Why GSA
GSA is one of the UK’s leading drama schools. This, part-time, two-year online learning programme provides the opportunity to gain an academic qualification from a leading drama school within a top-ten university from the convenience of your own home. GSA has enjoyed nearly twenty years of distance learning provision to a global community of students.
We are ranked 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and 5th in the UK for drama and dance in the Guardian University Guide 2024. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
Uncover more about who you are – discover who you could become.
Ideal for those in full-time employment, our MA Theatre course from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) provides a gateway to an exciting future without the need for regular attendance on campus. Our course allows you to study at your own pace through online learning, so you can pursue your passion for theatre and develop industry connections around your existing commitments. GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS). You’ll have unlimited access to our virtual learning environment which will be supported by industry-leading professionals and passionate academics.
Programme overview
Ideal for those in full-time employment, our part-time by distance learning Theatre MA from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) provides a gateway to an exciting future without the need for regular attendance on campus.
You’ll have unlimited access to our virtual learning environment where you’ll be supported by highly experienced and passionate tutors.
Furthering your skills, our course will take you deeper into the fascinating history of theatre from both a practical and critical perspective.
Read Theatre and Performing Arts student and graduate profiles HERE
What you will study
Our Theatre MA allows you to study at your own pace through online learning, so you can pursue your passion for theatre and develop industry connections around your existing commitments.
You’ll actively engage with fundamental principles and explore the rich heritage of theatre from a critical, historical and theoretical perspective. You’ll gain an understanding of theatrical practices and develop your ability to evaluate significant artistic, historical, social and political developments in theatre.
Our broad range of modules incorporates topics such as:
- The background to theatre
- The Greeks
- Shakespeare
- Naturalism and the actor
- Modern theatre
- Global theatres
- Music and dance in theatre.
You’ll also complete an independent research project that will allow you to specialise in an area of particular interest to you, and you’ll complete a professional development portfolio relevant to your career path.
Please be aware: the course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change for the 2024/25 academic year, whilst we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Completing my master’s degree at GSA has been a great personal and academic journey for me. To have the flexibility of the distance learning course meant that I was able to continue to grow and progress myself whilst maintaining my personal responsibilities. This course really does offer a full spectrum of modules, resulting in a wide knowledge base
Hannah Calvert-Reeve, MA Theatre Graduate 2020
Programme structure
This programme is studied part-time over two academic years through online and distance learning. It consists of eight taught modules and an Independent Research Project.
As part of the programme, you will be invited to attend an optional seminar at the start of each semester. Attendance may be in person or online. (Online access is available beyond the actual seminar date)
There’s no need to buy any textbooks for the course – all your reading materials are provided through our online library.
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
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Seminar dates TBC
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.
Entry requirements
To view the entry requirements please click here
Find out all about fees and funding here.
Visit our Scholarships and Bursaries page for more details.
Thinking of continuing your education at Surrey? As an alumnus of Surrey, you may be eligible for a ten percent discount on our taught Master's programme fees. Learn more about discounts for Surrey graduates
Distance Learning students benefit from the following:
- Access to a campus card which offers physical access to the University of Surrey Library, Archives and associated resources.
- Access to GSA studios and facilities.
- SCONUL access enabling borrower's rights at Partner University libraries (UK-wide)