A-Level Philosophy

Course Code: BA126
Award Level 3, Similar to - NVQ Level 3, A-Level

The A-Level Philosophy course is split in to four units. There are 2 sections for the AS Level, and 2 sections for the A2 Level.

AS Level

The first 2 units of the course are worth 50% each of the total AS Level grade, and 25% of the A2 grade. For the AS Level (Introduction to Philosophy), students are required to complete 2 written examinations lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes each. These are worth 90 marks each.

A2 Level

For the A2 Level course units (Key Themes in Philosophy and Philosophical Problems), this is worth 50%. Students are required to:

Complete 1 written examinations lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Complete 1 written examination lasting 2 hours.
This part of the A-Level is worth 160 marks combined.

Students are responsible for contacting the test centre directly and arranging test times. Fees will also need to be paid to the centre by the student.

Course Content

PHIL1

Unit 1: Epistemology: Reason and Experience
Unit 2: Mind and Metaphysics: Persons
Unit 3: Politics and Religion

PHIL2

Unit 1: Epistemology: Knowledge of the external world
Unit 2: Mind and Metaphysics: Free will and determinism
Unit 3: Politics and Religion: God and the World

PHIL3

Unit 1: Key themes in Philosophy: Political Philosophy
Unit 2: Key themes in Philosophy: Philosophy of the mind

PHIL4

Unit 1: Introducing the Mediations
Unit 2: The method of doubt and its purpose
Unit 3: Inducing doubt
Unit 4: The Cogito
Unit 5: Clear and distinct ideas
Unit 6: The first proof of God
Unit 7: The Cartesian Circle
Unit 8: Essential Natures
Unit 9: Removing scepticism
Unit 10: Mind and Body
Unit 11: Dualistic problems

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual and study guide plus tutor support by email. Your A-Level course materials will be sent out in the post once you enrol.

Qualifications

This course prepares students for AQA A-Level Philosophy for examination in 2011 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive an A-Level in Philosophy.

Course Questions & Answers

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You do not require any previous knowledge however the courses are delivered in English so you will need to be able to read and write in English.

Q: Is there a time limit for completion of this course?

There is no specific time limit to complete your home learning course, your only real deadlines are the AQA A-Level examinations which take place every year during the summer. You can book on to these examinations when you are ready. Students are advised to contact exam centres, as cut of dates for exams do change.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

All learning documentation and course materials

Unlimited Tutor Support via email

Q: Is there a required reading list?

You may wish to purchase the following textbooks:

AQA Philosophy AS Student Book by ATHERTON, CLUETT, MCADOO, RAWLINSON AND SIDOLI (Nelson Thornes 2008) ISBN 9780748798582
AQA An Introduction to Philosophy for AS level (Philosophy in Focus series) JONES, HAYWARD AND CARDINAL, (Hodder Education 2008) ISBN 9780340965252
Meditations by DESCARTES, translated by F E Sutcliffe, Penguin Classics 1999 (ISBN 0140442065)

Textbooks can be purchased from any good bookshop or you can purchase them directly from us.

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A-Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself, however we can provide a list of A-Level test centres around the country.

Q: Are there any additional costs?

You will need to purchase the books listed above and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the examining centre that you choose.

Q: What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A-Level course. You will however be required to take the examinations within the UK as this is the only reliable way to access you.

Q: How do I get my work assessed?

Every student is issued with envelopes in order to return your completed work to us. Once we receive your coursework we will mark it and return it to you.