Level: AS and A2 level

Awarding Body: AQA

The AS level modules includes:
Module 1 Theory of Knowledge
Module 2 Moral Philosophy
Module 3 Plato's The Republic

The AS may be awarded as a discrete qualification or count as 50% of the A2.

The AS level modules includes:
Module 4 Philosophy of Mind
Module 5 Hume's An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
Module 6 Extended Essay - Integrating Texts and Themes

Student Information Sheet

Download the Philosophy student information sheet here.

Course Description

Aim

• AS and A level Philosophy gives students a thorough understanding of some of the key philosophical issues and approaches to problems.
• Students taking this course increase their abilities to analyse and assess philosophical writings and to present reasoned and intelligent arguments.
• Regularly written assignments and especially the extended essay at A2 level, help students develop their research and investigative skills.

Relevance

• Through taking the AS and A level Philosophy course students learn to form their own judgements, express themselves coherently and contribute to the process of debate - valuable skills for use in contemporary life.
• The techniques and thinking processes taught during this course train the students to question appearances and encourages a high level of analysis - essential skills for success in higher education.
• Studying A2 level Philosophy is an excellent foundation for further study in this subject or related subjects.

Assessment

AS level: written examination.
A2 level: written examination and a researched extended essay for which there is up to four hours of supervised class time.

Informal assessment is continuous throughout AS and A2 by regular marked assignments set by the tutor.

Entry Requirements

GCSE mean score of 5.5, including English Language at Grade C or above.