Religious Studies

Course summary

Have you ever questioned why a loving God might allow the suffering of innocent children? Or wondered how we go about establishing what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ in today’s complex society? Are you curious about the way people of faith live their lives? Religious Studies at the A-level offers students the opportunity to build on and extend their critical, analytical, research, debating, and writing skills. The subject aims to promote an understanding of the self and today’s world as well as an understanding and respect for the viewpoints held by other people. The first-year course consists of three areas of study - Philosophy of Religion: enabling students to explore and evaluate the concept of God’s existence, ideas about the soul, and the concept of life after death. - Religious Ethics: enabling students to consider such topics as euthanasia and sexuality using a range of ethical theories, both religious and secular. - Developments in Religious Thought: a detailed study of a single religion; its history, key teachings, scriptures, and practice today. The second-year course further develops study in all three areas, increasing the level of depth and detailed study involved.