What A-levels do you need to study philosophy?
Thinking about philosophy? Find out what subjects you should be studying at A-levels to make your philosophy degree dreams become a reality.
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Philosophy is a popular degree that is normally open to you with any A-levels. However, some smart A-level choices will help prepare you for philosophy at degree level.
Find out more about university entry requirements.
Take a look at individual philosophy courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects students studied before taking a philosophy degree.
Do note that many degrees will be open to you whichever A-levels you choose. Some courses will be happy with a subject just at AS-level while some courses may want the full A-level, so this is something to check before you finalise your A-level choices in Year 12.
Below is a range of Bachelor of science (with Honours) courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements they ask for (as of 12 April 2018):
University of St Andrews: ‘A,A,B. Subjects excluded: Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and General Studies.’
University of Dundee: ‘B,C,C-B,B,B’.
University of Bristol: ‘A,A,A. Contextual offer: ABB.’
Similar subjects such as those listed above may have slightly different A-level requirements to philosophy, so if you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check before you finalise your choices.
- Essential A-levels for philosophy
- Useful or handy A-levels for philosophy
- Other typical A-levels taken by philosophy students
- Examples of university entry requirements for philosophy
- Other degree subjects with similar A-level requirements
Philosophy is a popular degree that is normally open to you with any A-levels. However, some smart A-level choices will help prepare you for philosophy at degree level.
A-level subjects for philosophy
What A-level subjects are needed or essential for philosophy?
- There aren't any subjects that would be considered essential for a philosophy application
Find out more about university entry requirements.
What A-levels are useful for philosophy?
- maths
- classical civilisations
- philosophy
- religious studies/theology
Choosing your A-levels? See where different combinations can lead with our Explorer tool.
Other typical A-levels taken by current philosophy students
- maths
- English literature
- history
Take a look at individual philosophy courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects students studied before taking a philosophy degree.
Do note that many degrees will be open to you whichever A-levels you choose. Some courses will be happy with a subject just at AS-level while some courses may want the full A-level, so this is something to check before you finalise your A-level choices in Year 12.
Examples of philosophy degree requirements
University of St Andrews: ‘A,A,B. Subjects excluded: Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and General Studies.’
University of Dundee: ‘B,C,C-B,B,B’.
University of Bristol: ‘A,A,A. Contextual offer: ABB.’
Other similar degree subjects
Similar subjects such as those listed above may have slightly different A-level requirements to philosophy, so if you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check before you finalise your choices.
