Philosophy
This engaging and challenging A-Level allows students to explore life’s most profound questions while developing critical thinking, logical reasoning and ethical evaluation skills. Ideal for those passionate about philosophy, ethics and theology, it equips students with the intellectual tools to navigate complex moral and theological issues, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and constructing balanced, informed arguments.
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Year 12
At A Level we follow the OCR Religious Studies specification. In Year 12, students are introduced to two of the three core components: Philosophy of Religion and Religion and Ethics.
In Philosophy of Religion, students explore classic arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature and significance of religious experience, the problem of evil and suffering and questions around faith and reason. In Religion and Ethics, they study key ethical theories and apply them to contemporary moral issues, developing skills in analysis, evaluation and extended written argument.
Year 13
In Year 13, students deepen their understanding of all three components, with particular focus on Developments in Christian Thought. Here they consider how Christian theology has engaged with questions of identity, gender, pluralism, secularisation and the role of the Church in the modern world.
Across the two years, students refine their ability to construct coherent, evidence-based arguments within a religious, philosophical and ethical framework. Each component is assessed through its own examination, leading to three exams at the end of the course.
Assessment Components
Components 1–3
Structure
All three components are assessed by dedicated examinations at the end of the course, testing students’ knowledge, understanding, analysis and evaluation across philosophy, ethics and developments in Christian thought.
Opportunities
Studying Religious Studies enhances analytical and evaluative skills, written communication and the ability to form coherent, evidence-based arguments. This A-Level is highly respected by universities and valued in careers such as law, medicine, journalism, education and social work.
In the professional arena, philosophy is far from abstract: it provides a strategic advantage by fostering critical thinking, enhancing communication skills and promoting ethical decision-making. Employers value the practical application of philosophical reasoning and ethical awareness in the workplace.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 5 in RE.
Desirable Grade 6 in RE.
Religious Studies (A-Level)
This engaging and challenging A-Level allows students to explore life’s most profound questions while developing critical thinking, logical reasoning and ethical evaluation skills. It is ideal for those with an interest in philosophy, ethics and theology and places strong emphasis on critical analysis and constructing balanced, informed arguments.
Topics We Study
Students follow the OCR Religious Studies specification and study three components over two years: Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and Developments in Christian Thought. Each component is assessed by its own exam, resulting in three examinations at the end of the course.
Across these components, students explore arguments about the existence of God, religious experience, evil and suffering, major ethical theories and their application to contemporary issues, and key developments in Christian theology and practice.
Assessment
Assessment is 100% examination. Each of the three components – Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and Developments in Christian Thought – is examined separately in a dedicated written paper at the end of the course.
Opportunities
Religious Studies enhances analytical and evaluative skills, written communication and the ability to form coherent, evidence-based arguments. It is highly respected by universities and valued in careers such as law, medicine, journalism, education and social work.
In the workplace, philosophical and ethical training provides a strategic advantage by fostering critical thinking, strong communication skills and ethical decision-making – qualities that employers increasingly seek.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 5 in RE.
Desirable: Grade 6 in RE.