AS Level / A Level Religious Studies (Full-Time/Part-Time)
Course Overview
Also available as a Part-Time option – please select ‘Click here to contact us’ for more information.
The AS Level / A Level in Religious Studies is the social study of Religion and Religious practices, from a purely historical/academic point of view.
The AS Level / A Level in Religious Studies is the social study of Religion and Religious practices, located in the Sixth Form Academy (SFA).
It focuses on contemporary issues and encourages you to engage critically. The course covers three topics, An Introduction to the Study of Religion (Buddhism), An Introduction to Religion and Ethics and the Philosophy of Religion. Within Ethics & Philosophy we cover many relevant issues of the day. The three topics are carried over into the second year covering different topics and making synoptic links to AS work. There may be opportunties to visit Buddhist Centres/or invite Buddhist Teachers in to speak with you.
Applying for AS Levels or A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any ONE of the subjects you are interested in studying. Complete the online application form, where you will be asked to specify your other two choices. Then book an Interview appointment to meet the tutors and discuss your preferred choices.
Grade C or above in GCSE English Language/Literature is required. Grade C or above in GCSE maths desirable.
This specification provides a suitable foundation for the study of Religious Studies or a related area through a range of higher education courses (e.g. a degree course in this area), progression to the next level of Vocational Qualifications (e.g. through its contribution to the development of candidate's study skills and understanding of ethical and social issues).
Employment opportunities from the study of this topic include Nursing, Social Work, Teaching, Journalism, Police Force and Care Work.
AS
Unit 1: An Introduction to the Study of Religion: Buddhism is the chosen religion for the course. The unit provides learners with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and broad study of four fundamental religious themes: Religious Figures and Sacred Texts, Religious Concepts, Religious Life and Religious Practices that shape religious identity.
Unit 2: An Introduction to Religion and Ethics - this section provides learners with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and broad study of four fundamental ethical themes: Ethical Thought, Aquinas’ Natural Law, Fletcher’s Situation Ethics and Utilitarianism. Ethical Issues are studied – Abortion, Euthanasia, Homosexuality & Polyandry.
An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion – this section provides learners with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and broad study of four fundamental philosophical themes: Arguments for & against the existence of God - inductive, arguments for the existence of God – deductive, challenges to religious belief and religious experience. The Problem of Evil & Suffering – how it causes a problem for religious believers. Religious Experience – looking at miracles, religious language.
A2
Unit 3: A Study of Religion – Buddhism. This unit looks at four fundamental religious themes: Religious Figures and Sacred Texts, Significant Historical Developments in Religious Thought, Significant Social Developments in Religious Thought & Religious Practices that Shape Religious Identity.
Unit 4: Religion and Ethics – this unit looks at four fundamental themes: Ethical Thought, Deontological Ethics, Determinism & Freewill. Ethical Issues are also studied – Capital Punishment, Immigration etc.
Unit 5: Philosophy of Religion – this unit looks at four fundamental philosophical themes: Challenges to Religious Belief, Religious Experience – miracles etc, & Religious Language- how it differs from normal language. (Parts 1 & 2).
End of year exams for AS & A2. Assessments are carried out through various ways - they include homework and research tasks, questions, quiz, and class tests using exam questions.
