- Musical Theatre
BA (Hons) — 2025 entry Musical Theatre
Our Musical Theatre BA (Hons) course will develop your professional and collaborative skills through a rigorous programme of industry-focused training.
Why choose
this course?
- Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the world’s most successful conservatoires for musical theatre training.
- Our alumni appear in the West End, on Broadway, on television, on film and in all aspects of the entertainment profession worldwide
- We provide you with personalised industry-focused instruction and education, within the discipline of an ensemble, to develop your skills and abilities in preparation for a successful and rewarding career in musical theatre.
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
“ ...the Musical Theatre course at Guildford School of Acting had the wit to stage it – and with frankly delicious aplomb. Directed and choreographed with charm to spare… a triple-threat cast with talent to burn, they made an entirely beguiling case for the show itself. ”
What you will study
Our Musical Theatre BA (Hons) course will give you individual technical, critical and evaluative skills, with practical classes in a range of core disciplines.
On this course, your skills are developed through integration exercises, scene work, project rehearsals and productions of classic and contemporary musicals. At GSA, acting, singing and dancing are delivered in equal measure – there is no imbalance in the delivery of these skills. The training provided will enable you to become multi-skilled and highly versatile, ensuring your appeal to the industry. Classes in dance, singing and acting are highly prioritised alongside your continuing professional development.
This will enable you to become multi-skilled and highly versatile, ensuring your appeal to the industry.
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.
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 - BA (Hons)
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This Module introduces and develops students’ knowledge in secure and consistent techniques in dance and physical skills. The module comprises of practical dance skills-based classes in Musical Theatre required for employability in the professional Musical Theatre, through the exploration and analysation of the students own natural physicality and the transformation and relevance to character, period and context. The lineage of the dance styles is understood to be complex, and care is given that each class is taught from an inclusive perspective to understand the cultural, physical, social and personal differences of learners. The module comprises of: Jazz Ballet Tap Pilates
View full module detailsThis Module introduces and provides students with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of primary principals of the singing voice and musicianship required for professional Musical Theatre. Classes examine the application of technical control, anatomy, technical and physiological elements of singing, use of vocal qualities, and musicianship required across a variety of Musical Theatre genres and styles. The module comprises of: 1-2-1 Singing tutorials focussing on the individual students singing voice and technique Vocal Anatomy classes focusing on the fundaments of vocal anatomy Large and Small Group Singing tutorials in technical singing through the study of applied technique and vocal set-up Ensemble Singing classes in musicianship and ensemble vocal skill Music Skills tutorials imparting knowledge on music theory Repertoire tutorials focusing on the exploration of song styles and genres of Musical Theatre and to develop musicianship Acting Through Song to establish the integration of text, acting, music and singing skills Musical Staging Class to establish integration of acting, text, character, music and movement
View full module detailsThis Module introduces students to the technical and practical aspects of Acting and Spoken Vocal practice. Students explore a range of Acting theories and training exercises to encourage spontaneity, creativity, collaboration and imagination in order for the student to develop an awareness of themselves, to note their own physicality and vocal patterns and to consider the messages they may give to an audience. The practical and anatomical aspects of Spoken Voice practice will give students the necessary tools required to begin the process toward an understanding and ownership of their own spoken voice. The module comprises of: Applied Voice classes exploring speech sounds into text and verse, delivered from the authentic voice into accents, emotion and character Practical Voice classes exploring, developing and bringing together all elements of the spoken voice Acting Group Work Fundamentals classes exploring and developing physical acting and application of varying acting theories Screen Acting classes introducing basic performance techniques for the camera Improvisation classes exploring methods for spontaneous creativity in acting Script classes exploring acting techniques and theories through the study of specifically chosen play texts Shakespeare classes exploring contextual and character analysis, and connection with grammar, verse and text
View full module detailsThe Module introduces students to the concepts of research, preparation, contextual discussion and artistic expression appropriate to the study of Musical Theatre and the Creative Industries. The module comprises of: Healthy Performer classes promoting Health and Wellbeing for performers Contextual studies in the History of Musical Theatre Storytelling classes introducing the basics of devising and working as a collaborative group Greek Ensemble Classical Project promoting the basics of individual and ensemble collaboration Musical Theatre Text Project introducing basic rehearsal methods utilising a Naturalist Musical Theatre text
View full module detailsYear 2 - BA (Hons)
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module allows students to consolidate and refine a secure and consistent technique in Dance and Physical skills building upon the dance styles and techniques gained at Level 4. The module provides the students with practical dance skills-based classes in Musical Theatre required for employability in the professional Musical Theatre, through the exploration and analysation of the students own natural physicality and a continuation of work on the transformation and relevance of character, period and context. The lineage of the dance styles is understood to be complex, and care is given that each class is taught from an inclusive perspective to understand the cultural, physical, social and personal differences of learners. The module comprises of: Jazz Ballet Tap Commercial Specialised Movement Skills: such as Social Dance and Double-work (pas de deux)
View full module detailsThis Module introduces students to a variety of professional skills required to succeed as a self-employed professional Musical Theatre performer. The module comprises of: Two rehearsal projects (Golden Age and Contemporary), designed to simulate professional rehearsal practice utilising excerpts of multiple Musical Theatre texts and genres. One Small Scale Musical Project designed to simulate professional rehearsal practice across one full-length Musical Theatre text. Classes in Professional Development designed to give in-depth understanding and knowledge of the Musical Theatre industry.
View full module detailsThis Module allows students to continue their development of technical and practical aspects of Acting and Spoken vocal practice. This module integrates Acting with Text, Voice and Body in order to acquire the requisite skills necessary to progress to Level 6 and for a career in Musical Theatre and other Creative Industries. The module comprises of: Text and Acting classes challenging the actor in accent, emotion and character through specifically chosen play texts. Practical Voice classes progressing from Level 4 in the development of the spoken voice Screen Acting classes progressing from Level 4 in the development of performance techniques for the camera Scene Study classes progressing from Level 4 in the development of acting techniques through the exploration of specifically chosen play texts
View full module detailsThis module provides students with an advanced knowledge and understanding of Technical Singing and Musicianship, building on learning gained at level 4. Students advance in the exploration of individual vocal growth and development, and acquire greater understanding of the selection and delivery of varied vocal repertoire required for employability in professional Musical Theatre. Lessons examine the application of advanced technical control, use of vocal qualities, and musicianship required across a variety of historical and cultural Musical Theatre genres and styles required for progression to Level 6 and a career in Musical Theatre and other Creative Industries. The module comprises of: 1-2-1 Singing tutorials for continued focus on the individual students singing voice and technique. Small Group Singing tutorials in technical singing through the study of applied technique and vocal set-up through various Musical Theatre styles. Repertoire tutorials exploring song styles and genres of Musical Theatre and Musicianship. Acting Through Song exploring in-depth integration of text, acting, music and singing skills. Audition skills classes imparting requisite techniques required to gain employability and how to sustain a professional career in Musical Theatre. Song and Dance classes integrating singing, dancing and acting skills at a level to fully embed stamina and resilience.
View full module detailsYear 3 - BA (Hons)
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module consolidates consistent techniques and advanced knowledge in Singing and Dance through classes that aim to secure the skills required for employable professional practice required in Musical Theatre and other Creative Industries. The module comprises of: 1-2-1 Singing Tutorials Audition Skills (Dance) Jazz Ballet Tap
View full module detailsThis module allows students to engage with a range of industry practices, protocols and resources in the pursuit of the skills and knowledge required to sustain a career within the professional Musical Theatre. This module also allows students to increase their critical and realistic understanding of their present and future place within Musical Theatre and other Creative Industries. The module comprises of: Agent Feedback Forum classes and industry event Professional Development lectures and classes Professional Profile seminars and tutorials Showcase rehearsals and filming
View full module detailsThis module facilitates rehearsal and performance processes for three public Musical Theatre productions. The Module allows students to apply advanced understanding of techniques and sustained personal processes. In all productions, students will experience the demands, rigours, discipline and professional standards required of the contemporary professional actor in rehearsal and performance. Students will work with and engage with a wide professional Musical Theatre community. The module comprises of: Full-time rehearsals for three public productions Public performances of three public productions
View full module detailsTeaching and learning
- Rehearsals and performances
- Practical sessions
- Workshops
- Independent study
- Seminars
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
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.
In the survey, Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA, results show that 97 per cent of our undergraduate Guildford School of Acting students go on to employment or further study.
Our graduates have an unrivalled employment record in West End shows and national tours. Our very distinguished alumni include performers such as:
- Michael Ball
- Emma Barton
- Helena Blackman
- Daniel Boys
- Cameron Burt
- Tom Chambers
- Bill Deamer
- Danielle Fiamanya
- Hal Fowler
- Alex Gaumond
- Michael Jibson
- Tam Mutu
- Diane Pilkington
- Maiya Quansah-Breed
- Caroline Sheen
- Jodie Steele.
West End productions:
- Back to the Future, Adelphi Theatre
- Cabaret, Kit Kat Club
- Frozen, Drury Lane Theatre
- Hadestown, Lyric Theatre
- Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
- Les Misérables, Queens Theatre
- Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
- Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre
- Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre
- MJ – The Musical, Prince Edward Theatre
- Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre
- Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre
- Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre
- Six, Vaudeville Theatre
- The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales
- The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre
- Tina Turner the Musical, Aldwych Theatre
- Wicked, Apollo Theatre.
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.
Ai Kumar
Graduate - Musical Theatre BA (Hons)
GSA had a great network of staff and student communication so there was always someone to talk to if you needed help or advice on anything.
Daniel George-Wright
Graduate - Musical Theatre BA (Hons)
GSA provided me with the variety of skills and the broad knowledge needed to develop a sustainable career in theatre.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
Overall: CCC.
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: 29
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: 68%.
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 45 Level 3 credits overall including 21 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and 21 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: BBBCC.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language: 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.
Overall: CCC 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.
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 also be considered irrespective of your academic background.
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
There are associated costs with this course:
- Books/stationery/admin: £50 – dictaphone (phone voice recorder is sufficient)
- Headshots: £175 to £350
- Safety equipment and/or uniform: £240 approximately – uniform including specialist footwear and boneprop.
Grand total: £575 – £750 approximately.
Optional expenses
In the final year, you may wish to apply for Spotlight (including graduates casting list) and Equity membership – £150 approximately.
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. 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.
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 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 also wish to join the GSA Student Society – estimated £5 per annum.
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.