Qualification: BA (Hons)
Course Length: 3 years
UCAS Code: W312
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Programme overview

Guildford School of Acting is arguably one of the world’s most successful conservatoires for musical theatre training 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 in musical theatre.

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. We have been shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

What you will study

Our BA Musical Theatre course will develop your professional and collaborative sensibilities through a rigorous programme of training. You’ll gain individual technical, critical and evaluative skills, with practical classes in a range of core disciplines.

On this course, your skills are continually developed through integration exercises, scene work, project rehearsals and productions of classic and contemporary musicals. Classes in dance and singing are highly prioritised alongside acting classes and projects, which will enable you to become multi-skilled and highly versatile, ensuring your appeal to the industry and a flying start to your career.
 

 

GSA is proud to have received such an outstanding Overall Satisfaction in the 2020 NSS for it’s BA Musical Theatre programme. This is testament to the incredible energy and commitment of students and staff to ensure that training is delivered to the very highest standard  

Julian Woolford, Head of Musical Theatre

Graduate Story: Christina Bennington

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 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.

2023 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.

For more audition information 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.

We currently have alumni appearing in nearly every West End musical including: Olivier Award winning Michael Jibson in Hamilton; Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Ike Turner in Tina; Christina Bennington as Raven in Bat Out of Hell; Steven Carlisle as Scar in The Lion King on Broadway; Jodie Sam Steele and T'Shan Williams in Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket; Alistair So, Cletus Chang and Kamm Kunaree in the King and I. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:

  • Michael Ball
  • Tam Mutu
  • Hal Fowler
  • Alex Gaumond
  • Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE
  • Tom Chambers
  • Billy Carter
  • Michael Jibson
  • Caroline Sheen
  • Maiya Quansah-Breed
  • Helena Blackman
  • Savannah Stephenson
  • Faye Brookes
  • Ashley Samuels
  • Grace Mouat

West End productions include:

  • Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
  • Six, Lyric Theatre
  • &Juliet, The Shaftesbury Theatre
  • American in Paris, Dominion Theatre
  • The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre
  • The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales
  • Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre
  • Les Miserables, Queens Theatre
  • Mamma Mia!,Novello Theatre
  • Wicked, Apollo Theatre
  • Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre
  • Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre
  • School of Rock, New London Theatre
  • Motown the Musical, Shaftesbury Theatre
  • The Play That Went Wrong, The Duchess Theatre
  • Annie, Piccadilly Theatre
  • Nativity the Musical, Eventim Apollo
  • Dreamgirls, The Savoy Theatre
  • Evita, Phoenix Theatre
  • Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre

UK tours and regional theatres:

  • Shrek
  • Legally Blonde
  • Happy Days the Musical
  • Dreamboats and Petticoats
  • The Buddy Holly Story
  • West Side Story
  • Avenue Q
  • Cats
  • 9 to 5
  • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
  • Singin’ in the Rain
  • The Lion King
  • Oliver!
  • Betty Blue Eyes
  • Evita