AQA A-Level Philosophy topics and exam structure
For standalone A-Level Philosophy, AQA Philosophy 7172 is the official subject frame used here, with a clear reminder that families should confirm the student’s exact qualification. AQA says “A-level philosophy comprises four topic areas”: epistemology, moral philosophy, metaphysics of God and metaphysics of mind.
AQA Philosophy 7172 is a linear qualification: students take the assessment at the end of the course. The specification at a glance lists two written papers. Paper 1 covers epistemology and moral philosophy; Paper 2 covers metaphysics of God and metaphysics of mind. Each paper is 3 hours, 100 marks and 50% of the A Level. For AQA 7172, the assessment is written exams, not coursework or NEA.
- Epistemology: knowledge, perception, scepticism and questions about how we know.
- Moral philosophy: ethical theories, applied moral issues and the reasoning behind right and wrong.
- Metaphysics of God: concepts of God, arguments for God’s existence and problems such as evil.
- Metaphysics of mind: consciousness, mind-body theories and questions about mental states.
- Paper 1
- Epistemology and moral philosophy — 3 hours, 100 marks, 50% of the A Level.
- Paper 2
- Metaphysics of God and metaphysics of mind — 3 hours, 100 marks, 50% of the A Level.
- Coursework / NEA
- Not part of AQA A-level Philosophy 7172; students are assessed by written exams.
- Exam-board caveat
- If the student means Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics, IB or another qualification, the topics and assessment rules may differ.