Religious Studies A Level (AQA)
You will be required to engage in debate in a way that recognises the right of others to hold a different view. You will study the influence of social, religious and historical factors on developments in the study of religions and beliefs. You will also gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers. Throughout the year you will be assessed via essays, reports, presentations and mock exams. You must obtain at least a grade D at AS to progress to the second year of the A Level qualification. Work experience is a compulsory part of your A Level study programme. All students are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours work experience in both year one and year two. This will help develop the personal qualities and skills required by universities and employers.
Topics covered may include:
Philosophy of religion and ethics: You will be assessed on your knowledge, understanding and ability to analyse and evaluate philosophy of religion (Section A) and ethics and religion (Section B). The main religion studied in section A will be Islam.
• Arguments for the existence of God
• Evil and suffering
• Religious experience
• Ethical theories
• Issues of human life and death
• Issues of animal life and death
Study of religion and dialogues: You will be assessed on your knowledge, understanding and ability to analyse and evaluate a single religion (Section A) and issues related to the dialogue between philosophy of religion (Section B) and issues related to the dialogue between ethical studies and religion (Section C).
• Sources of wisdom and authority
• God/gods/ultimate reality
• Life after death
• Key moral principles
• Religious identity
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English language at grade 5 or above. GCSE religious studies is desirable but not essential. If you have taken GCSE Religious Studies at school you should have achieved at least a grade 6 (B). Students who are re-sitting AS/A Level are required to provide a reference from their previous school or college and pass an initial assessment and interview.
This subject goes very well with A Levels in: law, sociology, media and government & politics. Previous students have progressed to either HNDs or degrees in: theology, politics, law, education, sociology and social policy.
