The new Religious Studies specification provides students with the exciting opportunity to explore the
philosophy of religion and ethics and gain a deeper understanding of world religions. The aim of the course
is to inspire students to engage in topical issues and acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of
major issues that are relevant in the 21st century.
You will have the opportunity to study in-depth religious beliefs, teachings and practices and how this has
shaped social and historical development and created religious identity. You will also look at a broad study
of philosophical themes, ranging from arguments for the existence of God to the use of religious language.
You will study ethical themes ranging from theories of what makes an action right or wrong, to applied
ethical issues like euthanasia and business ethics. The course has three components each worth 33% of
the qualification and each component is assessed by a two-hour written examination.
It is not necessary to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE. However, if a student has studied the
subject at GCSE they need to achieve a grade 5 or above in GCSE Religious Studies. Other students
need to have achieved a grade 5 in English.
You need to have the commitment to research and work independently, develop analytical and essay
writing skills, to question and debate having a willingness to participate fully in discussion work. You also
will need a high level of organisation and the ability to prioritise workloads.
Religious Studies provides excellent training for a variety of careers, such as law, teaching, counselling,
business, journalism, politics, medicine, and the arts. The subject encourages students to become wellinformed and independent thinkers prepared to learn and engage in the world around them. The Russell
Group of top universities has made it clear that Religious Studies A level provides ‘suitable preparation for
University generally’. Courses in Religious Studies also provide excellent preparation simply for living life
in a pluralistic society and global culture.