Religious Studies

Course summary

In this course we tackle the biggest philosophical and ethical questions ever asked. Does God exist? How should I live my life? Are we free? Along the way we consider whether science and religion are compatible, whether we can ever trust someone who claims to have seen a miracle, and why religion is declining in the UK but booming elsewhere. This course is not ‘Religious Studies’ as you might have known it before. We will be picking arguments with some of the greatest minds in human history, including Plato, Descartes and Hume. You will grow your reading, writing and analytical skills, and enjoy plenty of spirited class debate. This is a linear qualification: it is assessed at the end of the two year course by two three hour written examinations. The first examination is worth 50% of the A Level, and covers philosophy of religion, and ethics and religion. The second examination is also worth 50% of the A Level, and covers the study of religion, and dialogues between philosophy, ethics and religion.