Religious Studies - A Level

Religious Studies is a subject relevant to all people living in today’s globalised civilisation where religion has again become a prime mover. This course focuses on the philosophy of religion and religious ethics whereby you will develop an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to religion complemented by a comprehensive understanding of theological concepts and their histories.

Students of all religious backgrounds or of none will benefit from this academic subject: one that encourages logical thinking, academic writing skills, the art of rhetoric, the development of values, opinions and an awareness of the origins of our modern modes of thought.

What will I study in Religious Studies?

AS Units 1 & 2
Philosophy of Religion: You will review ancient Greek influences on religious thought, Judeo-Christian influences on philosophy of religion, traditional arguments for the existence of God, and challenges to religious belief. This involves an understanding of Plato and Aristotle; biblical views on God as creator and founder of values; arguments for God from St Anselm, Descartes, St Aquinas, Paley and Kant, with objections and atheist challenges from Hume, Mill, Russell, Nietzsche, Freud and Darwin amongst others. The nature and problem of evil will be addressed as well as the relationship between science and religion.

Religious Ethics: There will be a preliminary overview of the distinctions within ethical theory: absolutism and relativism, deontology and teleology. We shall then analyse Natural Law, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism, Religious Ethics (focussing on the Judeo-Christian tradition), followed by Applied Ethics - applying the previous normative theories to issues such as abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, war & peace.

A2 Units 3 & 4
Philosophy of Religion: This unit examines religious thought and language from a theological and philosophical perspective. You will study religious experience (especially vis-à-vis William James); the concept of miracle; the nature of God: His attributes and their relationships; life after death and the notion of the soul. Thinkers investigated in this unit include Ayer, Flew, Tillich, Wittgenstein, Hume, Wiles, Boethius, Dawkins, Plato, Aristotle and Hick.

Religious Ethics: Building upon the previous ethics unit you will study Meta-ethics (the theory that ethical statements are non-factual); the notions of Free Will and Determinism; the nature and role of the conscience; and Virtue Ethics from Aristotle to MacIntyre. These systems will then be applied to the issues of environmental, business and sexual ethics. Both A2 units require you to apply knowledge and understanding of material studied throughout the whole syllabus.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by short answer question and essay based papers – 2 in the AS year and 2 in the A2. There is no coursework.

Do I need to have studied Religious Studies before?

No, but a GCSE Religious Studies qualification would give you an initial boost. Of most important is an interest in all aspects of religion and a willingness to approach the subject with an open, logical mind.

Who will teach me?

Mohini Qavi is a highly experienced tutor who holds an MA and a PGCE from Kings College, London. She also teaches Religious Studies at Lansdowne and has a particular interest in the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics.

Kelly Hockey holds a BA in Theology and a PGCE from Cambridge University. She is a highly dedicated tutor specialising in the Old and New testaments.

Which subjects complement Religious Studies?

Religious Studies combines well with Philosophy, but is also well-suited to disciplines such as History, Government and Politics, Psychology, Economics and Classical Civilisation.

Which careers can Religious Studies lead to?

Religious Studies develops logical thinking and communication skills and so is suitable for those planning to enter a wide range of careers such as law, academia, finance, politics, journalism, advertising and, of course, the clergy!