The MFA Theatre is a part-time distance-learning programme offered by GSA, designed for those who want to deepen their theatrical knowledge, creative practice, and critical understanding without giving up existing career, family, or geographical commitments. It offers a rigorous study of theatre history, theory, performance practices, and pedagogies, delivered in a fully online format over three years.
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.
What you will study
Our Theatre (Distance Learning) MFA 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 Greeks
- Shakespeare
- Naturalism and the Actor
- Modern Theatre
- Global Theatres
- Music and Dance in Theatre.
In addition, you will explore the background to theatre through history, philosophy, psychology, politics and cultural theory.
You will have the opportunity to enhance your professional development and you’ll complete an independent research project that will allow you to specialise in an area of particular interest to you.
You will also study pedagogies that will introduce you to key principles, skills and techniques required to facilitate training for performance in a range of settings across diverse communities, and develop your knowledge of areas in theatre, performance and relevant teaching practices.
To view the course structure please click here
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
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:
GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday - Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Graduates of the MFA Theatre programme will be well-equipped for roles involving:
- Teaching or academic/pedagogic practice in theatre and performance studies.
- Theatre criticism, dramaturgy, directing, or roles combining creative practice with theoretical/critical reflection.
- Leadership positions in theatre organisations where understanding of theory, history, and pedagogy matters.
Because you will have gained advanced contextual, analytical, and practical skills, you’ll also be more prepared to contribute to discourse in theatre scholarship, to develop your own creative or research work, or pursue further study.
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. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements, and interactive development tools.
GSA offers career advice throughout your study course. We host an industry showcase, and GSA fully supports students with their first steps into the profession.
To view the entry requirements please click here
For more audition information please visit AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS
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
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.
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 2026, and 3rd in the UK for dance, drama, and cinematics in The Complete University Guide 2026. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
98.9% of our graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).
GSA is accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS).
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