What A-levels do you need to study philosophy?

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 civilisation

• 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.

Examples of philosophy degree requirements

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.’

Other similar degree subjects

• history

• religious studies/theology.

• politics

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.