Philosophy A level

Applications Open – Open Now!

Applications Close – 31 March 2025. Late applications may still be accepted, please contact us for more information

Entry Requirements – Generally 5 GCSE's at 5-9 including English and Mathematics

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices and make sure to add a minimum of 3 courses to your application.

The study of Philosophy should appeal to anyone who is interested in thinking seriously about the fundamental questions of life, and about how people and traditions have responded to those questions. The subject is not designed to test your personal beliefs, although you may inevitably encounter academic arguments that challenge your perspectives.

You will develop important skills that they need for progression to higher education or to enable them to be successful in a range of jobs. You will learn to be clear and precise in their thinking and writing. You will engage with complex texts, analysing and evaluating the arguments of others and constructing and defending their own arguments.

Independent study will be a key component to success within this subject area to widen knowledge and enrich debate. This will predominantly be through the use of an anthology of philosophical works.

This is a two year qualification with 100% examination at the end of year 13. This is formed of two, three hour, examinations. Each paper is worth 50% of the overall mark.

Year 12

Epistemology
- What is 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 13

The Metaphysics of God
- Concept and nature of God
- Arguments relating to the existence of God
- Religious Language

The Metaphysics of the Mind
- Concept and nature of God
- Arguments relating to the existence of God
- Religious Language
- What do we mean by the ‘mind’? Dualist theories
- Physicalist theories
- Functionalism

Students should have Grade 5 or above in Religious Studies and 4 GCSE's 5-9 grades including English and Maths