Applied and Contemporary Theatre BA (Hons) – 2024 entry

Our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre course is designed to train highly skilled theatre makers of the future, who aspire to influence social change. This programme is the first choice for those wishing to be thoroughly equipped with the knowledge and skill base to create theatre that can rapidly respond to, learn from and challenge contemporary issues.

Fully embedded within the GSA Conservatoire, the vocational modules help to deepen and develop your knowledge of applied theatre and cover all relevant aspects from multiple angles; creative, technical, teaching, entrepreneurial, professional development, work placement, whilst providing you with core skills training in the performing disciplines.

Society needs practitioners with a broad and dynamic skill set; problem-solvers who see challenges as opportunities. This course develops, enables and trains the next generation of performance artists and creative entrepreneurs. You will explore devised and collaborative approaches to researching, creating, producing and performing contemporary performance practices, in addition to traditional historical scripted forms.

Our award-winning Professional Training placements prepare students for roles in industry.

On our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre course you will be taught by industry-leading professionals, and will join a vibrant community of talented performers, performance makers, creative practitioners, stage managers and technicians.

The course examines the ever-evolving nature of contemporary practice in pursuit of developing and training the next generation of theatre makers, creative entrepreneurs and cultural leaders. Case studies, performances, theatre creation and placements include, but are not limited to: theatre for social change, site-specific performance, community theatre, theatre in education, education and outreach programmes, health and wellbeing organisations, disability arts, as well as a collaborative large-scale ensemble performance in a traditional theatre setting.

This work extends to an exciting range of UK and international settings, including a placement module in your second year, as well as a further optional Professional Training placement, between the second and final year of study.

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 Guildford School of Acting (GSA) delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

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.

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).

GSA has a collaborative approach to learning and teaching, with an extensive support network available to students both personally and professionally. Our vocational performance and production programmes focus on the practical acquisition of technical skills combined with professional and academic development. Learned skills are integrated through participation in projects and industry-standard productions in our theatres and performance spaces. Students at GSA are taught by West End directors, casting agents, lighting designers, experienced professionals and leading academics, giving our students a comprehensive network and knowledge base they can utilise pre and post-graduation.

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.

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 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.