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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
24+ 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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Emily Gray
Peak Award Winner Emily now studying for master’s in Australia
Former Peak Award winner Emily Gray was motivated to achieve “more than she ever thought she was capable of” while studying for A levels at Derby College.
And, since leaving Joseph Wright Centre 10 years ago, she has quite literally gone a long way – to university in Melbourne, Australia, to take a Master of Education degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Now 27, Emily received a Peak Award for Academic Studies after performing well in her sociology, history and psychology A levels and EPQ, the Extended Project Qualification.
While on her psychology degree course at the University of Leeds, Emily embarked on a study year at Monash University in Melbourne.
And, since graduating, she has taught English in Peru, volunteered and worked in Sri Lanka and travelled in Australia before settling in Melbourne with her partner.
Currently studying for her master’s at Monash University, Emily also works as a site manager at a centre-based intervention service based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for pre-school aged children on the autism spectrum. She ultimately wants to become a clinical psychologist or clinical director of an agency providing ABA.
Commenting on her Peak Award in 2009, Emily added that it was “really unexpected and a huge honour.” She included the award in her CV and found it was “something she was able to talk about in interviews.”
My lecturers were fantastic! They were really passionate about their subject, particularly psychology lecturer Glyn Pickering, who motivated me and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of.
I also got great support at Derby College in applying for university and higher education. I was able to go on a residential trip to experience Oxford University, and received specialist and individual help with my application, personal statement and interview preparation.
