Actor-Musician BA (Hons) – 2024 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2024
| Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | UCAS: AD29 | 3 years View KIS data set |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | AD29 | S85 |
Why choose this course
Our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician course is run by Guildford School of Acting (GSA), one of the most highly regarded theatre schools in the UK. You’ll be taught by industry-leading professionals, and join a vibrant community of talented individuals.
We’ll develop your combined talents as an actor and a musician, including the versatility to work professionally as an actor or actor-musician in a wide range of theatrical contexts.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
What you will study
On our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician course, you’ll develop performance skills in acting, musicianship, dance, voice and singing, alongside essential critical and analytical work.
In your first year, you’ll strengthen core skills in acting, dance, singing, voice and music. With classes in all disciplines and project work on storytelling, ensemble work, modern text, screen acting and musical theatre.
In your second year, you’ll work on diverse texts, ranging from classical theatre to musical theatre, with musicianship skills integrated within all your studies. Voice, singing, music and dance skill classes continue and broaden the technical base of your training.
In your third year, you’ll work on three main projects: a play, a musical and a classical piece, alongside a showcase of your work, connecting you with casting directors and agents across the creative industries.
By developing your skills as an actor-musician, you’ll be able to take advantage of the ever-growing demand for versatile professional performers who can combine superb acting ability with a high standard of musicianship. Recent graduates have worked across a range of media including exciting projects with HBO, Netflix and also have worked in a wide range of theatre from Shakespeare through to musical theatre.
Supporting you
At GSA we are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for each of our students regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, age, physical ability, faith or economic background.
We understand the importance of visibility and representation in our training and actively want to reflect the diversity of the population in the creative community we have at GSA.
We are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive audition process and environment where candidates are empowered to do their best work. If you have any specific support needs, please contact the Admissions team and we will ensure that we offer solutions that will be in place when you come to audition at GSA.
Professional recognition
BA (Hons) - Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT)
Accredited by the Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET).
Careers and graduate prospects
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 an unrivalled employment record in West End shows, national tours, television, radio and film. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:
- Alexandra Mardell
- Bill Nighy
- Brenda Blethyn OBE
- Bronagh Waugh
- Caroline Sheen
- Celia Imrie
- Chris Geere
- Danielle Fiamanya
- Ella Balinska
- Emma Barton
- Grace Mouat
- Jade Anouka
- Jonjo O’Neill
- Justin Fletcher MBE
- Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE
- Maiya Quansah-Breed
- Owen Teale
- Rob Kazinsky
- Stephen Carlile
- Tam Mutu
- T'Nia Miller.
Our alumni have appeared in the following productions:
- Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre
- American in Paris, Dominion Theatre
- Annie, Piccadilly Theatre
- Dreamgirls, The Savoy Theatre
- Evita, Phoenix Theatre
- Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
- Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre
- Les Miserables, Queens Theatre
- Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
- Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre
- Motown the Musical, Shaftesbury Theatre
- Nativity the Musical, Eventim Apollo
- Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre
- School of Rock, New London Theatre
- The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales
- The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre
- The Play That Goes Wrong, The Duchess Theatre
- Tina Turner the Musical, Aldwych Theatre
- Wicked, Apollo Theatre.
UK tours and regional theatres:
- 9 to 5
- Avenue Q
- Betty Blue Eyes
- Cats
- Crazy For You
- Dreamboats and Petticoats
- Evita
- Happy Days the Musical
- Legally Blonde
- Oliver!
- Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
- Shrek
- Singin’ in the Rain
- The Buddy Holly Story
- The Lion King
- Titanic
- West Side Story.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Guildford School of Acting.
Accreditation
Academic year structure
At Guildford School of Acting (GSA), we deliver our provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
Modules
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 University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follow 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.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
Timetables
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. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Teaching
The course is primarily vocational with rehearsals, workshops, lectures, performances and seminars making up a very busy timetable. All years are also assigned a personal year tutor who is available to support studies and link to the wider range of study support on offer at the University of Surrey.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
All modules on the BA (Hons) Actor-Musician course are made up of continuous assessment of progress in class and performances of work. Written work is assessed in the first and second year as a reflective journal of practice that runs all year and in the third year by a research project that develops high-end skills in planning, analysis, creativity and project delivery.
Contact hours
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.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We make offers in terms of grades after a successful audition.
If you can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of your ability to successfully complete the course, you may be considered for a place irrespective of your academic background.
A non-refundable audition fee is usually charged. We are unable to provide audition feedback. Visit the GSA website for further information.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024
BA (Hons)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- General/programme: £100 to £200 – personal insurance for musical instrument/s
- Production expenses: £175 to £350 – portfolio photos
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £150 approximately – uniform including specialist footwear and boneprop
- UK-based activity: £150 – theatre trips (you should aim to see some live theatre and attend the cinema throughout the course).
Grand total: £665 – £840 approximately.
Optional expenses
In the final year, you may wish to apply for Spotlight (including graduates casting list) and Equity membership – £380 approximately. You may also wish to join the GSA Students' Union Society – £5 per annum.
You will be offered a week’s training in Stage Combat leading to Actors Combat Theatrical Training (ACTT) Standard-level exam. Opportunities for advanced training may also be available to students. These are extra-curricular courses so additional charges apply.
All students at GSA are encouraged to attend productions of their fellow students’ work to enrich their learning experience and give opportunities for critical analysis. These are public events for which students will be charged a reduced ticket price of £5. Some productions will be free to attend. Within an academic year a student might expect to attend around 25 productions.
These additional costs are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Costs for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH