- Foundation Acting
CertHE — 2024 entry Foundation Acting
On the Foundation Acting (CertHE) at Guildford School of Acting (GSA), you will gain insights into drama school training and support with your applications, personal statements and auditions, giving you an edge in the highly competitive drama school selection process. You will learn audition techniques and develop skills in acting, improvisation and voice work, complete with a public production to showcase your skills.
Why choose
this course?
Our Cert HE Foundation Acting programme aims to nurture and develop skills and techniques for those who aspire to train within either a conservatoire or higher education environment, in pursuit of a career within the creative industries.
Many of our Cert HE students go on to study further undergraduate programmes with GSA, the University of Surrey, and other higher education institutions. It is a great stepping stone to reaching your professional goal.
What you will study
On our Cert HE Foundation Acting course, you will develop skills in acting technique, audition technique, applications and personal statements, and acting for camera.
This is both an innovative and intensive programme-led course and is taught by GSA’s highly skilled tutors and industry professionals. You will have the opportunity to:
- Develop a broad range of performance skills relevant to the actor
- Receive guidance and preparation for the selection and delivery of monologues required for auditions onto professional performance programmes
- Study audition technique
- Access support and guidance for the submission of applications to conservatoires and higher education institutions
- Enjoy practical workshops
- Engage with basic camera techniques and skills required for further screen acting training
- Perform in a performance project of work within one of GSA’s performance venues.
Studio-based classes
Each teaching block, students will undertake weekly practical studio-based classes. Throughout the year content will vary, but will include the following disciplines:
- Acting
- Audition technique
- Application and personal statements
- Group singing
- Movement
- Voice
- Performance project rehearsals
- Screen acting workshops.
The final week of teaching blocks one and two will be given over to group tutorials in each discipline, to enable student and tutor joint reflection and action planning.
The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.
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 is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are 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.
Course options
Year 1 - CertHE
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
The module is delivered over two semesters/three teaching blocks focusses upon the rudiments of the actor's craft. The module focusses on the following core subject areas: Acting Technique Audition Technique Applications and Personal Statements Performance Project Acting for Camera
View full module detailsGeneral course information
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.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
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.
Students go on to successfully audition for our BA (Hons) Acting programmes at GSA and other conservatoires, as well as progressing to professional training in other related subjects.
Upon completion of the programme, students have also begun professional careers as actors, theatre makers and models. Notable former students of our Foundation Acting course include Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Alexandra Mardell (Coronation Street).
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Overall: CCD.
Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass the practical element.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade C (4) (or equivalent).
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Overall: MMM.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade C (4) (or equivalent).
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Overall: 66%.
GCSE or equivalent: Maths 6 and either English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language (3)7.
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Overall: 28.
GCSE or equivalent: English HL4/SL4 and either Maths HL4/SL4 or Maths Studies HL4/SL4.
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Overall: QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 18 level 3 credits at Distinction, 3 level 3 credits at Merit and 24 level 3 credits at Pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent).
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Overall: Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Pass including CCD from the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass the practical element.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics – Numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Overall: Higher grades BBCCC.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language - Scottish National 5 - C Maths - Scottish National 5 - C.
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
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 and interview.
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.
Please note: 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 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.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: 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 on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
Additional costs
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £200 approximately – uniform including specialist footwear and boneprop.
Optional costs
Theatre trips: you are encouraged to attend as much as possible. Estimated £30/production.
GSA productions: 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 and there are opportunities for first years to volunteer in front of house, enabling those students to watch that production free of charge. Within an academic year a student might expect to attend around 25 productions.
You may 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.
Additional Dance classes: classes are normally scheduled in the evenings and are open to all GSA students. These are extra-curricular, so additional charges apply.
You may also wish to join the GSA Student Society – estimated £5 per annum.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about the application process.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.