Why Choose A-Level Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics?

A Level Religious Studies has been designed to provide a coherent and thought-provoking programme of study based on Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics and Developments in Christian Thought. It is a two-year course of study which prepares learners for progression to Higher Education and the world of work. The 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. Learners will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.

What Will I Study and Learn?

Philosophy of Religion Learners will study:

• 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

Learners will study:

• 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

Developments in Christian Thought Learners will study:

• 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

How is the Course Assessed?

There are 3 examination papers representing the three components above. Each examination paper will last 2 hours, and they are all equally weighted.