Why study Religious Studies?

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At AS, this specification offers an academic approach to the study of religion and is accessible to candidates of any religious persuasion or none. A wide choice of topics is offered including ethics, philosophy, the world religions and aspects of Christianity, religion and art, and religion and contemporary society. The course is for candidates who value open-minded debate and are serious about developing independence of thought and essay writing technique. This new syllabus brings a broader variety of exciting and dynamic topics linking religious belief to many other subjects including Science, English and Philosophy.

At A2 the course enables students to study in greater depth aspects of one of more religion(s), including textual, historical, ethical, phenomenological and philosophical perspectives.

What will I study?

There are two units each year. For AS there will be a written exam of one hour and fifteen minutes per unit, for A2 there will be a written exam of one and a half hours per unit. The AS grade counts as 50% of the A2 final grade.

AS Level (these are provisional)

Unit A - Religion and Ethics

Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics, Religious teaching on the nature and value of life, Abortion and Euthanasia.

Unit C - Philosophy of Religion

The Cosmological Argument, Religious Experience, Psychology and Religion, Atheism and Postmodernism.

A2 Level

Unit 3b - The Philosophy of Religion

Ontological argument and the relationship between reason and Faith, Religious language, Body, soul and personal identity, The problem of evil.

Unit 4a - Perceptions of Ultimate Reality

The definitions and understandings of God or Ultimate Reality in one or more religions. The relationship with the human person and the physical world in relation to God.

How will I study?

You will be expected to read a considerable amount of material given to you by your teacher or from the course books in the Learning Resource Centre. You will be expected to take part in serious class discussions. You will be required to sit two exam questions each half term.

What do I need to start the course?

Grade B or above in GCSE English is required.
It is not a requirement to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE but if you have, a Grade B or above is required.

All students should make sure that they know the basic beliefs of the six major world religions.
All students will need an awareness of current affairs and will be expected to comment on contemporary moral and ethical issues.