Do you believe theatre can do more than entertain? That it can challenge, unite, and change? Our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre is built for makers who want to use performance to engage with communities, explore social issues, and create meaningful work. You’ll not only learn how to make theatre, you’ll ask why you make it, for whom, and with what impact. Whether your interest is in political theatre, community arts, health & wellbeing, or education and outreach, this course gives you the tools, network, and experiences to bring your voice to life.
This practice-led degree combines performance, facilitation, and critical reflection. You will explore how theatre can respond to today’s cultural and political contexts, while developing the skills to devise, direct, and deliver projects in professional, educational, and community settings.
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.
Declaration of criminal convictions
This is a regulated course that requires a declaration of criminal convictions. Please visit our criminal convictions web page for more information.
What you will study
On our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre course, you will be taught by industry-leading professionals and will join a vibrant community of talented performers, theatre makers, creative practitioners, stage managers and technicians. Students embark on a journey that will equip them to devise, produce and facilitate theatre, work creatively in a range of settings such as prisons, youth centres and care homes, build industry contacts and become the next generation of performance artists, applied theatre practitioners, activists and creative entrepreneurs. As well as studying core skills in performing disciplines (voice, ensemble singing, movement, theatre making and music), course content includes but isn’t limited to:
- Theatre for Social Change
- Political Theatre
- Contemporary Performance
- Devised Theatre
- Community Theatre
- Theatre in education
- Education and outreach programmes
- Health and wellbeing organisations
- Disability arts
- Creative Ageing
- Theatre studies
- Collaborative large-scale ensemble performance in a contemporary theatre setting
- Professional development
Alongside their core studies, students are also offered opportunities to engage with the wider theatre sector. Field trips and visits from guest artists have previously included the Royal Albert Hall, London Bubble Theatre Company, Cardboard Citizens, Frantic Assembly, Peer Productions, and National Youth Theatre.
In Year Two, students undertake work placements where they gain professional experience within several innovative theatre/arts organisations. There is also a further optional Professional Training year between the second and final year of study. Work placement hosts have included but are not limited to Chickenshed, Peer Productions, Burnt Orange Theatre, Guildford Shakespeare Company, Boundless Theatre, New Victoria Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Camden Peoples Theatre, Kiln Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, Chicken Shed, Farnham Maltings, Fuel Theatre and Polka Theatre.
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 course structure and modules, 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.
Graduates from this programme go on to a wide variety of careers, including but not limited to:
- Theatre-makers, devisors, directors, workshop leaders
- Applied theatre practitioners and facilitators (community arts, health & wellbeing, education settings)
- Performance artists, writers, facilitators, creative entrepreneurs
- Devised performance, digital, and site-specific work
- Creative leadership/management or production roles within arts & culture organisations
Because of the blend of practical and theoretical training plus placements, you’ll leave with not just ability, but experience and networks.
Our graduates have an unrivalled employment record in West End shows, national tours, television, radio, and film. Our alumni have 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.
See entry requirements 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.
For more audition information, please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS
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.
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 fee 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.
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, the US, and all over the world.
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.
90.3% of our students are satisfied with our teaching, and 90.7% of our students are satisfied with the academic support we provide (National Student Survey (NSS) 2025).
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).