and the US.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Complete University Guide 2026.
98.6% of our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician students are satisfied with our teaching, and 92.2% are satisfied with the learning opportunities (National Student Survey (NSS) 2025).
100% of our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).
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