Philosophy - A Level
Exam Board: AQA
Course Details
A-level Philosophy provides students with a broad introduction to the study of Philosophy.
The course is designed to:
• Develop a range of transferable skills which can be applied far beyond the study of Philosophy
• Integrate themes and texts to allow teachers to plan the most suitable modules for the textual problems or the most suitable texts given their interest in other modules
• Help students gain a thorough grounding in key philosophical concepts, themes, texts and techniques
• Enable students to develop the ability to reason, form their own judgements, express themselves coherently and contribute to the process of debate
• Show students how to consider philosophical problems through the study of a key text.
AS Examinations
Unit 1 – PHIL1
An Introduction to Philosophy 1
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
Written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes
90 marks
Candidates must answer the compulsory question on reason and experience and one other question.
Unit 2 – PHIL2
An Introduction to Philosophy 2
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
Written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes
90 marks
Candidates must answer two questions.
A2 Examinations
Unit 3 – PHIL3
Key Themes in Philosophy
30% of A Level
Written paper, 2 hours
100 marks
Candidates must answer two questions from two different sections (ie on two themes).
Unit 4 – PHIL4
Philosophical Problems
20% of A Level
Written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes
60 marks
Candidates must choose one section and answer the compulsory question and one essay question.
Entry Requirements
Students must have a Grade B or above in English GCSE. Please see the generic entry requirement document for more details.
Successful completion of AS Philosophy with a grade D or above is necessary to carry on to Year 13 Philosophy.
