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Religious Studies

Exam Board - Eduqas

Course Content

Religious Studies A-level will consist of three units; Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics and Hinduism.
In Year 12 students study the following three units:
1.         Philosophy of Religion
Topics including: arguments for the existence of God, the challenges of evil to religious belief, religious experiences as evidence for the existence of God.
2.        Religious Ethics
An introduction to ethics, how do we decide what is right or wrong?  Various ethical theories and how they could be applied to modern issues.
3.        Hinduism
An introduction to Hinduism including key beliefs and practices.  Topics include the archaeological origins of the religion, the nature of God and significant festivals and life principles.
In Year 13 students develop their subject skills with a further study of the following units which have a direct correlation with those studied in Year 12.
1.         Philosophy of Religion
What do people believe about life after death? Can miracles really happen?  How do we use language in philosophy and theology?  How has secularism had an impact on religion?  What psychological reasons are there for people to be religious?
2.        Religious Ethics
Freewill and determinism: are our decisions determined or made freely?  Are our lives mapped out already? What is the meaning of ethical language?  Key ethical theories and that application to contemporary issues.
3.         Hinduism
Modern Hindu figures and their responses to British rule.  Contemporary issues in Hinduism including the status of women and the Dalits.  Indian Philosophy on the nature of reality.
Methods of Assessment
A-level units are assessed in the June of Year 13.  There is no coursework unit.
Hinduism
Students given a choice of questions and are expected to write 2 essays, part a and b for both.
33.3% of final grade
2 hours
100 marks available
Philosophy of religion
Students given a choice of questions and are expected to write 2 essays, part a and b for both.
33.3% of final grade
2 hours
100 marks available
Religious ethics
Students given a choice of questions and are expected to write 2 essays, part a and b for both.
33.3% of final grade
2 hours
100 marks available

Entry Requirements

GCSE 6 RE or (if not studied) 6 in English Language.
Students do not have to have taken Religious Studies GCSE to study Philosophy and Ethics in the Sixth Form.