Course at a glance

Introduction

This Quality Assured, Level 3 Diploma in Philosophy, is aimed at providing those of an enquiring mind a study of the widely acclaimed and foundational thinking that has shaped the conceptualisation of thinking, ethics, reasoning and much more over centuries.

The course is suitable for all learners who want to understand the fundamental basis for: reality; thinking; ethics; knowledge; mind; theosophy; values and reasons. We consider the impact of philosophers’ like: Descartes, Locke, Kant, and Russell among others.

Learning Aims

The Learning programme offers insight into the philosophical foundations of society; this subject impacts in all areas of humanity and forms the core concepts that impact on our conduct, attitude and much more. The core aims of the diploma are to:

  • Specifically offers student a theoretical academic approach to the study of this area of philosophy through a robust programme of learning that will help anyone who has an enquiring mind to understand the reasoning of many aspects of society.
  • The Diploma Philosophy, encourages students to: develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, a rigorous study of the ‘why’ questions; at a specialist level and will provide strong skills that can be translated into academic learning or, employment.

Learning Objectives

  • To be able to learn, understand and apply the core foundations of philosophy that has shaped the “thinking” of society over millennia.
  • To undertake a broader study of the subject of Philosophy, through the selection of a variety of philosophical thinking. The following are examples: Plato; Aristotle; Homer; Kant; Descartes; Locke; Pythagoras and many others.
  • To encourages students to develop the critical, analytical and evaluative skills which will enable them to either go on to Higher Education to study a wide range of Social Science courses, including: Religious Studies, Philosophy, Law, Sociology, Psychology and other analytical subjects.

This course consists of Ten Units and is a qualification awarded by Oxford Learning College, in its own right; with the quality assurance of a leading awarding body (CIE Global) that hallmarks this professional qualification.

Assessment Objectives (AO)

AO: 1

Students must select and demonstrate clearly, relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures.

AO: 2

Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of spiritual human experience.

Quality of Written Communication (QWC)

In addition, OLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)

To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.

Key Features

OLC offer the opportunity to study Philosophy as a professional level 3 validated diploma course. The student will learn and/or review the nature of reasoning, thinking, the mind, metaphysics; ethics and values.

This course has several features:

  • To develop an understanding of reasoning and thinking
  • To develop understanding of why we have ethics; values and morals.
  • To treat the subject as a discipline that informs academic knowledge, understanding and skills for life.
  • To teach students an enquiring, reflective and critical approach to the study of philosophical thought.
  • To encourage students to reflect on their own thinking, the norms, perceptions, values and opinions in the light of their study.

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Entry Requirement

Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.

Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at OLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.

All students must be aged 16 or over.

Assessment

The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.

Study Hours

Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the OLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.

Quality Assurance

This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees. It is also part of the College’s validated level three Diplomas’, recognised internationally, as verified and moderated Centre for Interactive Education (CIE Global). Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Course Length

1 Year.

Awarding Body

CIE Global

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Course Content

The whole level three diploma has TEN (10) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into topic areas these are:

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 1: Moral Philosophy

In this unit, the student will be able to explore the reasoning for morals: the thinking behind them; the leading philosophical concepts that give rise to moral reasoning and there proponents – why are we moral?

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 2: Applied Ethics

The unit explores how we form our ethical thinking from a moral framework. Why are do we see some subjects/actions in society wrong? Why to do rationalise certain ideas with our thinking and arguments? Applied ethics is a moral conundrum that we all face – but, how do we ‘think’ our way to safe ground?

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 3: Political Philosophy

The unit helps the student with key philosophers’ reasoning; to explore the concept of ‘social contracts’ that govern, legal and moral codes of behaviour – why care? Why conform? Why not …?

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 4: Epistemology

In this unit we explore, with the help of key philosophers’ the concept of: ‘knowledge’ in doing so, we explore what is perceived and unperceived knowledge – acquainted reasoning or fact? Rational thought – how do we know? Existence – are we really here?

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 5: Philosophy of Mind

This unit explores the concept of: “the mind”. We consider dualism; monism; consciousness; reality and other philosophical concepts with the help of philosophers like: Descartes, Davidson, and Wittgenstein. The leading question being: have we got a mind at all?

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 6: Metaphysics

The unit considers two concepts: What is there? What is it like? How do we know that objects have existence – if we leave a room, will it still exist? What is it like while we are not present? Is there a higher being – who are they, what are they like? Do we exist beyond time and space? These are many of the core questions that this branch of philosophy seeks to form answer.

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 7: An introduction to Logic

How do we act logically? This is the key question for students. In the unit we explore logical thinking; why do we at best, try to logically answer questions; how is logic right or, wrong? What is reasoned logic? Are we always right?

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 8: Philosophy of Religion

Students will be introduced to the concept of theology. Is there a God? Do we have a spiritual purpose? We explore, Theism; Daoism; Ontology; Deontology; with the help of key philosophers like: Aquinas; Descartes; Kant and others.

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 9: Aesthetics

The unit is concerned with the philosophy of art. Why is art appealing? Why can we read into art forms; are they real perceptions of reality? Is the cost of art, morally justified by its appeal to aesthetically please the viewer?

Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma Unit 10: Philosophy of History

In this final unit we draw upon the former units to explore how history informs our thinking, rationale for war; social cohesion; politics; moral standing; values and reasoning. What can history using the concepts of philosophy really teach and inform knowledge – but, what is that knowledge, does it still exist, can it really impact here and now?

Progression

This Accredited Level 3 Philosophy Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.