Religious Studies
In the world of work, employers look for someone with an enquiring mind, an appreciation of different viewpoints and an ability to come to clear, balanced decisions. These skills all develop through studying religions.
Why study Religious Studies?
A qualification in Religious Studies is useful for careers in healthcare, education, law, journalism, media, policing, tourism, or any role in diverse, cosmopolitan settings, providing valuable insight into different cultures and beliefs.
What skills do you develop?
- Ethics
- Philosophy
- Critical thinking
- Argument
- Ability to think about belief systems
- Cultural literacy
What careers can you pursue?
- Theology
- Philosophy
- Law
- Education
- Journalism
- Social Work
- Journalism/Media
- Perhaps politics or NGOs
AS & A level components
-
AS: Buddhism
- The Life of the Buddha
- Main Buddhist Scriptures
- Buddhist teachings on the self, death and afterlife
- Teachings of the Sangha
- Religious Practices (going for refuge and meditation)
AS: Philosophy of Religion
- The problem of evil
- Religious experience
- The existence of God
- Challenges to religious belief
AS: Religion and Ethics
- Ethical Theories
- Natural Law (Abortion and Euthanasia)
- Situation Ethics (Sexual Ethics)
- Utilitarianism (Animal testing and Nuclear Weapons)
-
A2: Buddhism
- Mahayana Buddhist practices (Tibetan, Zen, Pure Land and Nirchiren)
- Buddhism in the West
- The Engaged Buddhism movement
- Mindfulness
- Women in Buddhism
- The work of the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh
A2: Philosophy of Religion
- Religion and Belief according to Freud
- Religion and Belief according to Jung
- Mystical Experience
- Miracles
- Religious Language
A2: Religion and Ethics
- Development of Natural Law (immigration and capital punishment)
- Meta ethics (ethical language)
- Predestination and Free Will
-
- Determinism
Subject FAQ’s
Which examination board?
WJEC
Does the AS count towards the A level or is it a standalone qualification?
AS counts for 40% of the overall A level.
AS content will be taught and examined in Year 12 and A level content will be taught and examined in Year 13.
How will you be assessed?
AS – 2 x papers. (worth 40%) Unit 1 – Buddhism will be 1hr 15 mins and ask a mixture of part a (knowledge and understanding) and part b (evaluation) questions.
Unit 2 – Religion and Ethics and Philosophy will be 1 hr 45 mins and ask a mixture of part a. (knowledge and understanding) and part b. (evaluation) questions.
A2 – 3 x 1hr 30 min hour paper (worth 60%)
Each paper will give the students a choice of part A (knowledge and understanding) and part B (evaluation) questions.
