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Philosophy A Level (Alton)

A Level

A large sculpture with a figure thinking in the centre, surrounded by figures in various poses.

Availability & Details

Philosophy - A Level AF1-PHILAL/C01

Venue
Alton Campus

Type of study
A Levels

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (2 years)

Examination board
AQA Education

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Overview

A Level Philosophy considers questions fundamental to human existence; knowledge and understanding of reality, morality, religion and mind. This course is guaranteed to get you thinking about things in a completely new way.

Philosophy is about engaging with a long tradition of thought and thinkers. You will develop your critical and analytical skills exploring philosophical theory and most importantly, learn to argue.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and Mathematics.

Year 1

Epistemology

  • What is knowledge?
  • The Tripartite View of Knowledge
  • Perception as a source of knowledge
  • Reason as a source of knowledge
  • The limits of knowledge

Moral Philosophy

  • Normative ethical theories
  • Applied Ethics
  • Meta-ethics

Year 2

Metaphysics of God

  • The concept of God
  • Arguments relating to the existence of God
  • Language

Metaphysics of Mind

  • Dualism
  • Physicalism
  • Functionalism

You’ll attend talks and lectures from visiting speakers, including lecturers from the University of Chichester and the University of Southampton and also other speakers such as ministers who you can question with content from the course.

A Level Philosophy is assessed by unseen examinations at the end of the two-year course. There is one three-hour paper consisting of 5 question each on epistemology and moral philosophy, and a second three-hour paper consisting of 5 questions each on the metaphysics of God and the metaphysics of mind.

You will be given a course handbook at the beginning of the year, which provides information about the recommended textbooks for the course, the average cost of which is approximately £25.

You can progress to Higher Education and study for a degree in Philosophy however as Philosophy gives you a high level of analytical skills it is a subject compatible with almost all degree subjects. Due to its academic rigor, universities highly regard this A Level. Employers also value the transferable skills A Level Philosophy gives students in critical thinking, the ability to rationalise and think about highly abstract concepts.


I’m very, very happy, I didn’t expect to do so well. The College has been helpful and supportive. I loved my courses, and the teachers were really good – every single one of them. The facilities are great, but it’s the staff that really make this place.

Matthew Randell, A Level student

The teaching has been really good, I’ve loved all of my teachers, they’ve all been really nice and supportive.

Jodie Hook

Everyone at the College was really helpful, and there’s lots of facilities, meaning it’s very easy to get your work done on time, and get good grades. The teaching and support was excellent, they were always on top of it, and made sure you got work done on time and you were challenged. Everyone is friendly and its really diverse, meaning you can get involved in lots of different things.

Conor Ward, BTEC student