Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) A Level (S9805)

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

"The great virtue of philosophy is that it teaches not what to think, but how to think...Philosophy is, in commercial jargon, the ultimate transferable work skill." (The Times, 15th August 1998) This course requires you to have an enquiring mind, an interest in controversial ethical issues and a desire to examine some of the biggest questions in the universe. You will be involved in learning about a range of engaging topics, many of which will be new to you and which will challenge your opinions and thinking. The course is split into two halves; Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. The Philosophy side of the course looks at the origins of the idea of God, whether it's possible that such an idea/being could ever exist (or ever not exist!) The Ethics side of the course examines questions about right and wrong, good and bad. How do we decide what the moral thing to do is in any given situation? We then go on to look at some controversial ethical issues such as genetic engineering, euthanasia and abortion. Philosophy and Ethics will help to develop skills of reasoning, analysis and communication that will be valuable in any path you choose to take.

Please note that the running of this course is subject to numbers.

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

You can go on to teaching, research, social policy development, theological training..... and much more.