Entry Requirements

GCSE English (Lang or Lit) and a Humanities subject Grade 6

Exam Board: AQA

Why Study Philosophy?

‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’- Socrates, Ancient Greek Philosopher

To enjoy an A level in Philosophy you must have an inquiring mind, an interest in challenging your mind with logical problems and a desire to examine some of the most important questions which face humankind. Studying philosophy develops many skills that are useful in other subjects, at university or in your future careers. You will become an independent thinker who is able to problem solve creatively. You will be able to take on difficult challenges and questions that others would shy away from and offer logical solutions to them. You will also become an expert at forming logical arguments and evaluating the strength and weaknesses of other people's arguments.

What Topics Will I Study?

Section 1: Epistemology

• Epistemology is the philosophy of knowledge. It explores and tries to answer questions such as; how can we define knowledge? What can I really know about the world around me? How do I gain knowledge?

Section 2: Moral Philosophy

• Moral philosophy considers how we as humans should act. It explores and tries to answer questions such as; what makes an action right or wrong? How do we apply these definitions to real life situations? Where do our ideas about right and wrong come from? What do we mean when we say something is 'right' or 'good'?

Section 3: Metaphysics of God

• Metaphysics of God explores and analyses religious and theological beliefs. It explores and tries to answer questions such as; does God exist? Why would God allow suffering in the world? What does religious language really mean to us?

Section 4: Metaphysics of mind

• Metaphysics of mind is the study of the nature of the mind and conscious. It explores and tries to answer questions such as; what is consciousness? Are the body and mind separate? How do the mind and the body interact?

How Will I Be Assessed?

2 x 3 hour exams

All assessment is undertaken in exam conditions and your answers are assessed against assessment objectives, which fall into two categories:

• AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and methods of Philosophy, including through the use of philosophical analysis (60%)

• AO2 - Analyse and evaluate philosophical arguments to form reasoned judgements (40%)

The former requires you to look at the issue and explain the facts, issues and arguments.

The latter requires you to weigh these matters up and evaluate them – are they right or wrong, strong or weak? You have done this already for your Religious Studies GCSE; considering different points of view and providing the evidence for these, and weighing up arguments against one another.

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

According to the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service (AGCAS), Philosophy graduates go into a wide range of careers. However they, and employers, feel that it particularly prepares students for the following careers: broadcast, film, video and interactive media sector, education sector, financial services sector, legal sector, politics, publishing sector, social care sector, voluntary sector, social & pastoral care, community work and social work. 

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying the Course

We have links with Roehampton University and our students are offered the opportunity to sit in on some university lectures. Through Wimbledon Bookfest, students are encouraged to attend Critical Thinking seminars, and in partnership with Merton and the University of Roehampton, students can take part in an interfaith dialogue project 'Our faith, Our belief': an initiative to promote sharing, discussion and learning for sixth form students to gain a deeper understanding of the role of faith and belief today.