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Religious Studies

What is Religious Studies A Level?

*This course was formally known as Ethics, Philosophy and Religion A-level at Newman.*

Discussions of religion, religious beliefs and the relevance of a belief in God are constantly in the media. This Religious Studies course will give you the opportunity to engage with, and respond to, some of the most important questions facing society today. By the end of your Religious Studies A-Level, you will be able to explain, interpret and compare religious beliefs and apply them to a range of philosophical and ethical issues.

Any other information about the course?

Within the first few weeks, all students need to purchase the two recommended revision guides for the course. These are ‘My Revision Notes AQA A Level Religious Studies Paper One’ and ‘My Revision Notes AQA A Level Religious Studies Paper Two’. More details will be given in lessons.

We offer day trips to Liverpool, Lancaster and UCLan as well as a residential trip to Rome jointly with the RE Department.

What Will You Study in A-Level Religious Studies?

Year 12

Philosophy of Religion:

Arguments for the Existence of God
The Problem of Evil
Religious Experiences
Miracles
Self, Death and Afterlife
Religious Language

Christianity:

Sources of Wisdom and Authority
Ideas about God
Good Conduct and Key Moral Principles
Self, Death and Afterlife
Expressions of Religious Identity
Christianity and Science
Christianity, Gender and Sexuality
Christianity and the Challenge of Secularisation
Christianity, Migration and Religious Pluralism

Year 13

Ethics:

Introduction to Meta-Ethics: The Meaning of Right and Wrong
Free Will and Moral Responsibility
Bentham and Kant
Normative Ethical Theories
Application of Ethical Theories to Issues of Human and Non-Human Life and Death
Conscience

Dialogues:

A Synoptic Unit considering the links between the different elements of the course, focusing on the impact of philosophical investigation and ethical studies on Christian belief and teaching. There is no new content, you will construct longer evaluative essays drawing on material from all sections of the course.

What Next after Completing A-Level Religious Studies?

As well as progressing to degrees in Ethics, Religious Studies and Theology, past students have also studied subjects including History, Philosophy, Sociology, Law, English, Politics and Mathematics. As the need to understand religion becomes ever more important, combined degrees linking Religious Studies with other subjects, are also increasingly popular. Our students have gone on to lead successful careers in teaching, welfare services, law, politics, the civil service, management and accountancy.

What is the Exam Board for A-Level Religious Studies?

AQA

You will sit two three-hour papers at the end of Year 13. Paper One is Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. Paper Two is Christianity and Dialogues.

What are the Entry Requirements for A-Level Religious Studies?

At least five 5s at GCSE, including at least a 6 in English Language or English Literature.

Have you considered studying a Mixed Programme (A-Levels and Btecs) Whether you’re on target to achieve five 5s in your GCSEs or not there may still be an option to study A-Levels alongside a BTEC qualification at Newman.

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