Philosophy

A LEVEL (AQA)

Philosophy is a challenging subject that will enable you to think creatively and logically. It should empower you to think for yourself on a wide range of issues.

For centuries, human beings have been absorbed with questions about the nature of the universe and their place within it. Philosophy will enable you to develop the critical skills to deal with these questions and help you to begin finding some answers. It will also introduce you to some of the most interesting and important ideas in history.

Key topics

  • understanding key philosophical ideas and thinkers

  • exploring ideas about God and the nature of existence

  • exploring moral Philosophy and how to deal with ethical problems such as animal rights and computer gaming

  • examining the nature of the human mind

  • examining the basis of human knowledge


You will

  • develop your thinking skills

  • participate in arguments, debates and discussions

  • explore key ideas in terms of film and literature

  • present your ideas and arguments in essays

+ Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSEs (average score of 5)

These must include:

  • English Language at grade 6
  • Maths at grade 4

+ Assessment

Assessment methods include:

  • Exams

+ What can I study with this course?

This course can be taken as part of an A Level programme.

We recommend that students choose three A Levels or a combination of Level 3 Extended Certificates and A Levels. Depending on your GCSE grades and long-term destination, some students may be able to take up to four A Levels.

If you are planning on progressing to university, the majority of university courses do not require specific subjects. Most universities prefer that you are able to demonstrate skills and competance via the successful completetion of related courses. Therefore we recommend that the most important thing when choosing course combinations is that you choose a range of subjects that your enjoy and excel in.

We do not recommend that your take two courses that are similar to each other in content.

Some courses and universities require that you take specific A Levels for entry onto their courses. Please visit: UCAS.com and explore individual university entry requirements for more information.

If you are planning on studying Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry or other competitive science based courses, most universities require you to take Biology, Chemistry and either Maths, Statistics or Physics.

If you want more information on choosing your A Levels, please speak to your schools career advisor or chat to us at any of our careers or open day events.

+ Why study at NewVIc

You will develop a global view on the making of the modern world. Become an analytical thinker and develop a broad set of academic skills that will prepare you for a wide range of careers.

  • Kings College Classics Programme
  • Kings College Historical Memory and Identity Programme
  • Wadham and Pembroke Humanities Programmes with Oxford University
  • Links with Oxford and Cambridge Historians
  • SOAS Holocaust Educational Trust
  • EPQ with Greenwich University
  • Cromwell Society
  • Historical Association
  • Geography Association
  • French Cultural Institute
  • Investec
  • Bank of England
  • Stephen Timms MP
  • Friends of the Earth
  • Parliament Education Services

You will learn from experts with academic qualifications including Masters degrees in a range of subjects including philosophy, linguistics, media and communications, enabling your lessons to be taught at a high level throughout your studies.

Outside of college, members of the Humanities team also perform as musicians, sportspersons and work as political campaigners. They are interested in a wide range of issues including environmental, sustainability and women's issues

+ How we support you

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Aspergers or other specific learning difficulties
  • Mental health, counselling and wellbeing
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Money, finance and bursary advice
  • Careers advice, job and university applications

+ Next steps

Philosophy is an excellent subject if you plan to study law, humanities, or social sciences at degree level. It is particularly valued by Russell Group universities. As this subject deals with logical thinking and analytical reasoning, it provides thorough preparation for the skills needed in higher education and professional life.

+ Top universities for Philosophy

The Complete University Guide give university rankings each year. If you are planning on progressing to university, find out which universities are ranked most highly for Philosophy.

A LevelNewVIcNewham Sixth Form CollegeHumanities