MFA Acting

To view the course structure please click here

Our MFA in Acting will provide graduates with:

• The ability to employ a broad range of acting knowledge and skills in the creation and presentation of roles
• The ability to perform in plays of various types and from various periods
• The acquisition of advanced understanding and capabilities in voice and speech, movement, and play analysis
• A working knowledge of historical, critical, and theoretical content and the ways they inform playwriting and dramatic writing, the creation of roles, and other aspects of production

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

• An experiential and theoretical knowledge of key practical acting methodologies
• An advanced understanding, which will inform ongoing skill attainment, of the physical and vocal techniques required to maintain an expressive body and the optimum functionality of the voice
• A critical understanding of key theoretical and methodological developments in the practice of acting
• An advanced understanding, which will inform ongoing skill attainment, of the application of technique to differing theatrical forms, styles, genres and historical contexts
• A comprehensive understanding of current industry practice

Intellectual/cognitive skills

• Recognise, interpret and contextualise approaches to performance texts
• Identify and develop an individual methodological approach to rehearsal
• Select vocal and physical techniques appropriate to voice, person and situation
• Recognise and respond appropriately to the demands of different performance media
• Critically analyse and reflect on their own and others’ practice

Professional practical skills

• Successfully apply integrated vocal and psycho-physical techniques to the practice of acting in differing media
• Sustain and develop an effective and creative individual rehearsal process
• Demonstrate creative and imaginative work in performance
• Contribute effective and appropriate practices and concepts to an ensemble process
• Demonstrate evidence of practical research and effective preparation for entry into the current performance industry

Key/transferable skills

• Be disciplined and consistent in a professional context
• Conduct themselves constructively, positively, and sensitively towards others
• Able to lead and collaborate as part of the team on practical and research projects
• Communicate effectively and at an advanced level in both verbal and written form
• Seek out, critique, and employ information appropriately
• Recognise and develop commercial and artistic career opportunities

To view the entry requirements please click here

For more audition information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

GSA International Auditions in Philadelphia, USA 

We are excited to announce we will be holding in-person auditions this year in Philadelphia. This will be open to all GSA applicants. If you are applying for BA Acting or BA Musical Theatre and would like to audition in Philadelphia, you must have completed the first round video audition stage, and to have been invited to a recall audition.

The auditions will take place on 22 January 2024 in Philadelphia. Venue TBC

In order to be invited to this audition, we must receive your application no later than Friday 5 January 2024. For BA Musical Theatre and BA Acting applications, we must receive your UCAS application by Friday 3 November 2023. The deadline to submit first-round videos will be Friday 1 December 2023.

Please note: the above only applies to applicants interested in auditioning in Philadelphia, USA. 

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 per cent discount on our taught Masters programme fees.

Learn more about discounts for Surrey graduates

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.

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.

Steps to Postgraduate Study is an official, independent guide for anyone considering a taught postgraduate course. The guide is produced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, the Scottish Funding Council and the Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland.

Our graduates have an unrivalled employment record in West End shows, national tours, television, radio and film. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:

• Brenda Blethyn OBE
• Bill Nighy
• Ella Balinska
• Owen Teale
• Celia Imrie
• Jonjo O’Neill
• Alexandra Mardell
• Kobna Holdbrook-­Smith MBE
• Danielle Fiamanya
• Tam Mutu
• Caroline Sheen
• Rob Kazinsky
• Jade Anouka
• Chris Geere
• Emma Barton
• Justin Fletcher MBE
• T'Nia Miller
• Stephen Carlile
• Maiya Quansah-Breed
• Grace Mouat
• Bronagh Waugh

Our alumni have also secured employment in numerous regional theatres, opera and ballet companies, arts venues, scenic construction and prop-making companies, corporate events and lighting, sound and video hire companies, as well as attaining management and creative production roles for major venues and production companies including the Really Useful Group, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, the National Theatre, the BBC, the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, ATG Theatres and PRG Dubai. Other career paths have included teaching and outreach work.