Why study Religious Studies?

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At AS, this specification offers an academic approach to the study of religion and is accessible to candidates of any religious persuasion or none. A wide choice of topics is offered including ethics, philosophy, the world religions and aspects of Christianity, religion and art, and religion and contemporary society. The course is for candidates who value open-minded debate and are serious about developing independence of thought and essay writing technique. This new syllabus brings a broader variety of exciting and dynamic topics linking religious belief to many other subjects including Science, English and Philosophy. At A2 the course enables students to study in greater depth aspects of one of more religion(s), including textual, historical, ethical, phenomenological and philosophical perspectives.

What will I study?

There are two units each year. For AS there will be a written exam of one hour and fifteen minutes per unit, for A2 there will be a written exam of one and a half hours per unit. The AS grade counts as 50% of the A2 final grade.

AS Level (these are provisional)

Unit 1: Religion, Philosophy and Science

Unit 2: Religion, Art and the Media

A2 Level

Unit 3: Religion and contemporary society

Unit 4: Either perceptions of ultimate reality or Religious Fundamentalism

How will I study?

You will be expected to read a considerable amount of material given to you by your teacher or from the course books in the Learning Resource Centre. You will be expected to take part in serious class discussions. You will be required to sit two exam questions each half term.

What do I need to start the course?

Grade B or above in GCSE English is strongly recommended.
It is not a requirement to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE but if you have, a Grade B or above is strongly recommended.

All students should make sure that they know the basic beliefs of the six major world religions.
All students will need an awareness of current affairs and will be expected to comment on contemporary moral and ethical issues.