Religious Studies A Level

Religious Studies: Philosophy, Ethics and Christianity is a fascinating A Level. It provides students with an opportunity to explore the history of philosophical, ethical and religious thought and develops the skills of critical thinking, discussion and persuasive writing – all essential skills for study not only at university, but also for a vast number of careers including law, medicine, film, education or social sciences.

During the two-year course students will study the following 3 units:

Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion

• Ancient philosophical influences
• Soul, mind and body
• Arguments based on observation
• Arguments based on reason
• Religious experience
• The problem of evil
• The nature or attributes of God
• Religious language: negative, analogical or symbolical
• Religious language; twentieth-century perspectives and philosophical comparison

Unit 2: Religion and Ethics

• Natural law
• Situation ethics
• Kantian ethics
• Utilitarianism
• Euthanasia
• Business ethics
• Meta-ethical theories
• Conscience
• Sexual ethics

Unit 3: Developments in Christian Thought

• Augustine’s teaching on human nature
• Death and the afterlife
• Knowledge of God’s existence
• The person of Jesus Christ
• Christian moral principles
• Christian moral action
• Religious pluralism and theology
• Gender and society
• Gender and theology
• The challenge of secularism
• Liberation theology

Paper 1 - 33%

• Philosophy of Religion

Paper 2 - 33%

• Religion and Ethics

Paper 3 - 33%

• Developments in Christian Thought

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. This MUST include:

• Mathematics Grade 4 AND

• English Language Grade 5 OR

• English Literature Grade 5 AND English Language Grade 4

Plus

Grade 4 in Religious Studies (if studied)

AND Grade 5 in English Language OR Literature

An A Level in Religious Studies demonstrates that students have skills that increase their employability, especially in careers which demand attention to detail, empathy with other peoples’ views and the ability to argue fluently.

A Level Religious Studies combines well with most subjects including English Literature, Sociology, History and Psychology. Previous study of Religion is not necessary, but a healthy interest in philosophical issues is a must.