Entry Criteria

Academic entry criteria - undergraduate

By the first day of the programme applicants should be able to provide documentary evidence to confirm passes in one of the following requirements (combinations of qualification types are also acceptable):

Please note that graded music and drama examinations are not accepted as equivalent qualifications.

In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the approval of the relevant Programme Board, candidates whose abilities match the standards required for entry to a programme (including advanced standing) but who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still be considered. These applicants would be expected to provide alternative evidence of their ability to benefit from the programme including an additional written test.

Age at entry

A special support scheme is necessary for any students who have not reached the age of 18 by the first day of term.

In order to be able to manage the long hours and intensive nature of the curriculum, applicants for the BA Acting programme should have normally reached the age of 18 by the first day of the programme.

Transferring from another university or college

Applications are accepted to transfer directly into year two or three of the BMus programme only. Applicants should apply as usual but also provide full transcripts from their current university or college to demonstrate successful progression through their course of study. Applicants must seek written permission to audition from their current institution before applying.

Academic entry criteria - postgraduate

• MA in Acting: Applicants should normally have obtained an undergraduate degree with Honours, or international equivalent.
• MA in Training Actors (Voice) or (Movement): Applicants should normally have completed three years NCDT-accredited Drama training and also have some years of professional experience. However applications are also encouraged from applicants with commensurate qualifications and experience who can demonstrate alternative evidence of their ability.
• Guildhall Artist programme: Applicants should normally have obtained an Undergraduate Degree with Honours in Music, or international equivalent, as a result of completing a minimum of three years in a music college or university music department. Applicants without these qualifications will be assessed on the basis of their prior academic and professional experience.
• MA Music Therapy: Applicants should normally have obtained an Undergraduate Degree with Honours in Music, or international equivalent, as a result of completing a minimum of three years in a music college or university music department. However, graduates in a different discipline or professional musicians of some years’ standing may be accepted, provided they demonstrate appropriate musicianship skills at audition. The School has trained students from a range of backgrounds including medicine, nursing, social work, neurobiology, languages, education and psychology.
• DMus in Composition: Applicants should normally have obtained an MMus or equivalent masters degree in addition to a BA (Hons) degree in music (upper 2nd or 1st class). Applicants without these qualifications will be assessed on the basis of their prior academic and professional experience.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure

A satisfactory CRB disclosure must be received by the start of the programme for all postgraduate Leadership and Music Therapy applicants. Registration with the ISA will also be a requirement.

English Language criteria (undergraduate & postgraduate)

The language of instruction is English and it is vital that all students have a good command of the language.

• BA/MA in Acting: Applicants for the BA or MA in Acting programme must be completely fluent. This is assessed at audition, so English Language qualifications are not additionally required.

• MA in Training Actors: Applicants for the MA in Training Actors programme must be completely fluent. This is assessed through the interview/workshop process, and if necessary a written assignment.

• MA in Music Therapy: Applicants for the MA in Music Therapy programme must achieve as a minimum: IELTS Academic Training examination with overall Band Score of 7 (or equivalent).

• DMus in Composition: Applicants for the DMus programme must achieve as a minimum IELTS Academic Training examination: overall Band Score of 7 or equivalent.

• Others: All other Music and Technical Theatre applicants who are not native speakers of English should have achieved as a minimum one of the following by 1 June prior to the start of the programme:

• IELTS Academic Training examination: overall Band Score of 6.5. For postgraduate programmes, a minimum of 6.0 in all skills is required. The following are considered equivalent: TOEFL paper-based examination score of 580; or TOEFL computer-based score of 237; or TOEFL Internet-based score of 92.

If you hold an alternative qualification you should provide details of the qualification before or with your application so the School can assess whether or not it is acceptable.

You are strongly recommended to start studying towards this standard as soon as you decide to apply to the Guildhall School.

Information on the IELTS examination can be found at www.ielts.org

Immigration information for applicants

We recommend all applicants and students who require a visa to enter the UK to visit the following websites:

www.ukvisas.gov.uk (for applications from outside the UK)
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk (for applications from inside the UK and information about immigration regulations including recent changes)
www.ukcisa.org.uk (for free student immigration advice)

Once you have accepted your place the School will support your application; however all conditions of entry must have been met prior to issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies. Guidance is available on request from registry@gsmd.ac.uk.

Further information on applications, entry requirements and audition arrangements specific to a particular programme is available from:

Music

Acting

Technical Theatre

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