What A-levels do you need to study drama?
To be, or not to be a drama student? That is the question. But what A-levels should you be taking if you want to study drama at university?
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You don’t necessarily need an A-level in drama and theatre studies to study a degree in drama, although a few courses might ask for it.
Some courses require English literature, while a few courses ask for English and/or theatre studies.
Take a look at individual drama courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects university drama students studied before attending university, entry requirements and lots more.
Note that many degrees will be open to you whichever A-levels you choose. Some courses will be happy with a subject just at AS-level while some courses may want the full A-level, so this is something to check before you finalise your A-level choices in Year 12.
See where your A-levels will lead you, mix and match subjects with our A-level Explorer tool.
If you're thinking of studying drama at university, see which universities have the top-rated creative scenes according to students in our annual survey.
Below are a few Drama BA courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements they ask for (as of 11 April 2018):
The University of Manchester: ‘A,B,B. Grades ABB including an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer.’
University of Essex: 'B,B,B. Including an essay-based subject.'
Bath Spa University: 'B,C,C. Grades BCC including Grade B in Drama, Theatre studies, English or related subjects accepted.'
Watch now: How to choose your A-levels
Similar subjects may have slightly different A-level requirements to drama. If you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check the entry requirements of individual courses before you finalise your choices. Search for a course now to confirm these before you go too far in your journey.
Read our drama and theatre studies subject guide to learn more about studying this at degree-level, or start browsing courses now.
- Essential A-levels for drama
- Useful or handy A-levels for drama
- Other typical A-levels taken by drama students
- Examples of university entry requirements for drama
- Other degree subjects with similar A-level requirements
A-level subjects for drama
What A-level subjects are needed or essential for drama?
Some courses require English literature, while a few courses ask for English and/or theatre studies.
What A-levels are useful for drama
- English literature
- English literature and language
- theatre studies
Other typical A-levels taken by current drama students
- history
- media studies
- general studies
Take a look at individual drama courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects university drama students studied before attending university, entry requirements and lots more.
Note that many degrees will be open to you whichever A-levels you choose. Some courses will be happy with a subject just at AS-level while some courses may want the full A-level, so this is something to check before you finalise your A-level choices in Year 12.
See where your A-levels will lead you, mix and match subjects with our A-level Explorer tool.
Which university do students rate for their creative scene?
A university with an inspiring creative scene can nourish your passion, beyond your course; this could be in the activities taking place around campus or local venues which stage productions all year round.If you're thinking of studying drama at university, see which universities have the top-rated creative scenes according to students in our annual survey.
Examples of drama degree requirements
The University of Manchester: ‘A,B,B. Grades ABB including an essay-based subject such as English Literature, History or Politics. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer.’
University of Essex: 'B,B,B. Including an essay-based subject.'
Bath Spa University: 'B,C,C. Grades BCC including Grade B in Drama, Theatre studies, English or related subjects accepted.'
Watch now: How to choose your A-levels
Other similar degree subjects
- English literature
- acting (professional acting degrees will place a huge emphasis on auditions).
- history
Similar subjects may have slightly different A-level requirements to drama. If you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check the entry requirements of individual courses before you finalise your choices. Search for a course now to confirm these before you go too far in your journey.
Read our drama and theatre studies subject guide to learn more about studying this at degree-level, or start browsing courses now.
