A Level Religious Studies

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Key Facts

Level: 3
Attendance: Full Time (FT)
Duration: 2 Years
Course Code: A1QRS
Start Date: September 2025

Code: A1QRS

Religious Studies is a fascinating subject that covers some of humanity's oldest questions. Within this A level we explore issues concerning morality and philosophy, as well as the development of religious beliefs through history, and the impact of religious issues on contemporary society. We begin our studies by examining differing ethical approaches to modern issues such as embryo research, capital punishment and the use of animals in scientific research .

We will examine philosophical responses to the arguments for the existence of God, and to the problem of suffering, analysing how the arguments work and critiquing the evidence they draw upon. We will consider the philosophical debate concerning whether or not freewill exists, or whether our behaviour is causally determined. We will explore the development of Christian beliefs in the afterlife, and the influence of scientific understanding on Christian beliefs.

We will explore how Christian views around gender and sexuality have developed and how the religion is responding to social changes. Students examine the arguments, critically analyse the evidence, and reach informed conclusions about these fascinating philosophical issues and religious debates.

Features & Benefits

Students who follow the A level course develop vital academic skills, including skills relating to critical analysis, critical thinking, textual analysis, and develop an ability to comprehend complex concepts and information. Students learn to be able to construct strong logical arguments, supporting their ideas with evidence and examples. Students learn to engage with complex philosophical issues, and are able to evaluate the views of key thinkers and philosophers.

Course Content

Year 12:
In your first year, you will develop a firm understanding of ethical systems and key responses to key debates in the Philosophy of Religion.

Philosophy of Religion:

  • Arguments for the existence of God
  • Evil and suffering.
  • Religious experience.
  • Religious language.
  • Miracles.
  • Self and life after death.

Ethics and Religion

  • Ethical theories.
  • Issues of human life and death.
  • Issues of animal life and death.
  • Conscience - psychological and religious views.
  • Free will and moral responsibility.
  • Bentham and Kant.

Year 13:
In your second year you will look at topics concerning religion and the modern world, before exploring the relationship between religion and philosophy.
Study of Christianity

  • Religion, gender and sexuality.
  • Religion and science.
  • Religion and secularisation.
  • Views on the concept and characteristics of God.
  • Good conduct and key moral principles.
  • Expression of religious identity.

The dialogue between philosophy of religion and Christianity:
How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on philosophy, in relations to the issues studied across the A level course.

The dialogue between ethical studies and Christianity:
How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on ethical studies in relation to the issues studied across the A level course.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements:
All Loughborough College Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.

Subject Specific Entry Requirements:
GCSE English Language at grade 5.

Progression

Students who wish to take the subject further can apply for degree courses in Theology, Philosophy or Religious Studies. Many students go on to study subjects like Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Politics, English Literature or PPE at university. Students of Religious Studies have continued on to successful careers in many fields, including law, education, business, social work, medicine, administration and the media.

Why Loughborough?

94%

of learners said the College campus provides a safe environment

90%

of learners said staff valued students views and opinions about their study programme

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