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AS/A Level : Religious Studies

English Martyrs Catholic School

Anstey Lane , Leicester , Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 0FJ

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

English Martyrs Catholic School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

NULL

Course Summary

The EPR A Level course is designed to develop skills in knowledge and understanding surrounding the nature of religious belief, together with the ability to critically assess different theories and construct balanced and informed arguments. These skills form the basis of all degree courses and prepare students well for higher education. Whilst the A level builds on the skills acquired at GCSE, the content is quite different, so the A level can be studied without a GCSE in Religious Studies. However, as the qualification is essay-based, a good standard of English Language is required.

There are 3 distinct areas of study, which are examined separately for both the AS and A level qualification.

Course Details

Religion and Ethics

Normative ethical theories (what do we mean by right and wrong?)

The application of theory to contemporary issues (euthanasia and business)

Ethical language and thought today*

Debates about conscience*

Sexual ethics*

Philosophy of Religion

Ancient philosophical influences (Plato and Aristotle)

The nature of soul, mind and body

Philosophical arguments about the existence or non-existence of God.

The nature of religious experience and its evidential validity

The challenges caused by the problem of evil

The nature of God*

Issues in religious language*

Developments in Christian Thought

Teaching on human nature, death and afterlife

Sources of wisdom- natural revelation and the person of Jesus

Christian moral principles

Religious pluralism*

Gender, society and theology*

Secularism and Liberation Theology*

*A level only

How will it be delivered and assessed?

At AS level, students take 3 papers, each lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes. (2 essay questions)

At A level, students take 3 papers, each lasting 2 hours. (3 essay questions)

Exam Board: OCR

Entry requirements

Minimum requirements of 2 Level 5’s and 4 Level 4's or above to include English, and Religious Education if previously studied

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