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Religious Studies

What is Religious Studies A Level?

Previously known as Ethics, Philosophy, and Religion A-Level at Cardinal Newman.

Religion, beliefs, and the question of God’s relevance are often in the spotlight today. Our Religious Studies A-Level course gives you the chance to engage with some of society’s most significant questions.

By the end of your A-Level, you’ll be able to explain, interpret and compare religious beliefs and consider their applications to a variety of philosophical and ethical issues.

Additional Course Information

In the first few weeks, students will need to purchase the two recommended revision guides:

My Revision Notes AQA A-Level Religious Studies Paper One
My Revision Notes AQA A-Level Religious Studies Paper Two

Full details will be provided in lessons.

This course also includes enriching trips, such as day visits to Liverpool, Lancaster, and UCLan, as well as an exciting residential trip to Rome in collaboration with the RE Department.

What Will You Study in A-Level Religious Studies?

During the A-Level Religious Studies programme, you’ll explore fundamental questions in philosophy, ethics, and Christianity, examining the beliefs, values and challenges within religious and secular contexts.

Year 12 Topics

In Year 12, you will study Philosophy of Religion and Christianity, covering topics such as:

Philosophy of Religion:

Arguments for the Existence of God
The Problem of Evil
Religious Experiences and 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’s views on Science, Gender and Sexuality, Secularisation, Migration, and Religious Pluralism

Year 13 Topics

In Year 13, you’ll explore ethics and engage in a dialogues synoptic unit that connects key ideas from the course:

Ethics:

Introduction to Meta-Ethics: The Meaning of Right and Wrong

Free Will and Moral Responsibility

Ethical theories by Bentham and Kant

Normative Ethical Theories

Applying Ethical Theories to Life and Death Issues

Conscience

Dialogues:

A synoptic unit analysing connections across philosophy, ethics, and Christian beliefs, concentrating on how philosophical and ethical studies influence Christian teaching.

This detailed course provides a solid foundation in understanding and evaluating complex religious, ethical and philosophical issues.

What Next after Completing A-Level Religious Studies?

A-Level Religious Studies opens doors to a variety of degree options beyond just Ethics, Religious Studies, and Theology. Many of our students have pursued related subjects such as:

History
Philosophy
Sociology
Law
English
Politics
Mathematics

With an increasing need for a deeper understanding of religion, combined degrees that link Religious Studies with other disciplines are also in demand.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in:

Teaching and welfare services
Law and politics
Civil service and management
Accountancy

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

The Religious Studies A-Level course is assessed by the AQA board. At the end of Year 13, students will sit two three-hour exams:

Paper One: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
Paper Two: Christianity and Dialogues

These exams ensure a thorough understanding of philosophical, ethical, and theological topics, preparing students for further study or careers that value critical thinking and analytical skills.

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

To enrol on the Religious Studies A-Level programme, you’ll need at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including a minimum grade 6 in either English Language or English Literature.

At Cardinal Newman, we offer a flexible Mixed Programme. This allows you to combine A-Levels with BTECs. This option is available even if you’re not on track to achieve all five grade 5s, giving you the opportunity to pursue a pathway that best supports your strengths and academic goals.

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