Religious Studies.
Religious Studies is the study and analysis of the world and people to understand why they behave as they do and how their approach to the world impacts on their actions.
Course overview
Religious Studies is the study and analysis of the world and people to understand why they behave as they do and how their approach to the world impacts on their actions.
The beauty of Religious Studies is that it allows for personal reflection, discussion, and the formation of argument and the debating of relevant ethical ideas. Your lessons will allow you to deepen your thoughts and ideas, challenge traditional concepts and arguments and articulate your reasoning and evaluation of moral issues.
This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. You will develop your skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.
OCR’s A Level Religious Studies course aims to engage you thoroughly and develop an interest in Religious Studies which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world.
What you'll explore
Discover the knowledge and skills you'll develop throughout this course.
- Philosophy of religion
- Religion and ethics
- Developments in Christian thought
How is the Course Structured?
Entry requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies if studied.
- Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.
How you'll be assessed
Explore examination papers, coursework and practical assessments.
Assessment breakdown
Philosophy of religion – 33.3% of A Level and a 2 hour exam You will study:
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 and the problem of evil
Ideas about the nature of God
Issues in religious language.
Religion and Ethics - 33.3% of A Level and a 2-hour exam You will study:
Normative ethical theories: Natural Moral Law, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics
The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance: Euthanasia and Business Ethics
Meta Ethics
Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious belief
Developments in Religious Thought - 33.3% of A Level
and a 2 hour exam
You will study:
Augustine’s teaching on human nature
Death and the afterlife
Knowledge of God’s existence
The person of Jesus Christ
Christian moral principles
Christian moral action
Religious pluralism and theology
Religious pluralism and society
Gender and religion
Gender and society
The challenge of secularism
Where could Religious Studies take you?
Explore further study, career opportunities and the skills this subject can develop.
Progression Routes
The skills of evaluation and analysis that Religious Studies teaches you is applicable to almost any walk of life. Religious Studies can prepare you for anything that you want to do.
According to AGCAS - the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service. RE/Theology graduates go into a wide range of careers. However they, and employers, feel that it particularly prepares students for the following careers:
Financial Services sector
Legal sector
Medicine
Politics
Consultancy Journalism
Media sector
Education sector
Publishing sector
Social Care sector
Voluntary sector
Social & Pastoral Care
Community work
Additional course information
Is there anything else I should know?
There is no coursework in Religious Studies.
Religious Studies is designed to teach you analytical and evaluative ability and is therefore useful to study alongside any subject.
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