Religious Studies - Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

Why should I study this course?

For all kinds of reasons, good and bad, religion is back in the headlines. Religion is clearly a significant factor in the world. Simply put, if one fails to understand the world's religious beliefs and practices, then one fails to understand the world.

If you think that statement is provocative, then look at the alternatives. Science can tell us what's happening in the world and why. But it can't explain people's motives. Economics can tell us about the costs and benefits of our actions. But it won't tell us why we still do these things. History, literature, social theory can all open up a world of ideas. But they can't tell us, today, what people actually believe in and what motivates them.

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics explores the world as people find it and is exciting, provocative, and vital. Only these disciplines show us a world people live and die for, and the God and gods people worship in their lives and deaths.

What will I learn?

In Religious Studies you will look at the ancient greats like Plato and Aristotle, you will discuss issues such as the soul, the afterlife, proofs and disproofs of God and the problem of evil. In ethics you will look at theories on how to live a good life to specifics such as sexual ethics, business ethics and euthanasia. In christian thought you discuss at death, human nature, and atheism.

How will I learn?

Teacher–led activities, individual and group work, presentations, debates and discussions.  You will use newspapers, TV programmes and digital resources to research current ethical issues.  Guest speakers and visits to organisations will give you a first-hand experience of the subject in action.  You will be formally assessed using extended essay style answers.

What can I do with my qualification?

Studying the subject will help you gain a much deeper understanding of how the world you live in works and is shaped by religion. You will be introduced to key ideas which have shaped civilisation. The qualification demonstrates your analytical and evaluative skills and is highly regarded by universities and employers. It provides a particularly good basis for entering degree courses in philosophy, law, PPE, history/humanities, social science and related subjects.

What do students say?

“I have never had such passionate and interesting debates in my life than I have in Religious Studies”

“Religious Studies changes the way you think”

“Religious Studies will make you question everything you believe and know about the world, it makes you question things you previously thought were simple”

“if you like debates, do Religious Studies!”