So why choose Religious Studies?

One reason is that Religious Studies allows you to study many other academic disciplines, for example: anthropology, ethics, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and theology. The study of religion is therefore excellent preparation for higher education courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences.  The study of ethics is also essential preparation for those who wish to enter one of the major professions including the medical profession (many medical schools ask you to consider ethical dilemmas at your interview), dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science. Moreover, the ability to understand and interact with people and organisations from a variety of religious and cultural traditions is highly valued by many employers in our multi-cultural society, particularly by those working in management and human resources.

At Abbey College the Religious Studies department focuses on philosophy and ethics. The course is accessible to members of all religious traditions or none, which allows you to bring your own religious tradition to the course or to study a different religion; the choice is yours.

At Abbey you will be encouraged to:

 Develop your interest in, and enthusiasm for, a rigorous study of religion and its relation to the wider world.
 Treat the subject as an academic discipline by developing knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to a specialist study of religion. 
 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 learning.

What are the requirements of A-level Religious Studies?

Firstly, students undertaking A-level Religious Studies at Abbey College do not require a GCSE in the subject; the specification assumes no prior knowledge.  However, RS does involve a significant amount of essay writing and you should therefore be prepared to develop your writing and research skills as part of the course.

What do we study in A-level Religious Studies?

You will be required to study four units: two at AS level and two at A2.  These units will each be assessed by examination; there is no coursework requirement.  The examination board is AQA.

Unit 1 (AS): Religion and Ethics
This unit includes the study of ethical theory and religious attitudes on the nature and value of human life.  You will be required to apply the theory to three moral issues; two of which must be abortion and euthanasia.

Unit 2 (AS): Philosophy and Religion
This unit includes a study of one of the main arguments for the existence of God.  You will also study the concept of religious experience and specific topics in the psychology of religion.  Finally, you will consider issues related to atheism and postmodernism.

Unit 3 (A2): Religion and Ethics
You will continue your study of ethical theory and you will also study religious views on sexual behaviour and human relationships.  You will be required to apply the theory to three moral issues, which must include issues related to science and technology.

Unit 4 (A2) Synoptic Unit
The topic you will study for the synoptic unit is 'Ways of Moral Decision Making'. This topic will allow you to broaden your knowledge of ethical theory and examine in depth how religions approach key moral issues.  In particular, you will examine how ethicists and religions approach the moral issues relating to medical research.
 
Religious studies provide a solid foundation for studying various disciplines within the humanities at university, as the subject requires the ability to research and analyse complex material, critically evaluate an argument or point of view, and write extended essays.  These are transferable skills that are not only essential for those wishing to carry on to postgraduate study, but also highly valued by many of the professions.  Within the modern business environment it is an essential skill for those working in management and human resources.

Bob Leonard
Head of Religious Studies