Philosophy

Any A Level subjects can be combined. A Levels can also be studied alongside a BTEC Level 3 Certificate.

You will study an AS Level in the first year of this course.

You will be introduced to studying philosophy as an academic subject, including current philosophical issues and philosophical methods. You will explore approaches to ethical decision making, whether the existence God can be proven, and whether the mind and body are separate. Lessons are largely led by discussions and so if you enjoy discussion and thinking deeply about your own views and the views of others, you will enjoy this course. However, although very interesting, the subject matter is intellectually challenging, so you must be prepared to work hard, do additional reading and write essays.

This course is ideal if you enjoy questioning the world around you and are reticent to take what you are told at face value, also discussing/considering the big questions about what exists, morality and knowledge. It is great if you are an avid reader and enjoy formulating arguments in written form (i.e. essay writing). Also, if you like a challenge, and are willing to have your own views challenged.

Assessment is by examination. There will be an internal examination at the end of year 1 and external examinations at the end of year 2.

What topics will I study?

• Ethics and Epistemology, which is all about how we should make moral decisions and what it is possible for us to know, respectively.
• Philosophy of Religion and Philosophy of Mind, which is all about whether there is any way we could prove the existence of God and whether our minds are distinct from our bodies, respectively.

You will:

• Develop your skills of critical analysis and learn how to construct persuasive, philosophical arguments
• Study modules in epistemology and moral philosophy; considering what we can really know as human beings and how we make moral decisions
• At A Level, study modules in philosophy of mind and philosophy of religion, considering issues such as are the mind and body separate and can we prove God exists?
• Have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and there will be visits to universities and conferences

This course goes well with any Humanities or Science based subjects – although it can fit very well with Literature and the arts too.

Future Steps: This course supports applications to courses in the Humanities, Arts and Sciences. Philosophy students have gone on to journalism, the civil service, city firms, teaching, management consultancy, social work, and the law.

You will need a grade 5 in English Language and 5 in Maths. Plus, you will need six GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Subject bespoke Learning Resource Centre (LRC) support, compute suite and iPads for research, lecture theatre.

There are some costs of materials and resources.