Head of Department
Mr I Harris
Why study this A Level?
A Level Religious studies at BSG provides an in-depth exploration of philosophy and ethics through a range of teaching styles, such as detailed lecture-style lessons and riveting class discussions where you will be invited and encouraged to share your views and opinions. This ensures that our students enjoy their studies alongside gaining a thorough understanding of diverse philosophical and ethical viewpoints. In addition, the course offers an examination of elements Christianity, where you will learn about different denominations and interpretations and the influence of Christian on areas such as sexuality, diversity and lifestyle.
Who is eligible?
Anyone with an interest in the subject, would be welcome to take up this course. A GCSE in Religious Studies is not a prerequisite, but as a rough guide, good grades (6 or higher) in essay based subjects such as English, History or RS would be an indication of suitability for the course. If students want to get the most benefit out of the course, in terms of progressing their thinking and understanding of a philosophical approach to life, then a significant amount of reading, thinking and talking/justifying their ideas will be required.
Qualification Type: A Level (2 year)
The She-Thinker by Mića Stajčić
Specification: Year 2026/2028 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: AQA
Component 1
Section A: Philosophy of religion: Arguments for the existence of God, Evil and suffering, Religious experience, Religious language, Miracles, Self and life after death.
Section B: Ethics and religion: Ethical theories, Issues of human life and death, Issues of animal life and death, Introduction to meta-ethics, Free will and moral responsibility, Conscience, Bentham and Kant.
Component 2
Section A: Sources of wisdom and authority: God/gods/ultimate reality, Self, death and the afterlife, Good conduct and key moral principles, Expression of religious identity, Religion, gender and sexuality, Religion and science, Religion and secularisation, Religion and religious pluralism.
Section B: The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion. How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on philosophy of religion in relation to the issues studied.
Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion. How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on ethical studies in relation to the issues studied.
Component 1
Section A: Philosophy of religion – two compulsory two-part questions, each worth 10 marks and 15 marks.
Section B: Ethics and religion – two compulsory two-part questions, each worth 10 marks and 15 marks. In both sections, questions may span more than one topic. In each two-part question, the first part tests AO1 and the second part tests AO2.
Component 2
Section A: Study of religion – two compulsory two-part questions, each worth 10 marks and 15 marks relating to the religion chosen. Questions may be set that span more than one topic. In each two-part question, the first part tests AO1 and the second part tests AO2.
Section B: The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion – one unstructured synoptic question from a choice of two (25 marks).
Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion – one unstructured synoptic question from a choice of two (25 marks).
Where can this A Level take you?:
Our course helps students develop critical and evaluative skills, enabling them to better analyse arguments, identify weaknesses, structure arguments, use evidence, and construct logical responses. These skills are valued in areas such as English, Medicine, PPE, History, Law, Anthropology, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology and Sociology.
In addition to this, topics studied include exploration of the just war theory, human rights, medical ethics, and morality, developing ethical awareness that is invaluable for career paths in law, healthcare, politics and international relations, psychology, public relations and communications, social work, and charity sectors.
Furthermore, universities view RS as a “facilitating subject” for essay-based courses, as it proves you can think critically and argue persuasively. As highlighted in the Church Times, in August of 2017, Russell group universities are keen to take on people who took A Level Religious studies, with Daniel Hugill, the chair of NATRE, stating, “RS A Level is an excellent preparation for both further study and for entering the world of work. The subject matter and approach of an RS A Level helps to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to succeed in modern Britain”. This is supported by Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and a plethora of other Russell Group universities, all of which list RS as a strong preparation for humanities and social science degrees.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, religious studies complements several other A-Level courses, and is often taken in combinations such as:
RS, Politics, English
RS, Biology, Chemistry
RS, History, English
RS, Physics, Maths
Future Careers:
Lawyer, Doctor, HR, Campaigner, Counsellor, Healthcare work, Public relations, Higher education lecturer, Primary school teacher, Secondary school teacher, Advice worker, Charity fundraiser, Civil Service administrator, Community development worker, Editorial assistant, Equality, diversity and inclusion officer, Newspaper journalist, Youth worker.
