Religious Studies

Why choose OCR A Level Religious Studies – Philosophy and Ethics?

Philosophy and Ethics is an interesting and challenging course, which is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. Learners will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas. This course aims to engage learners thoroughly and develop an interest in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world in which we live.

This course is well recognised by universities and colleges and can lead to a variety of career opportunities when studied alongside other relevant A Levels.

Aims and learning outcomes:
• Develop your interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world.
• Develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion.
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies.
• Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion.
• Reflect on and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of your study.

Back to top

What will I learn in Year 12 Philosophy and Ethics and how will it be assessed?

The course comprises of three components all of equal weighting:
1. Philosophy of Religion – 33.3%
2. Religion and Ethics – 33.3%
3. Developments in religious thought (study of Christianity) – 33.3%

You will study an area of study per term, these include:
• Natural Law
• Situation Ethics
• Euthanasia
• Death and The Afterlife
• Soul, Mind and Body

Back to top

How will I learn?

You will learn through opportunities to:

• Discuss and debate areas of Religion and Philosophy
• Pair and group work exploring alternative views
• Write essays

Back to top

What will I learn in Year 13 Philosophy and Ethics and how will it be assessed?

The Y13 course also covers the 3 elements of Philosophy, Ethics and Developments in Christian Thought, building on concepts studies in Y12. The areas of study include:

• Conscience
• Gender and Society
• Liberation Theology

Back to top

Related Degrees

Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Studies are the fastest growing courses in the country at degree level. A significant proportion of our students in the last few years, have gone on to study Religion, Philosophy and Ethics at university.

Back to top

Related Careers

Many students go on to study different aspects of Philosophy, Theology or Ethics as subsidiary subjects alongside their major course of study.

Studying philosophy will develop your ability to analyse and state a case clearly, evaluate arguments and be precise in your thinking. These skills will put you in a strong position when it comes to finding employment or going on to further study. Many of our Philosophy and Ethics students have also gone on to study medicine, teaching, law, nursing, social work, computing, journalism and many other careers. For other students, it is a subject chosen which is different from their other A Levels and something which they enjoy and challenges their brain in other ways.

Back to top

Further Course Information

Please consult to OCR website further content information and specimen exam papers or come and talk to Miss Gennard, Miss Ratcliffe, Miss Allport or Mrs Duhig.

Back to top