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, students follow the OCR Religious Studies specification. In Year 12, they 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 surrounding faith and reason.
In Religion and Ethics, students study key ethical theories and apply them to contemporary moral issues.
Throughout the year, students develop their 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.
Students 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 written examinations at the end of the course.
Assessment Components
Component 1
Component 2
Component 3
Assessment is 100% written examinations. All three components are examined separately 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.
Philosophy / 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 interested in philosophy, ethics and theology, with a strong emphasis on constructing balanced, informed arguments.
Year 12
Students follow the OCR Religious Studies specification and begin studying Philosophy of Religion and Religion and Ethics. Topics include arguments for and against the existence of God, religious experience, evil and suffering, faith and reason, ethical theories and contemporary moral issues.
Year 13
Students deepen their understanding of all three components, with particular focus on Developments in Christian Thought. They explore questions of identity, gender, pluralism, secularisation and the role of the Church in modern society.
Students develop their analytical, evaluative and written argument skills in preparation for their final examinations.
Assessment Components
Component 1: Philosophy of Religion. Written examination at the end of Year 13.
Component 2: Religion and Ethics. Written examination at the end of Year 13.
Component 3: Developments in Christian Thought. Written examination at the end of Year 13.
Assessment weighting: 100% written examinations. There is no coursework.
Opportunities
Religious Studies is highly respected by universities and supports progression into careers such as law, medicine, journalism, education and social work.
The course develops critical thinking, ethical decision-making, written communication, analytical reasoning and the ability to construct evidence-based arguments. These transferable skills are valued across a wide range of professions.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 5 in RE.
Desirable: Grade 6 in RE.