Encompassing philosophy, ethics and theology, you'll enjoy Religious Studies if you are fascinated by life's big questions. You'll need to be interested in the viewpoints and perspectives of others and enjoy essay writing. It's the study of the way religions have shaped and influenced the world and continue to do so today. Religious studies has great relevance to modern life, ethical questions being of concern to many professionals, from the engineers designing driverless cars to doctors making decisions on health care. Religious Studies can be useful across a variety of careers and complements most other A level subjects. You'll learn to question, think, criticise, analyse and respect a wide range of ideas and opinions. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a variety of philosophical arguments, ethical theories and religious ideas as well considering your own interpretations. You'll look at the ancient philosophers including Plato, Aristotle and Descartes and contemplate concepts such as the nature of God, the soul, mind and body and the problem of evil. You'll learn through comparisons of the works of scholars of ethics (Aquinas and Freud) and apply your understanding to two important contemporary issues (euthanasia, business or sexual ethics) and spend time studying one religion in depth to understand how religious beliefs, values, practices and teachings shape religious identity. You will develop your extended writing, research and analytical skills, as well as logical thinking and the use of reasoned argument.