Menu

A Level

Home > Courses > Philosophy

Course Overview

Philosophy is possibly the oldest subject on the curriculum. It is the attempt to answer the biggest questions that people can ask.

Is there a God? What is the Mind? How do we decide what is right and wrong? These are all questions that philosophers find deeply puzzling and argue about passionately; they are questions that don’t have easy or obvious answers.

Course Topics

  • Epistemology (knowledge): Are our senses more reliable than my mind? Do atoms really exist? Is there anything that we can be certain of?
  • Moral Philosophy: Do our intentions or the consequences of our actions matter more? Can we agree on what it means to be a good person? Is it wrong to eat meat? Does it matter if I play violent video games? Are there real facts about morality or is it all a matter of opinion?
  • Philosophy of Religion: Can the existence of God be proved? Does the beauty of the world prove God? Does the evil in the world disprove God? Is it worth discussing ideas that cannot be proved?
  • Philosophy of Mind: Is the mind the same thing as the brain or do we have a soul? Can I know if other people have minds? Is my mind similar or different to a computer?

Testimonials

The subjects I applied for complement each other perfectly and contribute significantly to my academic growth. I’ve actively participated in extra sessions, gaining valuable insights that have positively impacted my essay writing. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to attend this college.

Grace Brown

Previously: Painley Catholic School
Studying: A Level English Literature, Classical Civilisation & Philosophy

grace-brown

Course Features

  • BE A 5 YEAR OLD AGAIN – philosophers ask lots of questions, be curious about the world. Be awkward.
  • ARGUMENT – you will get the chance to discuss and write persuasively. Arguments are the tools of our trade.
  • THE BIG STUFF – philosophy deals with the biggest questions there are.

ASSESSMENT

  • Exams: 100%
  • Awarding Body: AQA

Results

2022
  • Pass Rate – 100%
  • Grades A*-C – 73%

Where Courses Become Careers

Good philosophy students find ultimate questions fascinating, enjoy reasoning and arguing about them and are able to communicate their views clearly and concisely. These skills make philosophy graduates very valuable in all forms of employment.

Make your mark

How SFC will help you to boost your CV by developing your skills and qualifications…

You could be in for the ride of your life. Fasten your seatbelt and be prepared to have a completely new outlook on life’s big questions. Philosophy is a very challenging A Level that demonstrates to employers and universities that you are a creative and critical thinker. Universities and employers value this qualification and there is evidence that philosophy graduates have higher levels of employment than many other courses.

“Some of those students will go on to apply those skills in an academic setting, but many will find work across a whole range of professions, in law, finance, government, policing, media, teaching, writing and business.” Wayne Martin (University of Essex – quoted in Times Higher 2009)

philosophy

If you are unsure what course you think you should choose or what career you would like to aspire towards then contact Admissions:

01782 854221
Email Enquiry
apply
find an open day
our prospectus
stay updated

Similar Courses

On this pathway

humanities-banner

German

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.

Prospectus2024-0596

History

A Level

This is the subject that allows you to gain essential skills in analysis and evaluation, through the study of significant events and people in the past, and through interpretations and sources about these.

SFC_CourseFinder_0044_Geology(A_Level)

Geology

A Level

Do you want to understand how the earth works? Choose finding out why volcanoes and earthquakes occur and why they can be so different in different locations and how we can mitigate against the impacts. Choose understanding plate tectonics and how the earth has evolved over millions of years. Choose finding out where all our resources come from, metals, water, energy and how we can make them sustainable for the future.

SFC_CourseFinder_0021_Politics(A_Level)

Politics

A Level

If you love debating and current affairs this is the subject for you! You will develop the ability to discuss, scrutinise and evaluate the political events, structures and political theories of the UK and USA.

envsci

Environmental Science

A Level

If you want to make a difference and change the future of the world in which we live for the better, and if you are inspired by the natural environment and its myriad of interconnections and feedbacks, then Environmental Science is the subject for you.

SFC_CourseFinder_0058_EnglishLanguage(A_Level)

English Language

A Level

Are you interested in the way in which you receive information? Are you interested in how age, gender, ethnicity and class influence how we speak, hear and write? Then this is the subject for you.

lifestyle-humanities-language

Humanities

Transition

The Transition Programme is a new type of study programme, specifically designed to develop the skills, experience, knowledge and behaviours to support progression onto a Level 3 programme of study.

geography

Geography

A Level

Do you want to understand how our world works? Dealing with vital issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation, social issues and natural hazards, A level Geography is one of the most relevant subjects you could choose to study.

classics

Classical Civilisation

A Level

Fascinating blend of ancient history, mythology and some of the best literature ever written. You develop oral and written communication skills and your powers of analysis and evaluation on this exciting learning journey.

philosophy

Philosophy

A Level

Philosophy is possibly the oldest subject on the curriculum. It is the attempt to answer the biggest questions that people can ask.

SFC_CourseFinder_0048_French(A_Level)

French

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.

re

Religious Studies

A Level

If you find deeper questions about God, ethics and faith fascinating, and you are keen to develop both your thinking skills and understanding of people, then this subject could be for you!

SFC_CourseFinder_0043_German(A_Level)

Arabic

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.

SFC_CourseFinder_0057_EnglishLanguage(GCSE)

English Language

GCSE

Do you want to be among the 60% of students who pass this on average each year? A great course to prepare you for A Level, Level 3 BTEC/CTEC courses and T Levels.

englit

English Literature

A Level

If you love to read, this is the subject for you. If you want a high- level graduate position, this is also the subject for you, as a traditional, academic subject such as this is just what employers like.

SFC_CourseFinder_0011_Spanish(A_Level)

Spanish

A Level

Do you want to get that job interview-well you will have communication skills a plenty here and employers look VERY favourably upon MFL students and speaking a foreign language is now very desirable.