Religious Studies - A Level

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Qualification:  A Level Religious Studies

Exam Board:  AQA

A Level Religious Studies is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating course that explores some of the biggest questions about life, belief, morality and human existence. You will study philosophy, ethics and religious thought, examining a range of viewpoints and developing the ability to analyse, evaluate and construct reasoned arguments. The course encourages critical thinking, open-minded discussion and independent enquiry, making it an excellent choice for students interested in law, politics, philosophy, education, social sciences and a wide range of university courses and careers.

Course Content

Philosophy of Religion: Arguments for/against the existence of God, solutions to the Problem of Evil, the nature of religious language, approaches to miracles, and the body/soul relationship.

Religion and Ethics: Theories of right and wrong, moral dilemmas (abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, cloning, lying), the conscience, free will and meta-ethics.

Developments in Christian Thought: Christian beliefs about God, the Bible, and the Church; expressions of identity; views on sex, homosexuality, multicultruarlism, and secularisation.

Assessment

  • This course is 100% exam-based with exams taken at the end of Year 13.
  • Consists of two exams, each 3 hours long: Paper 1 (Philosophy and Ethics) and Paper 2 (Christianity and Dialogues)
  • Year 12 focuses heavily on knowledge and understanding, while Year 13 demands rigorous critical analysis of ideas and philosophers’ works.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

  • Supports critical thinking and decision making through debate and discussion. Encourages enthusiasm for rigorous academic study and engagement with a range of opinions and attitudes.
  • Opportunity to apply for Subject Captain position.

Progression Post 18

Religious Studies is a classic foundation for humanities, social sciences and professional fields. Popular degrees include Philosophy, Theology, Philosophy and Christian Studies, Law, Politics and International Relations, Sociology and Anthropology.

Associated apprenticeships include:

  • Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship, Corporate Risk, Compliance and HR Apprenticeships, Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship
  • Registrar, Creative and Cultural Heritage, Cultural Learning and Participation Officer
  • School Chaplaincy or Children, Young People and Families Practitioner.

Careers

Religious Studies teaches you how to pick apart complex arguments, understand human behaviour and navigate deeply sensitive ethical dilemmas. It therefore opens doors to corporate, legal and public sector careers such as:

  • Barrister, solicitor, medical ethics, healthcare compliance
  • Diplomacy, foreign intelligence, public policy, local government, international aid and NGOs.
  • Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist, Human Resources
  • Journalism and foreign correspondence, public relations
  • Healthcare, corporate, military chaplain
  • Social work, youth counselling and teaching.

What our students say about this course

Year 13 student

"I'm currently studying Religious Studies, Psychology and English Literature & Language at A level.

I enjoy all my subjects, especially with the extra help and support from all my teachers and the positive vibe at Coombe.

I'm passionate about philosophy, ethics, beliefs and values, I aspire to study Religious Studies at University, before taking a teaching degree and becoming a secondary school teacher."

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