AS/A2 Religious Studies

Religious Studies covers a wide range of key topics: including the nature of God/gods, life after death, challenges from science and the nature and role of religion. It also deals with vital philosophical issues like: arguments for the existence of God, the nature of evil and suffering, religious experience and religious language, miracles and the nature of the self. In addition, it covers various aspects of morality and ethics, including religion and sexual identity, ethical theories, issues of human life and death and issues of animal life and death. Two components, the first on the Philosophy of Religion, the second on Ethics, Religion and Society. These components must share the same faith context, and there are six such contexts to choose from: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. Component 1, the Philosophy of Religion, has three subsections: The Study of Religion, Philosophy and Religion and The Dialogue Between Religion and Philosophy. Component 2, Ethics, Religion and Society, again has three subsections: The Study of Religion, Ethics and Religion and the Dialogue Between Ethical Studies and Religion. The AS year offers a more introductory programme featuring some of the A level topics stated above. E.g. examination, assessment of course work. If there is no formal assessment this can be left blank and this section will not display on the website. • Component 1 (Philosophy of Religion): Written exam: 3 hours, 100 marks, 50% of A-level Religious Studies is a popular choice of A level and is well-regarded by good universities. It can lead to careers in teaching, the civil service, charity work, counselling, journalism, social work and many others.