MFA Acting

Year 1 (full-time)

Year 2 (full-time)

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

Entry by audition. Students must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject (minimum 2.2 or equivalent), as well as significant engagement with drama, theatre and performance. Alternatively, entrants may have 5 years of relevant professional experience in the industry. Offers are made subject to a successful audition and interview.

For more audition information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

In exceptional cases, where ability and experience clearly show that an applicant is able to complete the course, other qualification profiles may be accepted. Variations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

IELTS minimum overall: 6.5

IELTS minimum by component: 6.0 in each element

We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies 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 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.

Further information for applicants

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.