Religious Studies (Philosophy, Religion & Ethic)

Exam Board: Edexcel

 

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STRUCTURE OF COURSE

This award is a two year A Level qualification. 

Component 1 Philosophy of religion 

Component 2 Religion and ethics 

Component 3 Developments in Christian thought 

ASSESSMENT

Component 1: Paper 1 , 2 Hour exam, 33.3% of total A Level. (120 Marks)

Component 2: Paper 2,  2 hour exam, 33.3% of total A Level. (120 Marks)

Component 3: Paper 3, 2 Hour exam, 33.3% of total A level. (120 Marks)

CONTENT

Component 1: Philosophy of religion

Students study philosophical language and thought, and issues and questions raised by belief:

  • 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

Students explore key concepts and the works of influential thinkers, ethical theories and their application:

  • 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 Christian thought 

  • 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

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS

Religious Studies is a widely respected academic subject because of its ability to develop high order skills. Theologians are very well prepared to work in careers which demand analytical skills and the ability make measured judgements. It can support entry to careers such as Journalism, Law, Finance, Research, Policy Development, Local and Central Government and Medicine. 

COMPLIMENTARY SUBJECTS

This subject goes very well with English, Politics, Economics, Classics, Modern Languages, Geography or History. This subject fits very well with any combination of subjects.

  1. Religious Studies A Level Subject Guide

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