A Level: Philosophy, Ethics and Theology (RS)

If you would like to sharpen your analytical skills and try to answer the most fundamental questions you should really enjoy Religious Studies. This course is intellectually challenging and stimulating. It involves hard work, lively discussions and essay writing, as well as conferences and revision days out. Religious Studies is an AS or A2 level really worth considering and makes an excellent combination with arts, humanities and science subjects.

Philosophy of religion: ancient philosophical influences; the nature of the soul, mind and body; arguments about the existence or non-existence of God; the nature and impact of religious experience; the challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil; ideas about the nature of God; issues in religious language

Religion and ethics: normative ethical theories; the application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance; ethical language and thought; debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience; sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.

Theology: religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world; sources of religious wisdom and authority; practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition; significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought; key themes related to the relationship between religion and society. Theology units will be studied in the context of Christianity

The course is assessed through three examination papers each worth 33.3% of the total marks (Philosophy of Religion; Religious Ethics; and Theology). Each exam lasts for 2 hours.

Six grade 5s (or equivalent), including at least grade 5 in Maths and English Language or Literature.

At least a 5 in the relevant subject if taken.

Universities and colleges all recognise Religious Studies (Philosophy, Ethics and Theology) as a highly academic subject. The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that Religious Studies A-Level provides ‘suitable preparation for University generally’.

Doing Religious Studies can make a significant contribution to any career that requires you to think well, that is clearly and rigorously. Businesses (such as City firms, banks, management consultancies and chartered accountants) are enthusiastic about people who’ve done Religious Studies, because they know how to think clearly. Religious Studies students also go into a variety of fields including: law, politics, the civil service, journalism, advertising and education.