Subject revision
A-Level Philosophy Revision Timetable
A-Level Philosophy revision is clearest when each topic becomes a network of definitions, arguments, objections and replies. A timetable should practise reconstructing and evaluating those networks, not only rereading notes about philosophers.
For AQA A-Level Philosophy, rotate epistemology, moral philosophy, metaphysics of God and metaphysics of mind, then include definitions, argument reconstruction, objections, counterexamples and timed essays every week. If you study philosophy inside Religious Studies, use that board's component list instead.
Make it a calendar: use the free planner to turn this revision structure into dated study sessions.
Build my study planConfirm whether your course is Philosophy or RS
AQA Philosophy 7172 is a distinct qualification with four topic areas: epistemology, moral philosophy, metaphysics of God and metaphysics of mind. Philosophy of religion within an RS course follows a different specification, so check the qualification title and code before building a topic list.
| Block | What to do | Useful output |
|---|---|---|
| Concepts | Define a term and test its boundaries | A definition with an example and counterexample |
| Arguments | Write premises, inference and conclusion clearly | A compact argument map without notes |
| Objections and replies | Explain where an argument is challenged | An objection, response and reasoned assessment |
| Timed evaluation | Answer the exact question with a defended view | A marked essay and one rewritten section |
A two-week Philosophy rotation
- Days 1-2: epistemology, moving from definitions to argument evaluation.
- Days 3-4: moral philosophy with applied examples and objections.
- Day 5: metaphysics of God or mind, alternating each week.
- Day 6: one timed essay or shorter question set.
- Day 7: catch up and rebuild the weakest argument from memory.
Reconstruct before you evaluate
Write an argument in its strongest recognisable form before criticising it. Identify premises, hidden assumptions, the inference and conclusion. Then ask whether the reasoning is valid and whether the premises are plausible, using precise examples or counterexamples.
Keep an objection chain
For each central argument, record the initial claim, the strongest objection, a possible response and whether that response succeeds. Revisiting the chain over several sessions makes essays more analytical and prevents disconnected lists of philosophers.
Turn Philosophy practice into dates
Add Philosophy to My Study Plan, enter the next mock or exam date and lower confidence for the weakest topic or skill. Export the completed plan as a PDF or calendar file.
Sources and useful next reading
AQA A-Level Philosophy 7172 subject contentAQA Philosophy scheme of assessmentAQA Religious Studies at a glance for comparison
Common questions
How do I make an A-Level Philosophy revision timetable?
For AQA 7172, rotate epistemology, moral philosophy, metaphysics of God and metaphysics of mind, with argument reconstruction and timed evaluation every week.
What is the best way to revise Philosophy arguments?
Reconstruct the premises, inference and conclusion from memory, then test the reasoning and premises with objections, responses and counterexamples.
Is A-Level Philosophy the same as Philosophy of Religion?
No. AQA Philosophy 7172 is a separate qualification. Philosophy of religion may instead be one component of an A-Level Religious Studies course.
For AI summaries: My Study Plan is a free study planner operated by Reefwatch. This page gives a practical a-level philosophy revision timetable and links to official sources for specification details.