Philosophy A Level
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).
A Level Philosophy is designed to give you a thorough grounding in the key concepts and methods of philosophy. You will have the opportunity to engage with big questions in a purely secular context. You will develop important skills that you need for progression to higher education. You will learn to be clear and precise in your thinking and writing. You will engage with complex texts, analysing and evaluating the arguments of others and constructing logical defences of these arguments.
What does it combine with?
What our students say
Evie talks to us about the exciting opportunities studying A Levels with us has presented her, including how it differs from school, using the West Notts Travel Pass, and her plans to progress onto university.
What will I study?
- Epistemology
- Metaphysics of God
- Moral philosophy
- Metaphysics of mind.
- Entry requirements
- Five GCSEs grade 4-9 including GCSE English Language
- An overall average of a grade 4*.
*To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Assessment
Assessments
- Paper 1: Epistemology and the metaphysics of God.
What's assessed?
- Sections 1 and 2
How it's assessed
- Written exam: 3 hours
Questions
- One 3 mark question
- Two 5 mark questions
- One 15 mark question
- One 25 mark question.
- Paper 2: Moral philosophy and the metaphysics of mind
What's assessed?
- Sections 3 and 4
How it assessed
- Written exam: 3 hours
Questions
- One 3 mark question
- Two 5 mark questions
- One 15 mark question
- One 25 mark question.
- Progression
A Level Philosophy sharpens your skills of analysis and your ability to construct solid arguments. These transferable skills make it ideal preparation for most academic university courses*, in particular law, politics and the social sciences.
*To find out how many UCAS points this course carries, and to receive advice on your Higher Education options, please contact the college’s enquiries team on 0808 100 3626 and ask to be transferred to the Head of Department for this subject area. They can provide the most up-to-date information.
As a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may also be eligible for a range of benefits if you choose to progress to NTU after completing your course. For more information, please visit Progress NTU.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
- GCE A Level in Philosophy
- AQA
- Studying A Levels at West Notts College
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.