A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

Course Code: Q100140

Key Information

  • Course type:

    A Levels

  • Campus:

    Sixth Form Campus

  • Start Date:

    07 Sept 2026

  • Duration:

    2 years

  • Attendance:

    Full-time

  • Fees:

    Free

A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

If you want to develop your practical and theoretical understanding of drama, this course offers a range of learning opportunities, as well as helping you develop higher level communication skills.

Units include:

  • an exploration of the practical and theoretical ideas of Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud and Brook
  • live theatrical performances to support your understanding of performance styles
  • the study of two set texts focusing on how an actor, director or designer would bring each play to life on stage
  • practical acting skills assessments via two performance components – one focusing on performing extracts from three different plays, and the other being a group devised piece.

A core part of this course involves attending the theatre – this is in preparation for the ‘live theatre performance’ element of the written paper and in order to widen your understanding and experience of performance. It also allows you to develop self-confidence, presentation skills, personal discipline, time management and group work skills which are highly regarded by both employers and in higher education.

This course also links well with many of the College’s EDGE (Enrichment) programme, including Dance Live!, teaching placements and work experience.

Apply

Did you know?

This course can be combined with additional A Levels or a Sixth Form vocational course.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including drama (if taken at GCSE level), or a merit in Level 2 Performing Arts. Significant extra-curricular performance experience would also be accepted.

You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4.00pm finish. You will also have at least one morning and one afternoon per week free for private study.

40% written paper, 30% internally assessed Creating Original Drama and 30% Making Theatre.

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.

Achieving a high grade on this course could be the first step towards a career as an actor, or alternatively you could gain admission to a drama school or a university to study a degree in a performance subject. Past students have taken up careers in the media, marketing, HR, teaching and customer service at management entry level.

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