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Course Code: NFARE011

Course Level: Level 3

Study Mode: Full-Time

Course Type: A Levels and A+ Programmes

Course overview

Delve into the deepest questions about existence, morality, and the nature of reality with our A Level Philosophy, Religion & Ethics course. This thought-provoking program explores the major philosophical traditions, religious beliefs, and ethical theories that have shaped human civilisation.

Through critical analysis, reflective inquiry, and lively debate, students develop the skills to engage with complex ideas and grapple with profound questions about the meaning and purpose of life.

COURSE FULL Print Course Information

By studying this subject, you'll be addressing some of the big questions that face human beings, such as the view that the world is an illusion, the idea that God's existence can be proven like a mathematical equation, and the possibility that moral rules are a matter of opinion.

Philosophy of Religion

  • Arguments for God’s existence: Design, Cosmological and Ontological
  • Religious Experience
  • Problem of Evil and Suffering
  • Philosophical Language
  • Works of Scholars of Religion: Marx and Freud
  • Life after Death
  • Religion and Science

Religion and Ethics

  • Environmental issues and equality
  • Ethical Theory: Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics and Natural Law
  • War and Peace and Sexual ethics
  • Ethical Language
  • Deontology and Virtue Theory
  • Medical ethics

Study of Religion: Christianity

  • Religious beliefs, values and teachings
  • Practices that shape and express religious identity
  • Sources of Wisdom and Authority
  • Social and Historical developments
  • Textual Study and Religion and Society

The course includes a wide variety of learning experiences such as lectures, one to one tutorials, ICT based tasks, practical work, group work, discussions/debates, DVDs, and personal research when preparing for assessment. Also, as part of your course in Philosophy, Ethics and Religion you will be offered the chance to go on an educational visit to Manchester Buddhist Centre and the Imperial War Museum North.

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including maths and English Language, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices.

You will sit a progression exam at the end of the first year which will determine whether you pass into the second year considered in combination with your promonitor assessment grades throughout the year. Then the course will be assessed at the end of the two years with three exams lasting 2 hours with each worth 33.33%.

If you wish to find out more you can contact Anthony Collins, Head of Religious Studies, by emailing: anthony.collins@nscg.ac.uk

Studying Philosophy, Ethics and Religion provides an excellent general qualification for many careers. You will be able to use it to progress to Higher Education. Universities recognise the depth of study and critical concepts analysis that A Level Philosophy, Ethics and Religion develops. These are cross transferable skills that correlate well with a variety of subjects of study and professional skills. In addition many employers appreciate the skills and knowledge that Philosophy, Ethics and Religion students will have gained during their studies.

There are a wide range of undergraduate degrees available in Religious Studies both locally and further afield. The department has sent students to Oxford, Sheffield, Manchester, St. Andrews, Liverpool, Wolverhampton and Keele. Philosophy, Ethics and Religion can be combined with many other subjects, for example Sociology and Philosophy or Law. The sorts of jobs Philosophy, Ethics and Religion graduates go on to do are wide ranging including teaching, research, journalism, marketing, business and many more.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. 

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance

100%

pass rate

71%

achieved A*-B in 2023

PROSPECTUS 21 5

What else do I need to know?

Think of what you're capable of. Then think beyond it.

Step up to a top university or move into a competitive programme like Medicine or Law with our Honours Programme. Perfect for ambitious and high-achieving students.

The Honours Programme is an additional pathway for students whose aspirations are to progress onto highly competitive courses at top universities, such as those in the Russell Group. Once accepted onto the programme, you’ll be expected to commit extra time every week to this intensive support pathway.

Find out more here

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