CertHE — 2025 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 Foundation Acting (CertHE) 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.
- This course is the perfect step to your professional career offering a mini-taster of what drama school is like if you wish to study acting further.
- Many of our CertHE students go on to study further undergraduate programmes with the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), the University of Surrey, and other higher education institutions. It is a great stepping stone to reaching your professional goal.
Statistics
10th in the UK
For drama, dance and cinematics in the Complete University Guide 2025
11th in the UK
For drama, dance and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
1st in the UK
For drama and music in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025
Quote
“ It’s like having a master class every day! ”
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. 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.
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.
The course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change while we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
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 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.
- 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 semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday).
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).
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 Great Train Robbery
- Vera, ITV
- Waterloo Road, BBC.
We offer the best of both worlds at GSA, with our world-class performance training on an exciting university campus.
Learn more about the facilities you can use.
GSA facilities tour
Discover more about our performance, rehearsal and production facilities.
GSA facilities tour
Discover more about our performance, rehearsal and production facilities.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
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 required 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Pass overall, with minimum C in the Core Component.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
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
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
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.