Religious Studies A level
Entry requirements
- GCSE Religious Studies Grade 6 or above
Or
- GCSE English Language Grade 6 or above
Course outline
Students will study three components; Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, Development in Religious Thought. Elements of all three components are taught in both Yr12 and Yr13
Course content
OCR A level Religious Studies, (H573)
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 religious 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
in the context of one religion chosen from Christianity (03), Islam (04), Judaism (05), Buddhism (06) or Hinduism (07).
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is at the end of Yr 13 and consists of three papers, each 2 hours in length:
Philosophy of Religion – exam: 2 hours, 120 marks (worth 33.3%)
Religion & Ethics – exam: 2 hours, 120 marks (worth 33.3%)
Development of Christian Thought – exam: 2 hours, 120 marks (worth 33.3%)
Future opportunities
Religious Studies is considered a rigorous academic A-Level and is highly regarded by Universities for the skills students develop. Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Russell Group universities, put it in their ‘top level’ list of subjects.
Following the course there are a variety of career opportunities that students could follow including: Law; accountancy; medicine; ethical issues in bio-engineering; commerce; industry; politics; research; business management; financial services; politics; journalism; media; social services; Civil Service and education.
Who to speak to for more information:
Mr S Hiscock, Head of PRE & PSHE, s.hiscock@kwschool.co.uk