A Level Philosophy, Religion & Ethics

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.

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 gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance