Religious Studies: Philosophy, Ethics & Theology

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: OCR

Does God exist?

Can medical ethics ever allow someone to end their own life?

If you find yourself exploring big questions like these, Religious Studies is the A level for you. In RS we cover some of life’s most fundamental philosophical questions: Is the world we are living in real? What happens when we die? If God is loving and powerful, then why does God allow suffering?

Religious Studies also questions society: Is religion sexist? Do big businesses have a responsibility to society?

We also look more closely at one religion – Christianity or Hinduism – and study how it developed, examine key ideas from different perspectives, and see what it looks like in a modern world.

You will examine all of these issues in an analytical way, whilst developing key debating and critical thinking skills. You do not have to belong to a religion to enjoy this course, nor to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE – you just need to be interested and full of questions.

Students will also have the chance to gain a Level 3 NOCN qualification, which can lead to 8 additional UCAS points.

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Course Units

Unit 01: Philosophy of Religion
Unit 02: Religion and Ethics
Unit 03: Developments in Christian Religious Thought OR Developments in Hinduism – Eastern Philosophy

Course Assessment

100% exam.

Where This Course Could Take You

Religious Studies is a highly valued academic subject for students hoping to study a wide variety of degrees at university. In recent years, our RS students have gone on to study medicine, law, international politics, history, philosophy, English, anthropology, psychology, theology and classical civilisations.

Studying RS can help you to build a career in many areas, including law, medicine, journalism, government departments and the Civil Service.

Entry Requirements

6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3.

Grade 4 in English Language.

Course Highlights

Visit to The British Museum
Attending Holocaust education session at the Imperial War Museum, London
The opportunity to visit Auschwitz in Poland as part of our Holocaust education training
Day out to visit the Neasden Mandir, North London
Attending live debates at King’s College London and St Paul’s Cathedral
Day trips to universities for taster sessions and campus tours, including Cardiff, Roehampton, St Mary’s, Twickenham
A day at the National Gallery examining themes from the course through art
Trips to the cinema to explore Philosophy and Ethics through film

Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

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Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Religious Studies: Philosophy, Ethics & Theology