COURSE CODE: OCR Religious Studies A Level - H573 TYPICAL

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 6 in GCSE RE (if taken) or a 6 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature if not taken

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

A-level Religious Studies provides valuable insights for careers in law, journalism, public service, and education by developing strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills. It fosters empathy, cultural awareness, and the ability to understand and analyse complex ethical and philosophical issues, which are highly valued by employers in fields such as social work, politics, marketing, and the nonprofit sector.

THE PROGRAMME

Our A Level in Religious Studies provides a coherent and thought-provoking programme of study. Students develop their understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and the philosophy of religion. Students must complete all components (01, 02 and one from 03 to 07) to be awarded the A Level in Religious Studies.

Content overview:

Component 01: Philosophy of religion Students study philosophical language and thought, and issues and questions raised by belief: Ancient philosophical influences the nature of the soul, mind and body Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God The nature and impact of religious experience The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil Ideas about the nature of God Issues in religious language.

Component 02: Religion and ethics Students explore key concepts and the works of influential thinkers, ethical theories and their application: Normative ethical theories The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance Ethical language and thought Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.

Component 03: Developments in religious thought Students select one religion from the following to study systematically: Christianity (03) Islam (04) Judaism (05) Buddhism (06) Hinduism (07). They explore: Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world Sources of religious wisdom and authority Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Studying Religious Studies (RS) with OCR builds a strong foundation in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills valuable for many careers. The course provides a coherent structure to understand religious beliefs, ethical and philosophical concepts, and develops skills in argumentation and essay writing that are highly transferable to university and the workplace.

Please note: This course will run subject to sufficient student numbers. Final decisions on course availability will be made based on demand and timetabling feasibility