Philosophy, Ethics and Christian Developments is a fascinating A Level. It provides students plenty to think about and helps to sharpen skills in critical thinking, discussion and persuasive writing – all skills which will be of great benefit to in later life, whether students choose to go on to further study, or move into the world of work. During the two year course students will study the following 3 units:  

Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion Ancient philosophical influences; soul, mind and body; arguments based on observation; arguments based on reason; religious experience; the problem of evil; the nature or attributes of God; religious language: negative, analogical or symbolical; religious language; twentieth-century perspectives and philosophical comparison. 

Unit 2: Religion and Ethics Natural law; situation ethics; Kantian ethics; utilitarianism; euthanasia; business ethics; meta-ethical theories; conscience; sexual ethics. 

Unit 3: Developments in Christian Thought Augustine’s teaching on human nature; death and the afterlife; knowledge of God’s existence; the person of Jesus Christ; Christian moral principles; Christian moral action; religious pluralism and theology; gender and society; gender and theology; the challenge of secularism; liberation theology.

Assessment

Paper 1 - 33%

• Philosophy of Religion  
  

Paper 2 - 33%

• Religion and Ethics 
  

Paper 3 - 33%

• Developments in Christian Thought  

Skills Developed and Career Prospects

An A Level in Religious Studies demonstrates that students have skills that increase their employability, especially in careers which demand attention to detail, empathy with other peoples’ views and the ability to argue fluently.

Religious Studies A Level combines well with most subjects including: English Literature, Sociology, History and Psychology. Individuals with a qualification in Religious Studies progress to a wide range of careers, such as Law, the Police and Social Services, Health Care professions, Teaching, Politics and Journalism.