Drama and Theatre Studies

A Level

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies is a multi-faceted course which will see you experiencing everything from the history of theatre to flexing your acting muscles in live performances. On this stimulating course, you’ll benefit from a study programme that strikes a careful balance between the practical and theoretical aspects of theatre. You will build a strong foundation of knowledge, which you will use to inform your practical work where you’ll be free to push boundaries and harness your creativity.

As part of the course, you’ll work with classmates on the practical exploration and interpretation of key texts and create performance pieces relating to these works. You’ll develop a range of key communication skills that will support your progression to a wide range of destinations and careers. You’ll also keep a logbook and a working notebook which you’ll use to evaluate your performances.

Please note: relevant practical experience is a significant advantage for students interested in studying this course. Relevant practical experience is advantageous.

The examining body for this qualification is AQA.

Specific requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway.

For more information about the pathways, please click here.

HNC takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. This information is for guidance only. The College reserves the right to update and amend course information and entry criteria as and when necessary. Please note that from time to time we may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on applicant demand and other factors. Please check this website for the latest information and our current course offer.

Your learning experience

This dynamic subject will see you studying a range of topics, including:

  • Drama and theatre
  • Creating original drama
  • Making theatre

An Enriching Experience

Studying A Level Drama and Theatre Studies at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our A Level Drama and Theatre Studies students enjoy, include:

  • Attending shows and performances in local theatres
  • Participating in inspirational and valuable guest workshops with local industry leaders and university lecturers
  • Performing on stage and in an end of year showcases to a live audience across a wide range of genres
  • Residential trip and visits- this year our students enjoyed spending time in London to experience the West End
  • Taking part in lunchtime enrichments such as Book Club, Lyricist Lounge, Live Sound and Stage Lighting and the HNC College Musical

Enlightening Opportunities

We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love of learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career. Throughout your studies, your teachers will create an environment where you will be encouraged to discuss a wide-range of topics which will support you to develop an enlightened approach to the world around you. These discussions will be linked to your passions, study programme and your wider career ambitions.

How will you be assessed?

This course is assessed via examinations and coursework.

Where does it lead?

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies is valued highly for the transferable skills it develops,

from communication to public speaking; it is a well-respected qualification that supports a wide range of exciting destinations and careers. Naturally, some of our students study this subject because they are interested in a career in Performing Arts; however the skills developed in this A Level complement a wider academic study programme, with students progressing to a diverse range of destinations from the Humanities to the Arts.

A Level Drama and Theatre students have recently progressed to university to study subjects such as:

  • Drama and Theatre Studies
  • English Literature
  • Drama and Performance Studies
  • Creative Writing
  • Screen Writing
  • Dramatic Arts
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Good to Know
It is important to note that there is a strong practical performance element to this course which is examined and assessed. It is therefore expected that applicants have relevant experience and have a keen interest in performing, either as part of their GCSE studies or outside school e.g as part of an amateur dramatics group. You should be a confident performer, but it is also critical to recognise that this is a course with a strong academic weighting, therefore it is important to recognise you need both key performance and academic skills in order to succeed in this course.
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