Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (A-level)

A-Level Religious Studies (RS) is an ideal choice for those who are interested in engaging in the great questions of our existence, religious experience, the role of language in presenting valid arguments, the problem of evil, the existence / non-existence of God, whether ethical terms such as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ have actual meaning and gaining an understand of the development and role of Christianity in global context; both historic and contemporary.

Students who choose to study A-Level RS will develop their analytical and evaluative skills, and be able to engage in informed and reasoned debates, putting forward their own views, whilst respecting those of others.

As an academic subject, A-Level RS is highly regarded by universities, and will serve as a strong option to gain entrance onto arts, humanities and social science degree courses, whilst the ethics units combine well with science-based A-Levels for those wishing to prepare themselves for admission onto biomedical sciences, and medicine degrees.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4.

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

Component 1: Religion (Christianity)

Theme 1: Religious Figures and Sacred Texts

Theme 2: Religious Concepts and Religious Life

Theme 3: Significant Social and Historical Development in Religious Thought

Theme 4: Religious Practices that Shape

Component 2: Philosophy

Theme 1: Arguments for the Existence of God

Theme 2: Challenges to Religious Belief

Theme 3: Religious Experience

Theme 4: Religious Language

Component 3: Ethics

Theme 1: Ethical Thought / Meta Ethics

Theme 2: Deontological (Natural Law Theory / Modern Updates)

Theme 3: Teleological (Situation Ethics and Utilitarianism)

Theme 4: Determinism and Free Will

This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre.

Throughout the course you will benefit from regular key terms assessments, end of topic knowledge checks, and in class / home learning essays to develop your essay writing technique.

The examination will happen at the end of the two year course and will take the form of 3 x 2 hours exams; 1. Christianity, 2. Philosophy and 3. Ethics.

A-Level Religious Studies (RS) is a highly transferrable A-Level, complimenting subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Law, Sciences, History, Art and English Language and Literature. Additionally, with its emphasis on reasoning, analysis, evaluation and forming / presenting a coherent argument provides an excellent foundation for undergraduate studies.

Jobs where knowledge of Religious Studies could be useful include:

• Barrister
• Civil Service fast streamer
• Diplomacy
• Health service manager
• Journalism
• Local government officer
• Marketing executive
• Newspaper journalist
• Psychotherapist
• Recruitment consultant
• Solicitor
• Stockbroker
• Teaching

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk