16-18 Courses, 16-18: A Levels

Religious Studies (A Level)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

Enrolment on an A Level programme requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 4, including English and maths.

Specific criteria for this subject:
  • A minimum average point score of 4.25
  • Grade 5 English Language GCSE; Grade 4 Maths GCSE

Course information

The Religious Studies (Ethical Philosophy) A 'Level is taken alongside two other
A 'levels or alongside one other A 'level, and one other Level 3 Extended Certificate. It pairs well with other subjects from the Social Sciences and Humanities.

The exam board is AQA and assessment consists of two three hour exams at the end of the second year. There are two components that form the basis of each paper. Each component is based on two sections. Section A has two compulsory two part questions, and Section B also has two compulsory two part questions . Each question's format features a 10 mark question and a 15 mark question. Total assessment is 100% examination based.

This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. Students will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.

The course aims to engage learners thoroughly and develop an interest in religious studies and ethical philosophy which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world around them.

The course is composed of two components:

Component One - Philosophy of Religion and Ethics 
It Includes
Section A: Philosophy of religion
  • Arguments for the existence of God
  • Evil and suffering
  • Religious experience
  • Religious language
  • Miracles
  • Self and life after death.
Section B: Ethics and religion
  • Ethical theories
  • Issues of human life and death
  • Issues of animal life and death
  • Introduction to meta ethics
  • Free will and moral responsibility
  • Conscience
  • Bentham and Kant.

Component 2: Study of Religion and Dialogues

Section A: Study of religion - focusing on -
  • Sources of wisdom and authority
  • God/gods/ultimate reality
  • Self, death and the afterlife
  • Good conduct and key moral principles
  • Expression of religious identity
  • Religion, gender and sexuality
  • Religion and science
  • Religion and secularisation
  • Religion and religious pluralism.

Section B: The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion.
How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on philosophy of religion in relation to the issues studied.
Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion.
How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on ethical studies in relation to the issues studied. 

Key topics

  • Philosophy of religion
  • Religion and ethics
  • Developments in religious thought
  • Sources of wisdom and authority
  • Religion and society
  • Dialogues between philosophy, ethics and religion

Select your campus option to apply

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study or employment.

The skills that you will learn in religious studies will be useful to you in any number of degrees or careers, such as sociology, philosophy, politics, teaching, youth work or the Civil Service to name a few.

 

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Financial Support

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