A Level Philosophy & Ethics

There are a number of specific subject entry requirements, please visit our website to review the courses and entry requirements or alternatively please contact the Sixth Form for specific details.

*Please choose 3 subject courses from different blocks, you will automatically be added to Maths or English resit classes on enrolment if you do not achieve required 4 in Maths or English Lit/Lang but you must still meet requirements for entry per subject.

Are you curious about life's biggest questions? Why are we here? Does God exist? What makes something right or wrong?

OCR A Level Philosophy, Religion and Ethics encourages students to think critically, debate complex issues and explore a range of philosophical, ethical and religious viewpoints. Throughout the course, you will study topics such as the nature of God, religious beliefs, moral decision-making, human rights, euthanasia, and the relationship between religion and society.

The course develops valuable skills in analysis, evaluation, reasoning and essay writing, making it excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses and careers, including law, teaching, social work, theology, politics, journalism and public services.

If you enjoy discussing ideas, questioning assumptions and exploring different perspectives, Philosophy and Ethics could be the perfect subject for you.

What will I study?

The course is divided into three units:

Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion

· Students explore philosophical questions such as 'how do I know something is real?' and 'do I have a mind as well as a body?'

· They engage with the ideas of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Ryle.

· The existence of God is critically examined through philosophical arguments.

Unit 2: Ethics

· Students investigate the moral dimensions of human actions, questioning whether actions like lying, stealing, and killing are inherently wrong (as posited by Aquinas and Kant) or if outcomes should determine morality (as proposed by Fletcher, Bentham, and Mill).

· Ethical theories are applied to contemporary issues such as Business Ethics and Euthanasia, fostering critical analysis and evaluation.

Unit 3: Development in Christian Thought

· Students delve into key issues within Christian theology and ethics.

· Topics include the concept of human nature as inherently sinful, the criteria for entry into heaven, and the role of the Bible as a moral guide for Christians.

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed through three two-hour written exams, each carrying equal weight.

What will I need to study this course?

To study Philosophy and Ethics, students should possess an inquisitive, tolerant, and resilient mindset that welcomes challenges. It's advantageous to have achieved at least a grade 5 in a GCSE Humanities or English Literature, although prior study of Philosophy and Ethics at GCSE level is not mandatory.

Where next?

Philosophy and Ethics is highly respected by universities and employers for its emphasis on critical thinking, analytical skills, and evaluative reasoning. It serves as a valuable foundation for further studies in Philosophy, Theology, Ethics, Law, and various other humanities and social sciences disciplines at university.