RPE

Religious Studies explores philosophical and ethical issues as well as the study of religion (with a focus on Islam). It is completely different to GCSE as you start to consider some of the deeper questions about God, ethics and the meaning of life. You ll need an open mind and you must be prepared to ask more questions than you ll find answers for.

You will study three modules: Study of Islam religious figures and sacred texts, religious concepts and religious life, significant social and historical developments in Islamic thought, religious practices and religious identity; Philosophy of Religion arguments for the existence of God, challenges to religious belief, religious experience and religious language; Religion and Ethics ethical thought, deontological ethics, teleological ethics, determinism and free will.

Each topic is examined through responses to questions in a final written exam. All of these questions are high tariff with either 20 or 30 marks available. Extended answers are therefore required.

5 grade 6s at GCSE. Grade 6 in GCSE Religious Studies (if taken).

Religious Studies provides you with a wide range of transferable skills including essay writing, confidence in debating and the ability to appreciate other viewpoints. These skills can be extremely helpful in a range of university degrees that involve critical thinking and discussion, such as the Humanities, English, Psychology, PPE.