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Philosophy (A-level)Apply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
Adult Loan Amount: 1987.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
What do you know and why do you know it? What is right and wrong and how should we decide? Who are we and why are we here? Philosophy seeks to address these fundamental questions of truth and falsehood, right and wrong, what is it to be a God and what is it to be human.
For this subject, students are enabled to access ideas of western philosophical thinking by uncovering assumption and discussing alternatives. Students will develop the capability to make knowledgeable decisions by examining the consequences of actions and enhancing their ability to write and communicate clearly and effectively.
Entry requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
Course Content
Epistemology
- What is knowledge?
- Perception as a source of knowledge
- Reason as a source of knowledge
- The limits of knowledge
Moral Philosophy
- Utilitarianism
- Kantian deontological ethics
- Aristotelian virtue ethics
- Applied ethics
- Meta-ethics
Metaphysics of God
- The concept and nature of ‘God’
- Arguments relating to the existence of God
- Religious language
Metaphysics of Mind
- What do we mean by ‘mind’?
- Dualist theories
- Physicalist theories
- Functionalism
How will I be assessed?
Both the first and second year are assessed via two three-hour examinations at the end of the second year. Both exams account for 50% of the overall A-level qualification.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
No
What can I do after this course?
Philosophy is the ultimate "transferable work skill." With its emphasis on reason and argumentation, philosophy is an excellent preparation for a career in law, religion, business, international diplomacy, social work, medical management or writing as well as undergraduate education.
Jobs directly related to philosophy, after further study, could include:
- Further education teacher
- Higher education lecturer
- Secondary school teacher
Jobs where knowledge of philosophy could be useful include:
- Barrister
- Civil Service fast streamer
- Health service manager
- Local government officer
- Marketing executive
- Newspaper journalist
- Psychotherapist
- Recruitment consultant
- Solicitor
- Stockbroker
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
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Evie Wisniewska
Aspirations Pay Off For Travel and Tourism Student
Former Travel and Tourism student Evie Wisniewska was inspired to aim high by her teachers at the Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills College so much so that she is working at managerial level early in her career.
Evie, a former pupil at Merrill Academy,came to the UK from Poland with her family when she was 12 and the initial language barrier took its toll on her confidence and self belief. She enrolled on the Travel and Tourism study programme at the Roundhouse and was initially unsure if this was something she wanted to do.
However, her teacher took the time to motivate her to achieve her potential and inspired her to aim for higher education.
Evie also embraced the work experience opportunities organised through her College study programme at Jury’s Inn and Alter Rock climbing centre in Derby which gave her a valuable insight into various aspects of the tourism industry.
She then progressed onto the University of Derby’s Buxton campus and graduated with a BA Hons First Class Honours degree in International Tourism Management before working at Skills Coaches as the Business Development Officer.
Evie is now working as Operations Manager at The Stay Company in the city where she is responsible for the marketing, letting and upkeep of the apart-hotel development of 29 high quality serviced apartments.
“The work experience I gained at both college and university has greatly prepared me for the world of work and to gain a managerial job with wide responsibilities so early in my career.
“At The Stay Company I am able to use my creative, financial, analytical and customer service skills in this role and my goal is to progress with The Stay Company as it expands across the East Midlands.”
Derby College gave me the self-belief that I could set my sights high in this industry and I am so grateful for the support I had from my teachers.
