Philosophy, Ethics & Religion A Level
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'Sapere Aude' - dare to know! Philosophy, Ethics & Religion embraces this challenge by fostering critical thinking, discussion, and analysis. Through exploration of a range of topics engaging the history of thought and culture, the course invites you to investigate controversial areas of ethics, enter into philosophical speculation and debate, and consider religious ideas and their continuing socio-political influence in the 21st century. GCSE Religious Studies is not a requirement.
A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE plus English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above. You must also have achieved a grade 5 in either GCSE English Language, History or Religious Studies.
This does not include GCSE equivalents (e.g. BTEC courses). Short course GCSE is counted as half of a full GCSE. Further information on our A Level + Mix entry requirements can be found here.
Year One
Units include:
Philosophy of Religion
- God/gods/ultimate reality
- Life after death
- Arguments for the existence of God
- Evil and suffering
- Religious experience, how it’s assessed
Ethics
- Ethical theories: situation ethics, virtue ethics, natural moral law
- Ethical issues such as euthanasia, abortion, designer babies and animal rights
Christianity
- God
- Self, death and the after life
- Good conduct and key moral principles
- Sources of wisdom and authority
Year Two
Units include:
Philosophy of Religion
- Religious language
- Miracles
- Self and life after death
Ethics
- Key moral principles
- Religious identity
- Free will and moral responsibility
- Conscience
Christianity
- Expressions of Christian identity
- Christianity, gender and sexuality
- Christianity and science
Preliminary reading
- Religious Experience by P Cole (Pub. Hodder and Stoughton)
- Ethical Studies by R Bowie (Pub. Nelson Thornes)
- Puzzle of God by P Vardy
In-College delivery is supported by online resources, and students develop strong independent learning skills to equip them for their next steps.
Two written papers at the end of the second year for the full A Level.
This course works well with English, Maths and Humanities subjects.
This subject with its debate, exploration of ethical issues and investigation into belief, provides an ideal platform for courses at degree level. Professions such as law, medicine and those involving people can draw on the many varied aspects of the Philosophy, Ethics & Religion course. Past students have gone on to acting, courses in maths, human rights law and youth work.
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