Higher Philosophy (Course Code: C854 76)

SCQF Level 6 (24 SCQF credit points)

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Why study Philosophy?

Philosophy involves the exploration of questions about knowledge, morality and the world we live in.

This course will enable you to become more aware of the complexity of everyday and philosophical questions and arguments. You will develop skills in evaluating evidence, presenting arguments and justifying conclusions, enhancing your thinking and reasoning skills.

The skills you learn in this course are not only essential in a wide range of careers, but provide a valuable contribution to your personal, social and intellectual development.

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college, but you would normally be expected to have achieved:

What will I study?

The course consists of three areas of study.

Arguments in action

You will develop:

Knowledge and doubt

You will develop the ability to explain, analyse and evaluate two theories of knowledge, of Rene Descartes and David Hume, commenting on their strengths and weaknesses.

Moral philosophy

You will develop the ability to explain, analyse and evaluate two moral theories, utilitarianism and Kantian ethics.

How will I be assessed?

The course assessment has two components totalling 110 marks:

The question papers will be set and externally marked by SQA.


The course assessment is graded A-D.

Study Materials

What can I go on to next?

Further study, training or employment in:

Where can my parents find out more?


They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - Philosophy (Higher)