Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics (AQA)

Entry Requirements

A strong interest in both secular and religious issues and approaches to life is necessary. Students should also enjoy reading and have a proven track record in essay writing.

Course Content

The course is taught in a linear fashion with 2 examinations at the end of Year 13. It comprises: -

Paper 1 - Philosophy and Ethics

Section A: Philosophy of Religion including: Arguments for and against the Existence of God and Evil and Suffering

Section B: Ethics including: • Free will, • Ethical theories • Applied ethics issues e.g. abortion and euthanasia

Paper 2 - Study of Religion and Dialogues

Section A: Study of Religion including: • Religion and Science • Religion, Gender and Sexuality

Section B: Dialogues including: • Dialogue between Philosophy of Religion and Religion • Dialogue between Ethics and Religion

You should study Religious Studies if ...

• You enjoy Philosophy and Ethics • You enjoy grappling with some of the most fundamental questions that have consumed the minds of human beings for millennia • You care about making your arguments stronger and your opinions and beliefs more consistent • You want to study a well-respected subject that can claim to be the oldest academic discipline that scholars have engaged with • You want to improve your critical and verbal reasoning skills • You want to pursue a career in the areas of Law (Philosophy graduates score highest in American LSATS, and GDL courses highly favour Philosophy graduates because of the crossover of skills between Philosophy and Law) or Medicine, or you want to study a Philosophy or Theology related discipline at university

Religious Studies at Berkhamsted

The department is outstandingly well equipped, matched by the Library’s collection of journals and books. Ontos, the Philosophy Society, meets several times a term for film nights, trips and invited speakers; opportunities are taken to attend day conferences. Students are expected to write regular essays, read widely and to discuss propositions in class which foster the acquisition of analytical and critical skills.

Student Comments

Philosophy and Ethics is my favourite subject. I actively enjoy participating in the lessons. Philosophy and Ethics has changed me as a person. It is making me a better thinker, and it influences the way I live my life and the way I see the world.

Future Prospects

The analytical and critical thinking skills developed in this course are invaluable for university study. Students go on to good universities to read subjects as diverse as Medicine, Theology, PPE, Sociology, History, Law, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Engineering and Maths. Recently the Sunday Times listed Philosophy 8th= with History for graduate employment prospects.