- Course Information
A simple question: Is Philosophy at Runshaw worth studying? The answer is yes. Here's why. A Level Philosophy is a two year course which will give you the opportunity to explore a range of questions including whether our perception of the world is reliable and how we should make decisions about what is morally right and wrong. Many students who enjoy and successfully complete this subject typically progress onto a range of degree courses including: Philosophy and related degrees such as PPE.
- Course Code
- LAPHIL
- Exam Board
- AQA
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime
- Course Level
- Level 3
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Course Location
- Langdale Road, Leyland
- Age Group
- School Leavers (16-18)
- Course Duration
- 2 years
- Overview
As a Philosophy student you will join a long and distinguished tradition of attempting to understand the world around us and our place within it. The word Philosophy is from the ancient Greek, meaning “the love of wisdom”. Philosophers attempt to gain ‘wisdom’ or ‘understanding’ by asking the most fundamental questions and attempting to answer them through the use of conceptual analysis, empirical evidence and rational argument.
You will encounter some of the biggest questions humanity has ever asked, and be trained in techniques for discussing them intelligently in order to reach perceptive conclusions. In studying Philosophy, you will become a more disciplined and logical thinker, and will develop an ability to both deconstruct and construct concise logical arguments. Studying Philosophy is academically rigorous and challenging, but is also very rewarding.
As 20th Century British philosopher Bertrand Russell put it, “Through the greatness of the universe which philosophy contemplates, the mind is also rendered great.” If you are not afraid of intellectually challenging ideas and new perspectives, then Philosophy could be the subject for you.
It is possible to study Philosophy as a single subject at university, or study it in a wide range of combinations with other subjects such as Politics, Economics, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. Philosophy will provide you with a range of skills that are valued by employers and you will find Philosophy graduates in a hugely varied range of jobs.
What will I study? Such questions as:
- is our perception of the world reliable?
- does the existence of the universe require an explanation?
- what is the mind, and can we explain consciousness?
- how should we make decisions about what is morally right and wrong?
Course Highlights:
Enrichment opportunities
- Entry Requirements
For our A Level programme our entry requirements are a minimum of 5x Grade 5.
*Please note that A Level English requires a Level 6 in GCSE English
*Please note that A Level Maths requires a Level 6 in GCSE Maths
*Please note that A Level Biology requires a Level 5 in GCSE Maths and a Level 6 in GCSE Science.
*Please note that A Level Chemistry, Physics and Geology require a Level 6 in GCSE Maths and Science.
- How will I be assessed?
100% written examination.
- Progression Pathway
Philosophy enables one to be better equipped to study other subjects by enhancing evaluative and analytical skills, and by developing your capacity to go to the heart of any issue and bring the important questions into the light.
It is possible to study Philosophy as a single subject at university, or study it in a wide range of combinations with other subjects such as Politics, Economics, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. Philosophy will provide you with a range of skills that are valued by employers and you will find Philosophy graduates in a hugely varied range of jobs.
Studying Philosophy is especially useful preparation for careers in education, law, journalism, politics, marketing, advertising, business and finance.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
