A Level Philosophy & Ethics
at Ely College · college
What the college says
People enjoy philosophy and do well at it from all sorts of backgrounds and mental approaches: arts, maths, humanities, sciences. You may love precision; you may love opening up of the mind to see in a different way; you may love constructive arguing; you may love refusing to accept things just because someone tells you/on authority/just because others do. Any of these can be your entry point into the subject. The abilities and capacities which will serve you best are things like tenacity and clarity of thought, willingness to listen and to try to understand, concentration and focus. Everyone starts from scratch, so you do not need any particular GCSEs. Clear expression is essential to Philosophy, so having done well in an essay subject helps. The ability to be precise is necessary, so doing well in subjects that required exact learning is a good preparation.
What you need to get on
At least 5 GCSE Grades 9 - 4 to include Maths; and Grade 5 or above in all English subjects entered.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Bishop Laney
Ely College Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · Ely
Who else teaches this exact qualification
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