Foundation Musical Theatre CertHE — 2027 entry
On the Foundation Musical Theatre (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 explore disciplines in dance, voice and singing, complete with a public production to showcase your skills.
6,690+ people have created a bespoke digital prospectus.
Why choose this course?
- The Foundation Musical Theatre (CertHE) 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.
- This course is the perfect step to your professional career as we’ll draw out the best of you to become a confident and creative performer.
- Many of our Foundation students go on to further undergraduate studies with Guildford School of Acting (GSA) or other conservatoires.
- This course is the perfect step to your professional career.
Please note that this foundation course does not form part of our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degree and does not offer automatic progression to other degrees
We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
Statistics
2nd in the UK
For drama and 4th for music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027
3rd in the UK
For drama, dance and cinematic in the Complete University Guide 2027
Quote
“ It’s like having a master class every day! ”
Course details
Open Close
What you will study
This is both an innovative and intensive programme-led course, and is taught by GSA’s highly skilled tutors and industry professionals. Students have the opportunity to:
- Develop a broad range of performance skills relevant to the burgeoning musical theatre performer
- Receive guidance and preparation for the selection and delivery of monologues and song repertoire 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 dance classes, streamed with GSA BA and MA performance programmes based on ability and knowledge
- Perform in a performance project of work within one of GSA’s performance venues.
You will also receive guidance on applications and personal statements.
Course structure
Open Close
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.
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.
New for 2026 entry: At Surrey, we want you to be a future-ready graduate. That’s why all our courses will offer at least one module that integrates and teaches AI tools in discipline-specific ways. You’ll develop the digital skills that employers are looking for and get comfortable with the tech of the future.
Course options
Year 1 - CertHE
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
FOUNDATION MUSICAL THEATRE
More info Close
The module is delivered over two semesters/three teaching blocks focusing upon the rudiments of the disciplines required of the contemporary musical theatre performer. The module focusses on the following core subject areas:Dance; Jazz, Ballet, TapAudition TechniqueActing Through SongActing Technique and Textual AnalysisSkillsWorkshops and MasterclassesApplications and Personal StatementsPerformance Projects
View full module detailsTeaching and learning
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.
Learning methods
- AI learning
- Group work
- Independent study
- Practical sessions
- Rehearsals and performances
- Seminars
- Workshops
General 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 terms, three weeks before the start of term.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday) between 9am and 7pm, but students may also be required to take part in productions in evenings and at weekends at certain times of the year.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Career opportunities
Open Close
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.
GSA graduates have an unrivalled employment record in West End shows, in film, TV, and national tours. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:
- Brenda Blethyn OBE
- Cameron Burt
- Danielle Fiamanya
- Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE
- Rob Houchen
- Celia Imrie
- Grace Mouat
- Bill Nighy
- Jonjo O’Neill
- Maya Quansah Breed.
Our alumni performances
Our alumni have performed in the following theatre productions on the West End, in film and in television:
Theatre
- & Juliet
- Back to The Future
- Book of Mormon
- Come From Away
- Frozen
- Hamilton
- Mamma Mia
- Mary Poppins
- Only Fools and Horses
- Six
- Wicked
- and many more.
Film
- Calendar Girls, Buena Vista Productions
- Defiance, Paramount Pictures
- Nanny McPhee, Universal Pictures
- Pacific Rim, Warner Bros
- Red Tails, 20th Century Fox
- Saving Grace, 20th Century Fox
- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Working Title
- The Prince & Me: Elephant Adventure, First Look
- What a Girl Wants, Warner Brothers.
Studios
- 28 Days Later, 20th Century Fox
- Love Actually, Universal Pictures
- The Prince & Me 4: Royal Adventures in Paradise, First Look Studios.
Television
- A Copper’s Tale, BBC
- Death Comes to Pemberley, BBC
- Death In Paradise, BBC
- Doctor Who – "Day of the Doctor", BBC
- Game of Thrones, HBO
- Holby City, BBC
- My Mad Fat Diary, E4
- The Café, Sky 1
- The Crown, Netflix
- The Great Train Robbery
- Trollied, Sky 1
- Vera, ITV
- Waterloo Road, BBC.
Facilities
Open Close
We offer the best of both worlds at GSA, with our world-class performance training on an exciting university campus.
Hear from our graduates
Open Close
I enjoyed absolutely everything about the year. Moving away from home and becoming part of a cohort of 23 passionate performers was incredibly inspiring. Having the chance to experience a full year of professional training has put me in such a strong position for the years ahead.
My classmates on the foundation course were all incredibly skilled, and studying alongside them pushed me to improve much faster. When we were preparing for our auditions, everyone was so generous with encouragement and support.
Entry requirements
Open Close
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
A-level
More info Close
A-level
Overall: CCD.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C).
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
BTECs
More info Close
BTECs
Overall: MMM.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C).
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Please see the alternative qualifications guidance if you are taking a mixture of BTECs and A-levels or if you are taking other qualifications types.
European Baccalaureate
More info Close
European Baccalaureate
Overall: 66%.
GCSE or equivalent: 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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
More info Close
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Overall: 28.
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6.
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Access to HE Diploma
More info Close
Access to HE Diploma
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 at Grade 4 (C).
Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered.
Welsh Baccalaureate
More info Close
Welsh Baccalaureate
Overall: CCD from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: Please check the A-level dropdown 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.
Scottish Highers
More info Close
Scottish Highers
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.
T Level
More info Close
T Level
- Pass overall, with minimum C in the Core Component.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Country-specific qualifications
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.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
View our Code of practice for Recognition of Prior Credit and Prior Learning and further guidance: Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning - Guide for Applicants (PDF) for more information.
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.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
About contextual offersFees and funding
Open Close
Fees for the 2027-28 academic year
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.
- Standard year
- £10,050
- Standard year
- £20,600
- Fees will increase for each year of your programme as detailed in our tuition fee increases disclaimer.
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 during October to November 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.
Additional costs
- Clothing and equipment: £200 approx
- Script hire: £10 refundable
Optional expenses
Theatre trips: you are encouraged to attend as much as possible.
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 20 productions.
Additional dance classes: classes are normally scheduled in the evenings and are open to all GSA students. These are extracurricular, so additional charges apply.
Additional training: 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. As these are extracurricular courses, additional charges apply.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Register your interest
Open Close
Apply
Open Close
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 will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.
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.