Religious Studies

Course type: A level & Applied • Awarding/exam body: OCR
Religious Studies covers some of life’s most fundamental questions: Does God exist? If God is loving and powerful, then why does God allow suffering? How can we talk meaningfully about God? How can I live a good life? It also questions society: Is Religion sexist? How can we ensure good ethical practice alongside new advances in medical developments?

Students who choose to study Christianity will examine key Bible texts and different Church teachings. Students who choose to study Hinduism will examine Eastern Philosophy through the colourful stories of the Gods and Goddesses in India, as told in the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. We will look at different forms of worship and the importance of holy people in India. Both units aim to look at the foundational teachings of that religion and to consider how developments in society impact on religion. You will examine all of these issues in a critical and analytical way, regardless of whether you are a person of religious faith or not. Universities and employers place great value on Religious Studies because through independent thinking, students develop the ability to develop and structure coherent arguments and provide textual analysis.

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

Assessment is 100% examination based. There will be three exams at the end of the course.

This Course Can Lead To…

This subject is particularly useful if you want to go on to study a degree in Religious Studies, Theology or Philosophy and also studies in Law, Criminology and Health & Social Care. This course also supports those who study the sciences, inlcuding those who wish to study Medicine. This course is available to anyone of any relgious belief, or none. 

Entry Requirements

To qualify to study 3 A level/ Applied subjects, you will need to achieve 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at grade 4 or above. 

In addition/ within those 6 GCSEs, for this subject you will need to achieve Grade 4 in English Language.

Course Highlights

  • Attendance at conferences on Philosophy and Ethics.
  • Tailored materials for the students to meet the specifications.
  • Trip to The National art gallery to examine themes of morality, heaven and hell.
  • Trip to Neasden Temple.