Philosophy, Religion & Ethics

Philosophy, Religion & Ethics

Qualification

A Level

In Philosophy, Religion and Ethics we ask BIG questions such as: Is war ever justified? Are abortion and euthanasia ever right? Can we know whether God exists or not? Do we have free will?

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You will examine the nature and concept of God, comparing and contrasting it with similar philosophical concepts promoted in Ancient Greece. You will also study ethical theories and philosophical approaches to solving moral dilemmas. If you enjoy reading, debating and writing about important matters, you’ll find Philosophy, Religion and Ethics fascinating.

Course Content

In Philosophy, Religion and Ethics we ask BIG questions, such as:

  • To what extent does our morality depend on religion?
  • Is war ever justified?
  • Are abortion and euthanasia ever right?
  • Can we know whether God exists or not? Do we have free will?

Studying Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at Advanced Level is both challenging and exciting. Over three separate units you will examine the nature and concept of God, comparing and contrasting it with similar philosophical concepts promoted in Ancient Greece. You will assess arguments for God’s existence and see how science and culture challenges and influences religion. You will also study religious beliefs about God, morality, the afterlife and purpose of life, and the place of religion in modern society. Alongside these topics you will study ethical theories and philosophical approaches to solving moral dilemmas. You’ll be invited to challenge your own ideas about religion and morality and you’ll also be expected to be open to the views of others and to write your responses in a clear and coherent way.

In The second year, you go deeper into Philosophy, Religion and Moral Philosophy as we discuss and debate some of the most puzzling issues that human beings have struggled to resolve concerning how we should live and how we should treat each other. If you enjoy reading, debating and writing about important matters, we promise you’ll find Philosophy, Religion and Ethics fascinating.

Philosophical thinking is highly regarded by universities and is accepted for entry onto degree courses in Philosophy and many other subjects. Universities and employers alike value the analytical skills developed through studying this discipline.

(Exam board – AQA A level Religious Studies) 

(Specification code: 7062; QAN code: 601/8830/3)

How it is Taught

We use a variety of teaching methods, and expect you to get involved; you will be expected to participate in discussion and problem-solving activities, as well as read, take notes and write essays. All the units are assessed by exams.

Assessment Information

This specification has a simple, clear assessment structure which consists of two written examinations.

Component 1:  Philosophy of Religion & Ethics (Four compulsory two-part questions)

100 marks, 3 hours, 50% of overall grade

Component 2: Study of Religion (Two compulsory two-part questions)

50 marks, 1.5 hour, 25% of overall grade

Component 3:  Dialogues between Philosophy and Religion (Answer two essay questions from a choice of four)

50 marks, 1. Hour, 25% of overall grade

Entry Requirements

You need to meet the general College entry requirement for Advanced Level study (please refer to the current Prospectus – advanced programmes, entry requirements). However, students also need to have at least a grade 5 in GCSE English.

Religious Studies GCSE is not needed but, if it has been taken, you should have a minimum of Grade 4.

In this subject, particular skills and aptitudes will be required, many of which will be demonstrated by students’ GCSE profiles.

Students will also need to meet the general College entry requirements. Entry requirements are subjects to change.

Careers & HE Information

Philosophers from QE have gone on to a wide range of careers, including journalism, medicine, teaching, advertising and working in the health service. Universities accept Philosophy, Ethics & Religious students to do combined courses such as Philosophy with Politics, Psychology or Physics.

Useful Subject Combinations

Philosophy, Religion and Ethics combines well with any other subject, and you will be successful and enjoy the course whether you are taking predominantly arts, social science or natural science subjects. It goes especially well with other humanities subjects such as Politics, History, Law, Sociology and Psychology and also combines well with English Language and Literature.

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