Ideal for those in full-time employment, our MA Theatre course 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. You’ll have unlimited access to our virtual learning environment which will be supported by industry-leading professionals and passionate academics.
Furthering your skills, this course will take you deeper into the fascinating history of theatre from both a practical and critical perspective. Whether you are an emerging practitioner or an experienced artist looking to refine your craft, this programme provides the tools and support to develop your creative vision and professional identity.
Graduates of the MA Theatre program have secured positions in leading drama schools, universities, theatres, and production companies worldwide, with some performing in the West End and on screen. Alumni have pursued careers in various fields including:
- Theatre directing and production
- Performing arts education and applied theatre
- Research and academia
- Playwriting and dramaturgy
- Independent theatre-making
What you will study
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 Greeks
- Shakespeare
- Naturalism and the actor
- The background to theatre
- Modern theatre
- Music and dance in theatre
- Global theatres
- Professional development
You’ll 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.
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
Read Theatre and Performing Arts student and graduate profiles HERE
Why Choose This Course?
Renowned Expertise: Students at GSA are taught and advised by leading West End directors, casting agents, lighting directors, experienced professionals and leading academics, giving our graduates a unique and comprehensive support network and knowledge base they can utilise pre and post-graduation.
Collaborative Environment: Engage in a vibrant artistic community with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, including acting, musical theatre, applied and contemporary theatre, design, production, and lots more. You will also interconnect with a geographically diverse cohort of students.
Completely online, flexible learning: Study at your own pace, from wherever you are in the world. You’ll have unlimited access to our virtual learning environment where you’ll be supported by highly experienced and passionate tutors.
Flexible Pathways: Tailor the degree to your interests, focusing on areas such as performance, directing, applied theatre, or research.
Career Readiness: Graduates leave equipped with the critical, creative, and entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving theatre industry.
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.
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)
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 and the US.
We are ranked 1st in the UK for drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
94% of our GSA postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).