Foundation Acting CertHE - 2025/6
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 4
Final award and programme/pathway title
CertHE Foundation Acting
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | URC45002 | 120 credits and 60 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Dance, Drama and Performance
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Guildford School of Acting
Programme Leader
CHOUDRIE Ameer (GSA)
Date of production/revision of spec
18/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- Develop a broad range of performance skills relevant to the actor
- Develop an understanding of key practitioners, cultural contexts, practices and theories
- 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
- To provide students with the requisite transferable skills and foundation to support further education/degree level study across a wide range of disciplines
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| To demonstrate and embody an effective application of skills in acting, voice and movement | PT | CertHE | |
| To demonstrate and embody an understanding of key practitioners, cultural contexts, practices and theories | KP | CertHE | |
| To analyse and evaluate the burgeoning performer¿s own contribution to personal and professional development, as well as performance projects | KC | CertHE | |
| To demonstrate creativity and positive engagement with learning opportunities, rehearsals and performance projects | CPT | CertHE | |
| To identify and understand the potential career development paths for the burgeoning performer | KT | CertHE |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT1035 | FOUNDATION ACTING | Compulsory | 120 | Year-long |
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
This validation converts an existing and successful non-credit bearing programme to a Level 4 Cert HE, enabling access to SFE funding for potential students and securing funding models for future cohorts, including overseas students who are not currently able to apply for this programme. It is distinct from our Level 4 on the BA (Hons) programme in that this is for Foundation Acting, rather than professional Acting, so the two programmes deliver different outcomes via a different ethos. Entry to this programme is subject to successful audition IELTS and GCSE scores. There are no A Level or BTEC requirements.
Students who complete this Cert HE will not be eligible to transfer into Level 5 of the BA (Hons) Acting, Applied and Contemporary Theatre, Actor Musician, Theatre Production or Musical Theatre programme.
Students who complete this Cert HE will not be eligible to transfer into Level 4 of the BA (Hons) Acting, Applied and Contemporary Theatre, Actor Musician, Theatre Production or Musical Theatre programme without successfully completing the GSA audition process, applying via UCAS, and this is not guaranteed.
The focus of this vocational programme is to provide students with the requisite practical and theoretical skills to undertake training at a more advanced level. The programme employs inclusive approaches throughout, drawing upon a range of cultural perspectives and practices. Students will frequently engage with the virtual learning environment and other online resources, ensuring all graduates of the programme are instilled with the requisite digital capabilities to engage with further study at conservatoire level. Throughout the delivery of this programme, students will be encouraged to empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.