Without the drama

produce a portfolio. “What we are looking for is for students to show some evidence of their commitment to the subject,” says Carole-Anne Upton, the dean of media and performing arts at Middlesex.“They may be able to show that through extra-curricular work. We want to know they are passionate because it is that which will make them successful.”

Taking part in school plays or concerts is one obvious proof of interest in performance. Some schools may offer the chance to gain extra-curricular qualifications such as the certificate from Lamda (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art). Comedians such as David Baddiel and Sacha Baron Cohen began entertaining peers at Habonim, their Zionist youth group.

“I would say to parents worried about career prospects, possibilities are much broader than the discipline itself,” says Prof Upton.

“Students right across the subject areas leave with strong entrepreneurial skills. They are going to have to invent new ways of working and even new art forms.”

At its Harrow campus, the university of Westminster offers BA courses on a range of related subjects, including drama and documentary production. Students’ films are shown at festivals internationally, having been created at their purpose-built studio.

And some have gone on to do great things. Recent work from former students, includes Godzilla (cinematographer Seamus McGarvey), Senna (director Asif Kapadia), and Skyfall (screenwriter Neal Purvis).