Religious Studies (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade B in English Language plus a C in Religious Studies if studied at GCSE. If Religious Studies was not studied at GCSE, then a grade C in another traditional Humanities subject is desirable.

About the Subject

At AS level, studies in Religious Studies will include; Buddhist theory and practice, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path and Religion, Philosophy and Science. At A2 we will continue the focus on Buddhist theory and practice with an investigation into meditation, Buddhist Philosophy, Mahayana Buddhism and Buddhist ethics. Alongside this you will also research and investigate the topic of “Life, Death and Beyond”, this will include a study into religious and secular views of the afterlife as well as the meaning and value of life itself.

A qualification in Religious Studies evidences the ability to think critically and philosophically as well as demonstrating a capacity to study and research abstract ideas in an academic fashion. Religious Studies will build on your communication skills through debate, giving you the ability to construct clear and concise arguments in both verbal and written mediums. ALevel Religious Studies is a sought after qualification from all Universities, especially those in the Russell Group, and sits alongside other subjects including: Law, Classical Civilisation, Geography, English, History (modern and medieval), Physics, Psychology and Sociology.

Course Content

Year 1

In Unit 1, students study Buddhist theory and practice. Topics include the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path and how they apply to the self and the wider world. Samsara and the three marks of existence is also studied, allowing for debates around philosophical ideas of existence. Finally we look at the Buddhist Sangha, and how this effects the life and experience of the Buddhist individual and community.

Unit 2 is the study of Religion, Philosophy and Science, and how the three interact, complement and oppose each other in equal measure. The unit covers areas such as Miracles, Creation, philosophical argument such as “Intelligent Design” and Quantum Mechanics and the religious world view.

Year 2

In Unit three, we begin to look even deeper into Buddhism, analysing specific paths, philosophies and form. We look at Mahayana Buddhism and its many different branches, Buddhist philosophy and ethics and finally different forms and styles of Meditation, which may even incorporate some practical work!

Unit 4 is titled “Life, Death and Beyond” and is a research based unit, involving a lot of personal choice as to what can be investigated. The unit covers the religious and secular value and meaning of human existence, the importance of life and death as well as beliefs and attitudes regarding the afterlife and apocalyptic literature.

Assessment

Units 1 and 2 will be assessed at the end of the first year through examination. Units 3 and 4 will be assessed at the end of the second year, again through examination.