Qualification: BA (Hons)
Course Length: 1 year
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Why GSA?

This unique conversion programme, delivered via online learning, provides experienced professionals and/or graduates from Federation of Drama Schools, CDMT, Conservatoires UK and Trinity College London validated courses the opportunity to gain a degree from a leading conservatoire within a top University. As part of Guildford School of Acting, you’ll be inspired by passionate tutors and benefit from the School’s long-standing reputation as a world-class conservatoire. We are ranked 3rd in the UK for drama and dance by the Guardian University Guide 2020.

Programme overview

Our BA Theatre programme offers a range of modules that will integrate your professional experience with theory in a broad set of topics that include contemporary performer training, political theatre, musical theatre and theories of performance, as well as pathways in play writing, theatre design, choreography or musical theatre creation. Students will engage with critical concepts and explore the rich heritage of theatre and performance from an experiential and practical perspective.

What you will study

This is primarily a one-year course, available for a two-year registration, and is equivalent to Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) of full-time study. Teaching and learning materials are delivered via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, supported by three weekend seminars, held during September, February and April. These include module presentations and workshops from members of GSA staff, as well as sessions on library research, academic writing and referencing. There’s no need to buy any textbooks for the course – all your reading materials are provided through our online library. Study and assessment comprise core modules and a choice of final project for submission, including essays or a choice of creative assignments working on playwriting, choreography, theatre design or a musical theatre scenario.

Having graduated from GSA. over 20 years ago, returning to education was a little daunting. However, I had nothing to fear as the course is clear, structured and manageable around work and family

Jason Nolan, BA Theatre Graduate 2020

GSA Graduate Stories

Programme structure

Programme overview

Delivered by online learning and seminar sessions on-campus, our BA Theatre course will enable you to study towards a degree in just one academic year. This course is primarily a one-year course, available for a two-year registration, and is equivalent to Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) of full-time study. 

Delivered by the renowned Guildford School of Acting, our BA Theatre course offers a range of modules that will integrate your professional experience with theory in a broad set of topics that include contemporary performer training, political theatre, musical theatre, theories of performance, play writing, theatre design, choreography and musical theatre creation. 

We will guide you to actively engage with relevant concepts, exploring the rich heritage of theatre from a critical, experiential and practical perspective. 

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.

Compulsory modules

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.

Year 1

Module title Status Teaching block
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING Compulsory Year-long
THEORIES OF PERFORMANCE Compulsory 1
CONTEMPORARY PERFORMER TRAINING Compulsory 1
MUSICAL THEATRE Compulsory 2
POLITICAL THEATRE Compulsory 1
FINAL PROJECT Compulsory 3

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.

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

Careers and graduate prospects

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

Whether you’re refocusing your career, want to pursue a masters degree, or are seeking to further your own personal interest and development, our online learning theatre course will open doors to a variety of exciting careers and further study.

Many past graduates have progressed to further study, either at PGCE, MA or PhD level, or have gone on to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS Assessment only) and other subject-specialist teaching qualifications.

Graduates of this course can be found working across the globe in leading drama schools, universities, schools, theatres and production companies, as well as performing in the West End and on screen.

Graduates over the last few years have secured roles such as:

  • Actor, Lyceum Theatre
  • Head of Drama, Knightsbridge School
  • Head of Drama and Dance, Walstead School
  • Actor, Vienna's English Theatre
  • Actress/Singer, Queen's Theatre
  • Marketing Assistant, Society of London Theatre
  • Assistant Stage Manager, Jamie Hendry Productions
  • Actor, Young Shakespeare Company.

2023 entry requirements

What qualifications do you need?

 

Prospective candidates are required to have successfully completed a three-year National Diploma at an accredited drama school or have significant industry experience and equivalent qualification.

Prospective candidates are required to have successfully completed a three-year National Diploma at an accredited drama school or have significant industry experience and equivalent qualification.

Required subjects

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

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.

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.

Apply now through the University of Surrey website

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