What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? You do not need to have studied Religious Studies or Philosophy at GCSE in order to take an A Level course in the subject. It is more important that you should have a lively and enquiring mindand want to consider aspects of the human condition, especially the spiritual, philosophical and moral. A desire to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively is also an advantage. What will I learn on this course? • Component 1A Philosophy of Religion: Existence of God, evil and suffering, Religious experience, Religious language, Miracles, Ideas of the Self and life after death • Component 1B Ethics and Religion: Ethical theories, Issues of human life and death, Issues of animal life and death, Meta-ethics, Free will and moral responsibility, Conscience, Utilitarianism. • Component 2AStudy of Religion: Sources of wisdom and authority, God/ultimate reality, Self, death and the afterlife, Good conduct and key moral principles, Religious identity, Religion, gender and sexuality, Religion and science, Secularisation and religious pluralism • Component 2B Dialogues between Religion and Philosophy: How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on philosophy of religion in relation to the issues studied. • Component 2C Dialogues between Religion & Ethics: How religion is influenced by, and has an influence on ethical studies in relation to the issues studied. What skills will I develop by doing this course? This course will enable you to develop some key skills, which will be essential to you whatever you go on to do afterwards. The key skills you can develop during this course are: • Demonstration of critical understanding, with breadth and depth and reference to relevant evidence and a diversity of views. Clear and coherent presentation of ideas. • The ability to produce a focused critical analysis and discussion of different views – including scholars and schools of thought, with an appropriate evaluation supported by reasoning. Communication skills (written and verbal), Synoptic assessment, Collaboration/Working with Others, and Improving Own Learning and Performance. What kind of student is this course suitable for? The course will particularly appeal to students who: • Have a lively and enquiring mind. • Want to consider aspects of the human condition, especially the spiritual, philosophical and moral. • Are interested in current affairs – particularly relating to moral and ethical issues • Have an interest in philosophy, ethics and religion and its impact on individuals, communities and societies • Enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to real life and experience • Want to broaden their AS/Advanced Level studies What could I go on to do at the end of my course? Students with A Level Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. These may include but are not limited to: • Philosophy • Law • Medicine • Religious Studies • Theology • Divinity • Administration • Media • Journalism • Sociology and the Social Sciences • Arts/Humanities and Classics • Ordained ministry • Religious Studies complements many other popular A Levels including: Law, History, History of Art, Government and Politics, Sociology and English Literature.