Do you ever wonder what life is about, why we are here and what our purpose is? Do you ever question how we decide what is right
and what is wrong? Or even wonder who decides what is right or wrong? What is consciousness? How do I gain knowledge of the world around me? Is there even a world? And if there is – where did it come from?
From ancient times to today, history’s greatest minds have searched for answers to life’s biggest questions. Science can tell us how,
but it cannot always tell us why. Studying Philosophy means exploring these challenges in theoretical, practical, logical and historical contexts.
What will my day look like?
Explore example timetableCourse Information
At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 in one sitting. An average GCSE score of 5 or more is preferred.
GCSE English and Maths at grade 4. Plus, a grade 5+ in GCSE English preferred.
There are two written examinations at the end of the two-year course. The qualification is linear, with all assessments taken at the end of the course. Paper 1 covers Epistemology and Moral Philosophy, while Paper 2 covers Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind. Each paper is 3 hours long and worth 50% of the A Level. There is no coursework or non-exam assessment.
- Epistemology
- The Limits of Knowledge
- Moral Philosophy
- Normative Ethical Theories
- Applied Ethics
- Meta-ethics
- Metaphysics of God
- The Concept and Nature of God
- Arguments Relating to the Existence of God
- Religious Language
- Metaphysics of Mind
Philosophy pairs well with many different subjects, meaning you could study a general Philosophy degree or a combined degree such
as Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), as well as numerous dual honours options that combine philosophy with fields such as theology, physics, linguistics, literature, languages, law, music and mathematics. Studying Philosophy equips you with valuable critical thinking skills, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Philosophy graduates have gone on to explore diverse fields, including Film and Television Studies, Education, Archaeology, Sociology, Anthropology, Literature and Creative Writing.
This course is entirely theory-based. Assessment is through written examinations only, with no coursework, practical work or fieldwork component. 0% practical / 100% theory.
You will have the opportunity to take part in the Ethics Cup Competition, where in previous years our students have placed third in the national finals at St Andrews University, Scotland. You will study a range of interesting topics, including Moral Philosophy, Epistemology (what is knowledge?), Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of the Mind. You will meet visiting academics from prestigious universities and organisations, as well as have the opportunity to attend taster sessions and conferences. We regularly travel to and attend the A Level Philosophy Conference at Warwick University. The last two years have also seen a collaboration between ourselves, The Royal Institute of Philosophy and the Philosophy Department at UEA in running a 10-week ‘Philosophy Now’ course, where first-year students were able to explore up to the minute philosophical discussion beyond the curriculum, looking at topics such as AI, art and aesthetics; film and music, medical ethics and the environment.
