A Level Religious Studies

Explore and discuss Ethics, Philosophy and Buddhism Does God exist? How should we live?

Religious Studies is an attractive option if you are interested in exploring and debating the fundamental questions which all human beings ask: What or who is God? Why is there suffering and evil in the world? What is the right way to live? Is there anything beyond death?

About the Course

The course includes the study of Buddhism and how this fascinating religion and philosophy has evolved and developed over time. It also introduces you to some of the great debates and thinkers in religion, philosophy and ethics. This subject will appeal to you if you are enthusiastic and want to understand the deeply held convictions of others and to examine your own assumptions and beliefs.

Opportunities unique to this course

Students will have the opportunity to explore and discuss what religious people believe and why, and how beliefs relate to religious practices and ethical decision-making. The critical skills gained in Religious Studies can enable people to consider different views in an open-minded and fair way. Students will learn to cogently evaluate a variety of viewpoints and to give their own opinions supported with reasoning.

Buddhism:

• The life and teaching of the Buddha
• Social and historical developments in Buddhism, Buddhism in Britain,
• Feminism in Buddhism
• Religious practices – meditation and mindfulness

Philosophy of Religion:

• Arguments for the existence of God
• Religious experience – mysticism
• The problem of evil and suffering
• Religion and Psychology – Freud and Jung
• Atheism and New Atheism
• Miracles – do they happen?

Ethics:

• Theories about what makes an action right or wrong
• Applied ethics – abortion, euthanasia, sexual relationships, nuclear weapons, animal testing, immigration
• Do we have free will?
• Do right and wrong actually exist?

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

The skills gained from Religious Studies are invaluable for a wide range of degree courses and careers. It can help with the development of skills in critical thinking and analysis and can help understanding of people and customs.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/religious-studies