Is A Level Philosophy Hard?

A Level Philosophy can be challenging because it combines a large amount of complex content with demanding essay and evaluation skills. You'll need to understand abstract ideas, learn the arguments of key philosophers, and develop your own reasoned judgements about difficult questions.

Many students find Philosophy very different from any subject they have studied before. However, those who enjoy questioning assumptions, exploring big ideas, and developing arguments often find it one of the most rewarding A Levels available.

In this guide, we'll look at what A Level Philosophy (opens in a new tab) involves, what students often find challenging, and how you can improve your chances of success.

Key Takeaways

• A Level Philosophy combines substantial content knowledge with high-level evaluation skills

• Students study complex philosophical ideas, arguments, and key thinkers

• Many students find the abstract nature of the subject challenging at first

• Success depends on developing strong essay-writing, analysis, and evaluation skills

What Does A Level Philosophy Involve?

A Level Philosophy explores some of the biggest questions humans have ever asked. Throughout the course, you'll examine topics such as knowledge, reality, the mind, language, morality, and the existence of God.

AQA currently offers the only standalone A Level Philosophy specification (7172) (opens in a new tab) in England. Other exam boards offer A Level Religious Studies courses, which include Philosophy of Religion as a core component. 

The AQA course develops your ability to analyse philosophical arguments, evaluate competing viewpoints, and construct reasoned conclusions of your own.

Core Areas Assessed

Epistemology

This area explores the nature of knowledge.

You'll study questions such as whether knowledge comes from reason or experience, whether we can trust our senses, and how we can know anything with certainty.

Moral Philosophy

Moral philosophy examines ethical decision-making.

You'll explore ethical theories such as utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and virtue ethics. You will consider how different philosophers approach moral questions and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their theories.

Metaphysics of God

This topic explores philosophical arguments about the existence and nature of God.

Students consider the strengths and weaknesses of classical arguments for God's existence, and examine philosophical challenges such as the problem of evil.

Metaphysics of Mind

This area investigates the relationship between the mind and the body.

Questions include whether consciousness can be explained scientifically and what makes a person the same individual over time.

Exam Format and Structure

A Level Philosophy is assessed through two written examinations.

Paper 1: Epistemology and Moral Philosophy
Paper 2: Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind

Both papers are 3 hours in duration, and each is worth 50% of the total A Level grade. Questions include short responses, structured questions, and extended essays.

For a detailed breakdown of the course content, see our guide to What Is A Level Philosophy?

How Hard Is A Level Philosophy?

A Level Philosophy is generally considered a challenging subject because it requires students to learn complex philosophical content while developing sophisticated analytical and evaluative skills.

Unlike most subjects, Philosophy often asks students to question assumptions they have rarely examined before. 

You may find yourself exploring questions such as:

• What do we ‘know’ and how do we know it?

• What is morally right and wrong?

• Can we prove that God exists?

• Can we prove that we exist independently of our minds?

• What makes us the same person over time?

As a Philosophy and Religious Studies teacher, I often found that students initially expected A Level Philosophy to be a continuation of GCSE Religious Studies. They quickly discovered that success depends on an entirely different thought process. 

You’ll need to understand and clearly explain complex philosophical arguments. You’ll also evaluate evidence and justify any conclusions you reach, using careful reasoning. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s well worth it.

The 2025 AQA A Level results (opens in a new tab) suggest that many students achieve success in A Level Philosophy. Of the 3,834 students who took the qualification, 22.2% achieved an A grade or above, while 50.7% achieved at least a grade B. Overall, 74.1% achieved a grade C or above.

What Makes A Level Philosophy Challenging?

Understanding Abstract Ideas

Many students find the abstract nature of Philosophy challenging when they first begin the course.

Unlike subjects that focus on concrete facts or observable events, Philosophy often explores concepts such as reality, knowledge, consciousness, and meaning. These ideas can feel unfamiliar because there are rarely simple or definitive answers.

Learning Philosophers and Their Arguments

A Level Philosophy contains a substantial amount of content.

Students need to understand the views of key philosophers, the arguments they developed, criticisms of those arguments, and responses to those criticisms. Building this knowledge takes time and careful study.

Using Precise Philosophical Language

Language matters enormously in Philosophy.

Small differences in terminology can have a significant impact on meaning. Students need to understand and accurately use specialist vocabulary when explaining and evaluating philosophical ideas.

Evaluating Competing Viewpoints

Strong Philosophy answers compare competing viewpoints, analyse strengths and weaknesses, and explain why one argument may be more convincing than another.

Writing Balanced Essays

Essay writing is a major part of the course. Students must explain complex ideas accurately while constructing clear, balanced, and well-supported arguments of their own.

What Makes A Level Philosophy Easier?

Discussion Helps Understanding

Many students find that discussing philosophical ideas helps them understand difficult concepts.

The process of explaining arguments aloud and listening to alternative viewpoints makes abstract ideas easier to grasp. And this is what makes Philosophy an engaging and timeless subject to study. I’ve led many brilliant discussions in which ancient philosophers’ ideas have sprung to life in the hands of students who fervently agree - or disagree - with them.

Topics Develop Similar Skills

Although the content changes between topics, the analytical skills you develop are used repeatedly throughout the course.

Therefore, once students gain experience evaluating arguments and constructing essays in earlier topics, they find these skills easier to apply in later parts of the Philosophy course.

There Are No Practical Assessments

A Level Philosophy is assessed entirely through written examinations.

Students who prefer essay-based subjects often appreciate being able to focus on developing their knowledge and written skills without practical or coursework requirements.

Factors That Affect How Hard You'll Find A Level Philosophy

Your Interest in Big Questions

A genuine interest in philosophical questions can make a big difference to your motivation levels on this course.

Those who enjoy exploring questions about reality, knowledge, morality, and human existence will often find A Level Philosophy more engaging.

Your Reading Skills

Philosophy involves reading and interpreting complex ideas. Students who are comfortable reading challenging texts will find it easier to engage with the philosophical arguments they will be expected to tackle.

Your Essay-Writing Ability

Success depends heavily on written communication. Students who can explain ideas clearly and construct logical arguments often adapt more quickly to the demands of the course.

Your Willingness to Question Assumptions

Philosophy frequently challenges everyday beliefs and assumptions.

Students who succeed are the ones who are comfortable with discomfort! They’re the learners who enjoy exploring uncertainty and are prepared to grapple with questions that often have no definitive ‘yes or no’ answer.

The Amount of Practice You Do

Like most essay-based subjects, Philosophy rewards regular practice.

Completing essays, analysing arguments, and reviewing feedback can help develop confidence and improve performance over time.

How to Make A Level Philosophy Easier

Learn Key Arguments Thoroughly

Focus on understanding and being able to explain major philosophical arguments.

The better you understand an argument, the easier it becomes to evaluate it.

Build Your Philosophical Vocabulary

Learning specialist terminology can make complex ideas easier to understand and explain.

Create glossaries or flashcards to help reinforce key terms.

Practise Essay Planning

Many students benefit from planning essays before writing them in full.

This helps develop clear argument structures and improves evaluation.

Discuss Ideas with Others

Talking through philosophical concepts can reveal strengths and weaknesses in different arguments.

Discussion is often one of the most effective ways to deepen understanding.

Use Past Papers and Mark Schemes

Past papers help you understand how philosophical knowledge and evaluation are assessed.

They also help you become familiar with the structure and expectations of exam questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grade is a pass in A Level Philosophy?

An E grade is the minimum passing grade at A Level.

However, universities and courses often require significantly higher grades, so it's important to check individual entry requirements.

Is A Level Philosophy harder than A Level Religious Studies?

The two subjects share many skills, particularly essay writing and evaluation.

Many students find Philosophy more abstract because it focuses heavily on conceptual analysis and philosophical argument. A Level Religious Studies often includes a broader mix of philosophical and ethical content, but this is combined with the study of religious beliefs and practices.

How much revision do you need for A Level Philosophy?

Most students benefit from consistent revision throughout the course.

Regularly reviewing arguments, practising essays, and revisiting key terminology is usually more effective than relying on intensive revision shortly before exams.

Final Thoughts

A Level Philosophy can be challenging because it combines complex content, abstract ideas, and demanding evaluation skills. Students are expected to understand sophisticated philosophical arguments while developing clear and well-reasoned responses of their own.

However, many students find Philosophy one of the most rewarding subjects they study. If you enjoy exploring difficult questions, analysing ideas, and developing arguments, A Level Philosophy can provide a fascinating intellectual challenge and a strong foundation for further study.

Save My Exams has additional guides covering A Level Philosophy course content and your A Level subject choices to help you decide whether the qualification is right for you.

References:

• AQA | A Level - Results statistics June 2025 (opens in a new tab)

• AQA | A Level Philosophy 7172 | Specification (opens in a new tab)