Actor-Musician BA (Hons) – 2019 entry
Why choose this course
Our BA Actor-Musician course is run by the 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.
Develop your skills as an actor musician and 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.
At Surrey, we develop your combined talents as an actor and a musician with a course that sits alongside our internationally recognised performance programmes in acting and musical theatre.
For many years these courses have been at the forefront of delivering top-quality actors and performers to the industry. As with all GSA degrees, we focus on developing the versatility to work professionally, in this case as an actor or actor musician, in a wide range of theatrical contexts.
Our course will help you become a highly disciplined individual and versatile performer, and introduce you to musicianship in performance, acting technique, voice, ballet, tap, jazz and singing.
On graduation, you’ll be equipped to work both as an actor and an actor musician across a range of performance contexts, taking advantage of the growing demand for versatile performers across the industry.
We are ranked top five for drama and dance in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
What you will study
On our BA Actor-Musician course, you’ll develop a range of performance skills in acting, musicianship, dance and singing, alongside essential critical and evaluative skills. You’ll develop your ability to work as an actor musician in different theatrical contexts, and become a highly disciplined and versatile performer.
In your first year, you’ll strengthen your 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 core projects: a play, a musical and a devised piece, alongside a showcase for industry performed in London.
Course facts
| Qualification | Course length | Professional Training | UCAS | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | 36 months | AD29 | View KIS data set |
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 and national tours. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:
- Brenda Blethyn OBE
- Oliver James
- Bill Nighy
- Owen Teale
- Celia Imrie
- Jonjo O’Neill
- Kobner Holbrook-Smith
- Billy Carter
- Ian Kelsey
- Rob Kazinsky
- Chris Geere
- Claire Cooper
- Justin Fletcher MBE.
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.
Auditions
Auditions are held between November and May each year, and we recommend applying early application to guarantee audition availability. You can find out more information about our auditions on the GSA website.
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 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 and our generic registration terms and conditions as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will 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.
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. Read more.
Our students
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Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. All taught modules are 15 credits. Project modules and dissertation modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits.
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.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
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.
Year 1
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| ACTING AND MOVEMENT 1 | Compulsory | 1 |
| VOCAL STUDIES 1 | Compulsory | 1 |
| CONTEXT 1 | Compulsory | 1 |
| MUSICIANSHIP 1 | Compulsory | 1 |
| ACTING AND MOVEMENT 2 | Compulsory | 2 |
| VOCAL STUDIES 2 | Compulsory | 2 |
| CONTEXT 2 | Compulsory | 2 |
| MUSICIANSHIP 2 | Compulsory | 2 |
Year 2
Year 3
Timetables
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 course administrators. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by postgraduate research students. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Guildford School of Acting.
Programme leader
SCRIVENS NJ Mr (GSA)
Personal tutor
All taught students are assigned a personal tutor before beginning a programme of study. Personal tutors offer support and advice to students in the areas of:
- Academic progress
- Pastoral/welfare issues
- Personal/professional development and employability.
Assessment
Modules are assessed individually and credits are awarded 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.
Learning and disability support
We have two services, the Academic Skills and Development and Additional Learning Support (ALS) which can help develop your learning.
Academic Skills and Development
Academic Skills and Development is a learning space in the Library where our learning development team is based. It comprises dedicated Student Learning Advisers and Information Skills Librarians who can help you develop your academic and research skills, including writing, presenting, revision and critical thinking.
Find out more about the study support available.
Additional Learning Support
Additional Learning Support (ALS) is the University of Surrey’s disability and neurodiversity service. The ALS team supports students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning differences (such as dyslexia and dyspraxia) and other neurodiverse conditions (including autism spectrum and attention deficit disorder).
If you tell us about any conditions and register with us, we can give you appropriate support during your studies.
We can arrange exam and learning support adjustments, give advice on applications for the Disabled Students' Allowance, and test you for dyslexia and dyspraxia. We can also offer regular study skills and mentoring support.
See the Additional Learning Support website for more information.
What qualifications do you need?
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. The University of Surrey is also an IELTS test centre.
Selection process
Offers are made in terms of grades after a successful audition (which will include acting, movement and singing/instrument workshops).
Applicants who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
A non-refundable audition fee is usually charged. 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 email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
| Qualification | Course length | Professional Training | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees | Professional Training fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | 36 months | £9,250 | To be confirmed | Not applicable |
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
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.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- General/programme: £100-£200 Personal Insurance for Musical Instrument/s
- Production expenses: £175-350 - Portfolio photos
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £240 approximately - Uniform including specialist footwear and boneprop
- UK-based activity: £150 - Theatre trips (students should aim to see some live theatre throughout the course of their programme).
Grand total: £665-840 approximately.
Optional expenses
In final year, students may wish to apply for Spotlight (including graduates casting list) and Equity membership - £380 approximately. During the course of their programme, they may also wish to join the GSA Students' Union Society - £5 per annum.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
How to apply
Learn how to apply for an undergraduate course, see details about the UCAS application process and determine the steps you need to take if you receive an offer to study.
Admissions information
Our undergraduate admissions policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students.
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
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH