Summary

This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and the philosophy of religion. Learners will develop their critical analysis skills in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.

In this course you will study:

Component 1 – Philosophy of religion

• 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

Component 2 – Religion and ethics

• 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

Component 3 – Developments in religious thought (students select one religion to study systematically)

• 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

All content is taught over both years and will be assessed at the end of the second year.

How will I know how I am doing?

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion

• 2 hours, 33.3%
• 3 essays out of a choice of 4

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics

• 2 hours, 33.3%
• 3 essays out of a choice of 4

Paper 3: Developments in Religious Thought (Christianity or Buddhism)

• 2 hours, 33.3%
• 3 essays out of a choice of 4

What do I need to join?

Five GCSEs at grade 4–9, including English and Maths.

Work Experience

You will be required to do a minimum of 36 hours of work experience. This is usually completed in a week during your first year in term time, where you will have the opportunity to explore a career field which takes your interest. In the lead-up to this week, you will be asked to create an exciting CV during a group tutorial period. The aim of this activity is to give you an idea of what full-time employment is like and to help you think about which career you would like to follow.

What can I do next?

Religious studies is a strong academic subject that is often chosen by those wanting to pursue university study. Philosophy of religion is a good springboard for the study of philosophy at university, as well as the vast topic of religion, which at higher education includes: theology, ethics, contemporary religion, Eastern religions and philosophy.

Religious studies also provides a good grounding for other degree subjects, including sociology, anthropology and psychology.

In career terms, religious studies is very useful for those considering working with people. Teachers, nurses, doctors and social workers often study religious studies as an additional subject, because it covers areas of ethics and therefore encourages students to empathise, view the world in a more complex way, open their minds and consider other people’s perspectives and points of view.