Philosophy

Philosophy will help you develop your analysis, evaluation, problem solving, research, and writing skills to present complex ideas clearly and concisely.

You will be encouraged to develop your essay writing skills, enabling you to present your ideas in a clear, precise, well-structured way.

The course will be delivered in dedicated and well-equipped teaching rooms at Leeds Sixth Form College. Within our dedicated area, students also have access to a permanently staffed ‘Independent Learning Zone’, where comfortable seating and a suite of 60 Google Chromebooks are provided to facilitate independent study.

The general requirements for direct entry to our two-year A level programmes are five GCSEs including English and maths at grade A*-C or equivalent, plus two additional GCSEs or BTECs at grade A*-C or the equivalent.

For students applying with new 1-9 grade tier GCSE qualifications in maths or English, we will consider a grade 4 as equivalent to grade C in terms of our general entry requirements. However, please be aware that specific subjects may require grade 5 or above in GCSE English or maths.

Applicants with five GCSEs at grade 9-4/A*-C including English and maths, but without the two additional 9-4/A*-C equivalent qualifications may be considered, dependent on individual circumstances, at the discretion of the Head or Deputy Head of Leeds Sixth Form College.

Students with a GCSE average score of below 5.7 (mostly C/4s at GCSE) will follow the three A level programme, whilst students with a GCSE average score of 5.7/6 (mostly B and above at GCSE) or above are encouraged to study four A level subjects. Our expert staff will help you to work out your expected average GCSE score for guidance.

In addition to our general entry criteria, some subjects have their own additional criteria.

For this A level, additional entry requirements include a grade 9-5 in GCSE English.

Philosophy is highly regarded by universities as it requires excellent analytical skills and comprehension of complex ideas. It combines well with theology, natural sciences, history, sociology, philosophy and law. It can also lead to careers in the civil service, journalism, social work, teaching, and charity work.