The Student Room Group

drama or media alevel?

im going in y12 in september and when applying i put bio, psych, drama. i did drama gcse and loved it, but i also love acting and i feel like drama at school pushes your style into a very specific bracket. it was also one of my worst subjects, but i like the formula or some coursework and some exams.
i’ve recently considered media as its still related to film and i also love photography as a hobby and i know there’s things like making your own advert/magazine, as well as keeping my options a bit more open should i change my mind on what i want to do in the future (acting/dramatherapy)
if anyone has done either or both could you give an insight into what each course is like and what u should maybe pick??

Reply 1

Original post
by ania.09
im going in y12 in september and when applying i put bio, psych, drama. i did drama gcse and loved it, but i also love acting and i feel like drama at school pushes your style into a very specific bracket. it was also one of my worst subjects, but i like the formula or some coursework and some exams.
i’ve recently considered media as its still related to film and i also love photography as a hobby and i know there’s things like making your own advert/magazine, as well as keeping my options a bit more open should i change my mind on what i want to do in the future (acting/dramatherapy)
if anyone has done either or both could you give an insight into what each course is like and what u should maybe pick??


Have you any thoughts at this stage about what career or degree you might want to pursue?

Reply 2

Personally I have loved my drama a level so so much and it has given me needed respite in the exam season. I do aqa so I have one exam and learnt all the content in year 12 and I am now just working on coursework! I’d really recommend it!!!

Reply 3

Original post
by normaw
Have you any thoughts at this stage about what career or degree you might want to pursue?


acting or dramatherapy which makes drama the obvious choice, i just feel like with drama gcse/alevel it teachers you a very specific acting style if that makes sense

Reply 4

Original post
by ania.09
acting or dramatherapy which makes drama the obvious choice, i just feel like with drama gcse/alevel it teachers you a very specific acting style if that makes sense


If that is the career you want to do and you are passion about it- go for drama! Acting styles are less prescribed at a level. Generally you study 9-10 different styles (I did workshops in lesson). For example, Max Strafford Clark, Kneehigh, Artaud, Brecht…. Check the website of your exam board! For your coursework you can generally pick any of these so definitely not prescribed!!

Reply 5

Original post
by ania.09
im going in y12 in september and when applying i put bio, psych, drama. i did drama gcse and loved it, but i also love acting and i feel like drama at school pushes your style into a very specific bracket. it was also one of my worst subjects, but i like the formula or some coursework and some exams.
i’ve recently considered media as its still related to film and i also love photography as a hobby and i know there’s things like making your own advert/magazine, as well as keeping my options a bit more open should i change my mind on what i want to do in the future (acting/dramatherapy)
if anyone has done either or both could you give an insight into what each course is like and what u should maybe pick??

Both subjects are amazing! I almost took a drama alevel but because of my sixth form stopping providing it the year i joined i couldnt, but i do take media! Its very good and explores alot of industries and the coursework is very enjoyable too! Overall what i recommend is to look at what exam board your chosen school is doing for both subjects and then look at the exam and coursework topics/work you would be expected to do and make a decision from that!

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.