Actor-Musician BA (Hons) – 2022 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2022
Why choose this course
We're ranked 5th in the UK for drama, dance and cinematic in the Complete University Guide 2022 and The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. We were also named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
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.
What you will study
On our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician course, you’ll develop performance skills in acting, musicianship, dance and singing, alongside essential critical and evaluative skills.
In your first year, you’ll strengthen core skills in acting, dance, singing and music. In your second year, you’ll work on texts as diverse as Shakespeare, Lloyd Webber, Sondheim, Chekhov and Ibsen, with musicianship skills integrated within your studies. In your third year, you’ll work on three main projects: a play, a musical and a devised piece, alongside a showcase of your work, connecting you with casting directors and agents across the industry.
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.
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, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT)
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:
- 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
- Grace Mouat
- Maiya Quansah-Breed
- Bronagh Waugh
Our alumni have appeared in the following productions:
West End productions
- Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
- American in Paris, Dominion Theatre
- The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre
- The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales
- Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre
- Les Miserables, Queens Theatre
- Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
- Wicked, Apollo Theatre
- Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre
- Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre
- School of Rock, New London Theatre
- Motown the Musical, Shaftesbury Theatre
- The Play That Goes Wrong, The Duchess Theatre
- Annie, Piccadilly Theatre
- Nativity the Musical, Eventim Apollo
- Dreamgirls, The Savoy Theatre
- Evita, Phoenix Theatre
- Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre
- Tina Turner the Musical, Aldwych Theatre.
UK tours and regional theatres:
- Shrek
- Legally Blonde
- Happy Days the Musical
- Dreamboats and Petticoats
- The Buddy Holly Story
- West Side Story
- Avenue Q
- Cats
- 9 to 5
- Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
- Singin’ in the Rain
- The Lion King
- Oliver!
- Betty Blue Eyes
- Evita
- Crazy For You
- Titanic.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Guildford School of Acting.
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.
Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.
We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice in time for the start of the academic year 2021/22. This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
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:
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 Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
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
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
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).
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, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.
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. Further information can be found on the GSA website.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises 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, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL 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 October 2022
BA (Hons)
UK £9,250
Overseas £19,700
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: £240 approximately – uniform including specialist footwear and boneprop
- UK-based activity: £150 – theatre trips (you should aim to see some live theatre 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.
*Classes currently suspended due to Covid restrictions.
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 2020 and apply to the 2021 year of entry. Costs for 2022 entry will be published in September 2021.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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 an example of our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) from the 2020/2021 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 more.
In particular we wish to draw your intention to the following matters affecting the academic year 2021/2022:
- Covid-19 - In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/2021 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach, details of which can be found here [link]. It is anticipated that these programme changes and the hybrid learning approach will be adopted throughout the academic year 2021/2022, however, given the changing nature of the pandemic, this is being kept under continuous review. Detailed information on all changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic is available at the coronavirus course changes page. The linked pages set out information relating to general University changes and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
- Brexit - The UK is now no longer part of the EU. We are awaiting further information and instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. EU students applying for programmes in the academic year 2021/2022 and students applying for courses with placements abroad should visit our dedicated webpages for the latest information on how the UK’s departure from the EU will affect their courses.
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.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH