A level options for English at Oxford

I am a year 12 student just started my A-levels. I have currently chosen English, History, and Politics. However, I want to change to Drama and Theatre, English and History. Is this a good idea? I also do an english lit based EPQ. I really think I will enjoy drama more but don't want it to damage my application in terms of academic rigour etc (although Drama and Theatre is still a difficult essay subject). I also think doing Drama fits nicely in terms of studying and interpreting texts/plays. It also frees up time for me to do external Oxbridge reading which I have already started. Please let me know thoughts, or if you know anyone who did Drama A-Level and ended up at Oxbridge!! Thank you :smile:

Reply 1

scarlet-paddle

8

Original post by corriander21212

I am a year 12 student just started my A-levels. I have currently chosen English, History, and Politics. However, I want to change to Drama and Theatre, English and History. Is this a good idea? I also do an english lit based EPQ. I really think I will enjoy drama more but don't want it to damage my application in terms of academic rigour etc (although Drama and Theatre is still a difficult essay subject). I also think doing Drama fits nicely in terms of studying and interpreting texts/plays. It also frees up time for me to do external Oxbridge reading which I have already started. Please let me know thoughts, or if you know anyone who did Drama A-Level and ended up at Oxbridge!! Thank you :smile:

Oxford definitely values A levels that are viewed as more academic. History and Politics show you may have the ability to develop well rounded and critical understandings of texts. I would recommend sticking with your original 3 A levels.

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by corriander21212

I am a year 12 student just started my A-levels. I have currently chosen English, History, and Politics. However, I want to change to Drama and Theatre, English and History. Is this a good idea? I also do an english lit based EPQ. I really think I will enjoy drama more but don't want it to damage my application in terms of academic rigour etc (although Drama and Theatre is still a difficult essay subject). I also think doing Drama fits nicely in terms of studying and interpreting texts/plays. It also frees up time for me to do external Oxbridge reading which I have already started. Please let me know thoughts, or if you know anyone who did Drama A-Level and ended up at Oxbridge!! Thank you :smile:

Either combination is fine as both include English lit and a second traditionally academic subject. Having a third subject being less traditionally academic is not necessarily a barrier.

That said I would not assume drama would be somehow less time consuming or less work than politics. If anything I would think the performance element would make it take up more time? Generally in my experience visual and performing arts subjects end up being more time consuming than traditionally academic subjects in 6th form (both based on anecdotal evidence from people I've known and personal experience) because you spend a lot more time working on them outside of lessons (and more time than you'd spend on homework for a traditionally academic subject).

So make sure you choosing it for the right reasons.

A level options for English at Oxford

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you