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Applied and Contemporary Theatre at University of Surrey - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

Why choose this course Our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre course is designed to train theatre makers of the future, who aspire to use theatre to build communities and influence social change. Applied theatre utilises drama to discover, learn and share the issues and themes that concern communities and spotlight social inequalities. This course engages with contemporary politics and not only asks how can we make theatre but also why we make theatre and what is it that we want to say through performance. We are ranked 3rd in the UK for dance, drama and cinematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and 5th in the UK for drama and dance in the Guardian University Guide 2024. We were shortlisted for University of the Year in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023. What you will study On our BA (Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre course, you will be taught by industry-leading professionals and will join a vibrant community of talented performers, theatre makers, creative practitioners, stage managers and technicians. Students embark on a journey that will equip them to devise, produce and direct theatre, work creatively in a range of settings such as prisons, youth centres and care homes, build industry contacts and become the next generation of performance artists/activists and creative entrepreneurs. As well as studying core skills in performing disciplines (voice, singing, movement, theatre making and music), course content includes but isn’t limited to: Theatre for Social Change Political Theatre Contemporary Performance Devised Theatre Community Theatre Theatre in education Education and outreach programmes Health and wellbeing organisations Disability arts Creative Ageing Theatre studies Collaborative large-scale ensemble performance in a traditional theatre setting Professional development Alongside their core studies, students are also offered opportunities to engage with the wider theatre sector. Field trips and visits from guest artists have previously included the Royal Albert Hall, London Bubble Theatre Company and theatre practitioner Indy Lee. In Year Two, students undertake work placements where they gain professional experience within several innovative theatre/arts organisations. There is also a further optional Professional Training year between the second and final year of study. Work placement hosts have included but are not limited to Chickenshed, Peer Productions, Burnt Orange Theatre, Guildford Shakespeare Company, Boundless Theatre, New Victoria Theatre and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

Modules

To see the full range of modules for this course please visit our website – the link is under the Course contact details. You will also find full details of the programme, including programme structure, assessment methods, contact hours and Graduate prospects


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
W439
Institution code:
S85
Campus name:
Stag Hill
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

We are proud to be one of the most culturally diverse universities in the UK, with more than 140 nationalities playing a role in university life. Our International Recruitment team are here to help you throughout the application process – from advising on choosing the right course to applying for a visa and preparing for your first few weeks at Surrey. You can contact them via [email protected] Applicants who require a Student Visa to study in the UK: To apply for a Student Visa, you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) for the University you wish to study at. This is a unique number which will enable you to apply for your visa. The University is under no legal obligation to sponsor any individual and exercises caution with respect to issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to avoid risking its status as a Student sponsor. Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) will be issued in accordance with the Student Route and CAS Issuing Policy, available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/policies

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Applications are considered on an individual basis, taking into account qualifications achieved, predicted grades, personal statement and academic reference. Conditional offers are specified in terms of required grades; we do not make offers in terms of overall UCAS tariff. Candidates who can demonstrate exceptional talent, and can satisfy the panel of their ability to successfully complete the programme, may also be considered. We understand that predicted grades are an estimate and will consider applicants who have predicted grades that are a little lower than our published requirement. Any offers we make will align with the grades shown above unless a grade reduction can be offered under our Contextual Admissions policy or our In2Surrey scheme. Details can be found here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/schools-colleges/contextual-admissions-policy Applicants with a mixed qualification profile (e.g. those taking A-levels and BTEC qualifications) are encouraged to contact [email protected] for guidance on the grades accepted.

Additional entry requirements

Other

We make offers in terms of grades after a successful workshop 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. We are unable to provide feedback.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.

View the other English language qualifications that we accept:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/international/english-language-requirements


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
84%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for up-to-date information on our fees for 2025/26: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/undergraduate-2025-entry

Sponsorship information

The University of Surrey offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support our students, please visit https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries for more details.

Applied and Contemporary Theatre at University of Surrey - UCAS