This unique conversion programme, delivered via online learning, allows you to build on your previous study or work experience. This one-year top-up degree is taught entirely online, allowing you to pursue your passion for theatre around your own schedule, while studying towards a degree in just one academic year.
Our BA (Hons) 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 playwriting, theatre design, choreography, and musical theatre creation. Students will engage with critical concepts and explore the rich heritage of theatre and performance from an experiential and practical perspective.
This top-up degree is primarily completed in one year, available for a two-year registration, and is equivalent to Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) of full-time study.
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
Who is this course right for?
Our Theatre BA (Hons) is aimed at students completing or holding a Level 5 qualification in acting, musical theatre, or English and drama. It also attracts industry professionals with a significant track record of work experience. This programme may be suitable for you if:
- You have completed the first two years of your undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and set to progress onto your final year.
- You hold a Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent qualification and wish to get a full honours degree.
- You have significant professional experience and wish to get a full honours degree.
- You are looking to get a well-rounded theatre degree via online distance learning.
What you will study
All teaching and learning takes place through our Virtual Learning Environment, Surrey Learn, with everything you need - readings, videos, and resources - available online. There’s no need to buy textbooks.
We will guide you to actively engage with relevant concepts, exploring the rich heritage of theatre from a critical, experiential, and creative perspective. You’ll study five core modules and a final project with a series of options:
- Musical Theatre: study how sung stories are told, exploring the history, structure, and cultural impact of musical theatre as a global form.
- Theories of Performance: engage with key critical ideas in performance studies to deepen your understanding of how meaning is made on the page and stage.
- Contemporary Performer Training: analyse how actors and actor trainers develop their craft, comparing approaches across traditions and innovations.
- Political Theatre: examine theatre’s power to question and transform society, analysing works that respond to global, ethical, and intercultural issues.
- Professional Development Planning: reflect on your own experience and aspirations, preparing you for further study or work in the creative industries.
- Final Project: complete a substantial project in options including Playwriting, Musical Theatre Scenario, Choreography, Theatre Design, or Extended Essay.
This online course brings together a diverse community of learners, encouraging you to think critically, write academically, and connect creatively.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Resident Director, The Mousetrap, London’s West End
- Writer-Director, BBC Radio 4 Comedy
- Actor, MJ The Musical, London’s West End
- Development Assistant, Royal Academy of Dance
- Actor, Fawlty Towers, London’s West End
- Assistant Head of Drama, Tring Park School for Performing Arts
- Actor, Vienna’s English Theatre
To view the entry requirements please click here
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it. Find out more about bursaries and scholarships.
Our Admissions Policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students.
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.
98.9% of our GSA graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey 2025, HESA)
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).
Related Courses