BA (Hons) — 2026 entry Theatre
Build on your previous study or work experience with this one-year top-up degree taught entirely online, allowing you to pursue your passion for theatre around your own schedule.
4,161+ people have created a bespoke digital prospectus
Why choose
this course?
- Get a degree from Guildford School of Acting (GSA), a leading UK conservatoire recognised worldwide for excellence in theatre education, taught by industry-active professionals.
- Study flexibly from anywhere with fully online, asynchronous learning designed to fit around work, life, and creative commitments.
- Benefit from the strength of a world-class research university, combining academic rigour with industry-focused, practical skills.
- Build global networks in a cohort of performing arts professional and creative practitioners from across the UK and around the world.
- Gain a competitive edge through GSA’s strong industry links, opening pathways to postgraduate study, creative partnerships, and career opportunities.
Is this course right for me?
Our Theatre BA (Hons) is aimed at students completing or holding a Level 5 qualification in acting, musical theatre, or English and drama. It also attracts industry professionals with a significant track record of work experience. This programme may be suitable for you if:
- You have completed the first two years of your undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and set to progress onto your final year.
- You hold a Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent qualification and wish to get a full honours degree.
- You have significant professional experience and wish to get a full honours degree.
- You are looking to get a well-rounded theatre degree via online distance learning.
Statistics
3rd in the UK
For drama, dance and cinematics in the Complete University Guide 2026
10th in the UK
For drama, dance and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
1st in the UK
For drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026
What you will study
Primarily a one-year course, our Theatre BA (Hons) is delivered through online learning and is equivalent to Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) of full-time study.
Delivered by the renowned Guildford School of Acting, this course offers a range of modules that will integrate your professional experience with theory across a broad set of topics. We will guide you to actively engage with relevant concepts, exploring the rich heritage of theatre from a critical, experiential, and creative perspective. You’ll study five core modules and a final project with a series of options:
- Musical Theatre: study how sung stories are told, exploring the history, structure, and cultural impact of musical theatre as a global form.
- Theories of Performance: engage with key critical ideas in performance studies to deepen your understanding of how meaning is made on the page and stage.
- Contemporary Performer Training: analyse how actors and actor trainers develop their craft, comparing approaches across traditions and innovations.
- Political Theatre: examine theatre’s power to question and transform society, analysing works that respond to global, ethical, and intercultural issues.
- Professional Development Planning: reflect on your own experience and aspirations, preparing you for further study or work in the creative industries.
- Final Project: complete a substantial project in options including playwriting, musical theatre scenario, choreography, theatre design, or extended essay.
We’ll guide you to actively engage with relevant concepts, exploring the rich heritage of theatre from a critical, experiential and practical perspective.
All teaching and learning takes place through our virtual learning environment, Surrey Learn, with everything you need – readings, videos, and resources – available online. There’s no need to buy textbooks.
This online course brings together a diverse community of learners, encouraging you to think critically, write academically, and connect creatively.
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.
At Guildford School of Acting (GSA), we deliver our 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.
Course options
Year 1 - BA (Hons)
Semester 1
Compulsory
Theories of Performance is the second of six compulsory modules within the BA (Hons) Theatre. Students will investigate a series of critical theories, philosophical lenses, and methodological perspectives, and subsequently apply the key concepts of one of these in the process of analysing a set play text, considering it on the page and in performance. The coursework essay is the summative assessment.
View full module detailsMusical Theatre is the first of six compulsory modules within the BA (Hons) Theatre. Students will explore how tradition and innovation have shaped musical theatre as an artform from its origins to the present day. Through an investigation of the development of the genre, students will identify and discuss a variety of social and cultural influences on a key musical theatre work. The coursework essay is the summative assessment.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
Final Project is the sixth of six compulsory modules within the BA (Hons) Theatre. Students will pursue an independent pathway option toward an original piece of scholarly and / or creative work. The pathway options are: Essay, Play Script, Musical Theatre Scenario, Choreography, and Theatre Design. Students will be assigned a staff supervisor who will be available to advise on a range of academic tools and / or artistic approaches during the development of the project. The coursework assignment is the summative assessment. The module is underpinned by an ethos of research innovation through practice, independent production of academic and imaginative outputs, professional engagement with the theatre discipline, and the values of inclusion, inspiration, innovation, and integrity. Students are encouraged to identify the themes in their work that may address sustainability in practice, including, but not limited to, responsible and ethical use of production and human resources, community outreach and social engagement, and the ways in which the arts contribute to improved health and wellbeing.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
Contemporary Performer Training is the third of six compulsory modules within the BA (Hons) Theatre. Students will explore and analyse the development of performer training, covering global practices in modern actor training and contemporary performer training, to understand lineages and influences, as well as philosophies, principles, and practices. The coursework essay is the summative assessment.
View full module detailsPolitical Theatre is the fourth of six compulsory modules within the BA (Hons) Theatre. Students will define and examine the nature of politics in both the public and private spheres, and the part that politics play in shaping dramatic writing and theatrical performance. Areas of study may include the influences of Marxism, feminism, post-colonialism, and LGBTQIA+ activism. The coursework essay is the summative assessment and carries a weighting of 100%.
View full module detailsProfessional Development Planning is the fifth of six compulsory modules within the BA (Hons) Theatre. Students will engage in analytical reflection on their personal, interpersonal, and professional skills, articulating life goals and career ambitions. Students will be guided to identify sustainable approaches to individual and professional development, and tools needed for future progress. The coursework essay is the summative assessment.
View full module detailsTeaching and learning
The course is primarily a one-year online learning course and equivalent to Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) of full-time study.
We provide teaching and learning materials electronically through the University’s virtual learning environment, supported by three online weekend seminars (held during September, January and March).
The three weekend seminars are solely for students on the conversion course and include core module presentations and lectures from members of GSA staff. You will also be given an induction to the Library and Learning Centre and seminars on research strategies, academic writing, style and referencing.
In addition to the three weekend seminars, you’ll have contact with GSA staff through email, seminars, lectures, vodcasts and podcasts. You will also have full access to the University of Surrey’s library services.
Study and assessment are made up of compulsory modules and a choice of final project for submission, including essays or a choice of creative assignments working on playwriting, choreography, theatre design or a musical theatre scenario.
- Online learning
- Independent study
- Seminars
- Lectures
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. All assignments are submitted online via our virtual learning environment, Surrey Learn.
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
Timetabling works slightly differently for this course as it is taught through online distance learning. This means that you can fit your studies around your own work and home life, using our virtual learning environment to complete your modules. While this course is flexible, you will still need to meet deadlines as required. In addition to your online modules, you’ll also have the option of attending three weekend seminars.
View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
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.
Whether you’re refocusing your career, wanting to pursue a masters degree, or are seeking to further your own personal interest and development, our online learning theatre course will open doors to a variety of exciting careers and further study.
Where do our students go?
98% of our Guildford School of Acting students are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025, HESA).
Many past graduates have progressed to further study, either at PGCE, MA or PhD level, or have gone on to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS Assessment only) and other subject-specialist teaching qualifications.
Graduates of this course work across the globe in leading drama schools, universities, schools, theatres and production companies, as well as performing in the West End and on screen.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Entry requirements
Prospective candidates are required to have successfully completed a three-year National Diploma at an accredited drama school or have significant industry experience and equivalent qualifications.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) (or equivalent).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each 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
Offers are made on the basis of the completed application form and a short online interview with members of staff at the GSA. This is to establish your prior experience, and give you the opportunity to find out more about the programme.
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
Professional Training placement year fees are approximately 20% of the full-time fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement.
Additional costs
Optional expenses
Any online student who wishes to join on-campus extra-curricular classes (such as stage combat or dance) is welcome to do so for an additional fee. Optional activities available to you if you are based near campus:
Theatre trips: students 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.
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: Students 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.
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 at offer stage and are shown again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 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.