Theology, Philosophy & Ethics

Course Information

The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that Religious Studies A Level provides ‘suitable preparation for university generally’. This is due to the skills that the course develops, preparing them for higher education or the world of work. According to UCAS a Theology and Philosophy student will develop the following employability skills:

• empathy and imaginative insight
• self-discipline and self-direction
• independence of mind and initiative and a belief in life long learning
• teamwork skills including attending to others and having respect for others’ views ability to gather, evaluate and synthesise different types of information
• analytical ability and the capacity to formulate questions and solve problems
• IT and presentation skills
• writing skills, including accurate referencing and clarity of expression
• ability to attend closely to the meaning of written documents.

What you’ll study

This course is divided into three components which offer a variety of topics to stimulate and maintain the interest of the learner:

Philosophy of religion – students will engage with some of the most challenging questions of human existence such as, ‘What is real?’ and ‘Why do we suffer?’

Developments in Christian thought – students will look at Christian beliefs, values, teachings and practices that shape religious identity.

Religion and ethics – students will apply ethical theories to issues such as euthanasia, business ethics and sexual ethics, and assess their effectiveness.

This course will suit you if you are willing to explore the views of others as well as examining your own opinions; enjoy expressing your opinions out loud and in essays and enjoy working and interacting with others.

Your future

As the subject dovetails with most other courses on the curriculum our students go on to study a variety of courses at university and enter a variety of different professions - psychology, law, medicine, health studies, politics and teaching to name but a few. Careers in education, research, law, journalism and the media, social and pastoral care, counselling, mediation and negotiation roles, government, prison services, project management training and facilitation roles charity work, personnel and accountancy are all potential avenues for students graduating from this course.

How you’ll be assessed

There will be three written examinations at the end of your final year, each focusing on the three elements of this course.

Factfile

Level: A Level

Examining Board: OCR

Entry Requirements:

General College entry requirements.

GCSE English at Grade 4 or above.

GCSE RE at Grade 4 or above if taken. However, it is not essential to have studied RE at GCSE.

Great subjects to partner Theology, Philosophy & Ethics (Religious Studies):

English, Geography, History, Politics and Law all work well with this course. It also links well with issues raised in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geography.

To discuss whether this course will be right for you, please get in touch.

Contact: Mrs R Hyndman