Course Overview

Explore life’s biggest questions and learn how to think clearly, critically, and creatively with our A level Philosophy course.

A level Philosophy is a stimulating subject that encourages deep thinking about truth, morality, existence, and the nature of knowledge.

Philosophy stands out at A level for its focus on questioning the world around us and developing rigorous reasoning skills. Students explore classic and contemporary ideas in ethics, epistemology, religion, and the mind—learning to evaluate arguments, uncover meaning, and think independently.

This A level course not only strengthens critical thinking and logical analysis but also improves communication and essay-writing skills. With flexible online learning, A level Philosophy is ideal preparation for university or careers in law, education, journalism, public policy, or any field that values clear, reasoned thought.

  • 33%
pass rate at grade A* to A in 2024

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

A level Philosophy at a glance

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Exam board

AQA 7172

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

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Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 50% of marks  (3 hours)
  • 50% of marks  (3 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course requirements icon
Requirements
  • Philosophy for AS and A level: Epistemology and Moral Philosophy,M Lacewing, Routledge, 2017
  • Philosophy for A level: Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind, M Lacewing, Routledge, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7172

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements
  • Philosophy for AS and A level: Epistemology and Moral Philosophy,M Lacewing, Routledge, 2017
  • Philosophy for A level: Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind, M Lacewing, Routledge, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 50% of marks  (3 hours)
  • 50% of marks  (3 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7172

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 50% of marks  (3 hours)
  • 50% of marks  (3 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course requirements icon
Requirements
  • Philosophy for AS and A level: Epistemology and Moral Philosophy,M Lacewing, Routledge, 2017
  • Philosophy for A level: Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind, M Lacewing, Routledge, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

Why study A level Philosophy

Future opportunities

  • Studying a philosophy course at university.
  • A wide range of rewarding career paths in fields such as politics, law, the civil service, journalism, chaplaincy, medicine, education and psychotherapy.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Introduction to epistemology

  • Philosophical terminology
  • What is knowledge?
  • Responses to Gettier
Section 2

Perception as a source of knowledge

  • Direct realism
  • Indirect realism
  • Berkeley’s idealism
Section 3

Reason as a source of knowledge

  • Rationalism, empiricism and innatism
  • Innatism
  • Empiricism: the tabula rasa argument
  • The intuition and deduction thesis
  • Empiricist responses
  • Scepticism: the limits of knowledge
Section 4

Normative ethical theories

  • Introduction to ethics
  • Utilitarianism
  • Kantian deontological ethics
  • Aristotelian virtue ethics
SECTION 5

Meta-ethics and applied ethics

  • Moral realism
  • Moral anti-realism
  • Applied ethics
SECTION 6

Metaphysics of God, 1: Arguments for the existence of God

  • The concept of God
  • The design argument
  • Swinburne’s design argument
  • The cosmological argument
SECTION 7

Metaphysics of God, 2

  • The ontological argument
  • The problem of evil
  • Religious language
SECTION 8

Metaphysics of mind 1

  • Introduction to the metaphysics of mind
  • Substance dualism
  • Philosophical behaviourism
  • Mind-brain identity theory
  • Eliminative materialism
SECTION 9

Metaphysics of mind 2

  • Functionalism
  • Property dualism

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

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    With you every step of the way

    Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

    You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

    “Learning should be a rewarding experience for its own sake. I love ideas and think that the most valuable thing about education is the joy of gaining knowledge. The most rewarding thing about tutoring and teaching is helping students to find their own reward in learning. I have been teaching for 18 years. I am a head of faculty, an A level examiner and write NEC course materials for A level Philosophy and A level Religious Studies. I am never happier than when I am in a classroom or working 1:1 with learners of all ages.”

    Amanda, Philosophy Tutor
    MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

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    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
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    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    People who study A level Philosophy also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.