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Key details

Course areas
A LevelsPerforming Arts
Student type
A Levels
Course type
A Level course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
Course code
Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q058525
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Course introduction

This course is perfect if you’re an academic student with creative flair! 

We’re looking for creatively minded, academically focussed students looking a pathway into the world of creative arts.  It’s also perfect for those who are interested in how drama is produced ‘behind the scenes’.  Combined with other creative subjects like Art and Design and Photography or as a complimentary subject to English Literature and Film/Media Studies, the A Level in Drama offers a unique opportunity to explore the subject in a multi-format way.

You will learn: 

  • Drama and theatre
    • Study of 2x set plays
    • Analysis of live theatre production
  • Creating original drama
    • Creating and performing devised drama
  • Making theatre
    • Contribution to a text-based drama in a live theatre context for an audience

In addition, the course will equip you with invaluable professional behaviours such as creative thinking, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset. You will also develop their team working skills, digital prowess and their written and spoken communication skills. 

A student performing in a stage play in the theatre at the City Hub

You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

Find out more

Course information

2 years

A Level Drama

To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above.

To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including GCSE English and Maths at grade 7 or above.

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year one to progress to your second year.

Applicants with predicted GCSE grades below the entry requirement for an A Level:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

  • Drama and theatre (theory)
    • Written exam: 3 hours
    • Open book
    • 80 marks
    • 40% of A-level
  • Creating original drama (practical)
    • Working notebook (40 marks)
    • Devised performance (20 marks)
    • 60 marks in total
    • 30% of A-level
  • Making theatre (practical)
    • Performance of Extract 3 (40 marks)
    • Reflective report (20 marks)
    • 60 marks in total
    • 30% of A-level

Students choosing drama will have the opportunity to develop Drama specific skills that will lead them into a HE performing arts pathway or onto a journey into employment, hopefully locally so that our young people can help to maintain ‘Nottingham’s status as a regional hub of excellence in creative industries’ (Nottingham’s Economic Plan for Growth 2024-2030)

We’d love to hear from students who have extra-curricular experience in performing art: theatre, music, comedy, dance… but this isn’t mandatory…  we’re looking for enthusiastic students who are willing to get involved in a creative qualification, and who are looking to develop their skills across a broad range of artistic and academic skills.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Actors, Entertainers and Presenters

Potential Earnings

£54,380.24

Average Earnings

£29,079.12

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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