All about A level Religious Studies

What’s A level Religious Studies about?

Fascinating and enlightening, A level Religious Studies can be an excellent subject choice. Not only will you develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of world religions, philosophy and ethics but you will also gain many valuable transferable skills along the way. The A level syllabus combines the in-depth study of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics with the study of a major world religion and the development of thought within it.

In the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics section, areas of study include the application of ethical theories to contemporary issues including abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment and embryonic research. The philosophical element looks at a variety of fascinating topics, including the nature of the mind, body and soul, arguments for and against the existence of God, and the problem of evil.

Students study one major world religion chosen by their college (from a choice of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism). The topics of study within these religions will vary, but examples of areas you can expect to cover include the religion’s teachings and interpretations of wisdom and authority, the self, death and the afterlife, gender and sexuality and expressions of religious identity. For more information have a look at the AQA Religious Studies specification.

The Edexcel exam board also includes an optional paper on New Testament studies, which covers the historical and religious context of the New Testament and different interpretations of the scripture.

What sort of work is involved?

A level Religious Studies is a highly engaging subject, and you can expect classes to involve a considerable amount of discussion and debate. To get the most out of the subject, you must be willing to participate in these discussions, both sharing your own ideas and listening and respecting the views of others. You will develop skills of critical evaluation and analysis, which you will practice within these discussions and in essay-writing.

What background do I need?

Whilst a GCSE in the subject is desirable, it isn't essential. Religious Studies is very accessible at A level provided you have an understanding of the basics of major world religions, and strong writing skills. In this light, a strong grade in an essay-based GCSE, for example English, is a big plus. Alongside these skills, you need to have a keen interest in the subject, including a desire to broaden your knowledge and understanding of religion, philosophy and ethics, and to develop your skills in critical thinking and analysis.

If this sounds like you, A level Religious Studies could prove to be a subject you will enjoy and do well in. It is a strong subject to have alongside Maths and Science subjects to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded person with an informed world view.

Where can it lead?

A level Religious Studies can provide you with excellent transferable skills, from essay writing, developing confidence in debating, to developing the ability to appreciate other viewpoints. These skills can be incredibly helpful in a range of University degrees involving critical thinking and discussion e.g. Humanities, English, Psychology, PPE.

Religious Studies or a related subject at degree level can lead to a range of challenging and rewarding jobs, using either direct knowledge gained from the subject or from the skills gained. Possible jobs from a Religious Studies degree include: Lecturing, teaching, advice worker, archivist, work within 'third sector' organisations, counselling, community development worker, and police officer or youth worker.

One year?

A level Religious Studies is one of the subjects where a one-year course is more manageable. There is limited overlap between the components you are required to study, meaning it’s okay to study multiple components of the course alongside each other (as is required in one-year courses). Saying this, a one-year course is never easy and it is very important you are fully committed to the subject and understand the volume of work involved in an intensive A level.

Assessment

The exact exam structure varies between examination boards (for example AQA have three compulsory papers, while EDEXCEL require you to take three papers from a choice of 4). All exams require extended written answers. Since much of the Religious Studies course involves essay writing, you should be good at presenting ideas and arguments in essays by the time the exam comes around!

Exam questions test your ability to analyse and evaluate the knowledge and understanding of religion, ethics and belief that you have built up during the course.

Article written by Natalie Middleton of Collingham College