Religious Studies

Course summary

Ever since humankind started to think, religion has been a fundamental part of our development. As people look into the vastness of space or witness the miracle of birth, they contemplate the meaning of life and their own mortality. In the 21st century, religion still addresses the same eternal human questions about life and death, values and relationships, right and wrong. This is the course for you if you are interested in people, ideas, experience and life issues; if you are a deep thinker and you value the opportunity of debating ideas that have challenged philosophers over millennia. The religious studies A-level syllabus is diverse and topics include ethics (utilitarianism, the concept of free will, application of ethical theories to abortion, immigration, and relationships); philosophy of religion (arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, psychology and religion); and a study of Christianity (the nature of God - male/female, feminist theology, challenges from secularism and science). A variety of teaching techniques are used but be prepared to work hard and have fun! The number of entries for RS A-level has increased 124% since 2003, more than for any other arts, humanities or social science subject. The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that RS A-level provides 'a suitable preparation for university. Almost 21% of students admitted to Oxford University to study English in 2015 had an RS A-level which was more than many other facilitating subjects.