Religious Studies - A Level (OCR)

Does God exist? Do we have souls? Is there an afterlife? Is it acceptable to help someone to die if it ends their pain? A Level Religious Studies examines these ideas and other religious, philosophical, and ethical issues and debates as well as asking what the great philosophers and religious thinkers had to say about them. You will also explore the main teachings of Buddhism, culminating in an optional residential trip to a Buddhist Centre in Cumbria.

Topics covered can include:

• Buddhism is unusual for being the only major religion that does not revolve around a belief in God. You will study the main teachings and practices of Buddhism and ask questions such as - What happens to Buddhistsists when they die? How does meditation lead to enlightenment? Why don’t Buddhists believe in a soul?
• Philosophy of Religion explores different arguments for the existence of God and examines the challenge to religious belief from the problem of evil. Other topics studied include the issues with religious experience and whether the soul is something spiritual and separate to the body or just thoughts within the brain
• Ethics explores what it means to say that an action is right or wrong or that a person is good or bad. You will consider the role that conscience can play in our decision-making. You will also examine ethical dilemmas that surround issues of life and death.

You will need:

• Grade 5 or above, and at least one grade 6 or above, in GCSE English Language plus one other written subject, such as History, Geography, Humanities, English Literature, Business, Media Studies, Religious Studies, Drama and Film Studies
• Three further GCSEs at grade 4 or above

If you wish to study 4 A Levels, you will need 7 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including two at grade 8.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them.

Assessment is through three written exams at the end of the second year of the course.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

Students who study Religious Studies develop rigorous critical thinking skills, empathy and compassion useful in a range of public-facing roles such as medicine, law, the civil service, charity work, counselling, journalism and social work among others.