Philosophy, Religion and Ethics A level (See Option Blocks on our website)

We study the Eduqas Examination Board Specification for Religious Studies at A Level.

The course is based on three components:

1. A Study of Religion: Christianity (Option A)

Themes:

• Religious figures and sacred texts
• Religious concepts and religious life
• Significant social and historical developments in religious thought
• Religious practices and religious identity

Percentage and Assessment:

• 33.3%- 2 hour exam, 2 essay style questions made up of 2 parts (some choice)

2. Philosophy of Religion

Themes:

• Arguments for the existence of God
• Challenges to religious belief
• Religious experience
• Religious language

Percentage and Assessment:

33.3%- 2 hour exam, 2 essay style questions made up of 2 parts (some choice)

3. Religion and Ethics

Themes:

• Ethical thought
• Deontological ethics
• Teleological ethics
• Determinism and free will

Percentage and Assessment:

33.3%- 2 hour exam, 2 essay style questions made up of 2 parts (some choice)

Where students have studied Religious Studies before, they need to have achieved a Grade 5 at GCSE. Good literacy skills are necessary.

Most importantly students need to display: -

• An open mind
• A willingness to learn
• The ability to consider more than one point of view
• Commitment towards good attendance
• The ability to meet deadlines

What about Universities - how do they view Religious Studies?

Universities are very keen on students who have Religious Studies A Level because: -

• 25% of Oxford entrants have studied philosophy, ethics and religion

• Of the range of skills you learn (analysis, evaluation, essay writing, debating, presenting, hypothesising and criticising.)

• Of the topics covered e.g. morality, science, philosophy, psychology, logic, freedom, feminism, atheism, pluralism and the meaning of life.

  Which degree subjects is it particularly useful for?

  With the skills you will develop on the course a whole range of subjects will be open to you including; Theology, Religious Studies, Law, Medicine, Bio-medical Sciences, Politics, Sociology, History, Psychology, English.