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GCE A Level in Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics

at Shaftesbury School, Shaftesbury · school or sixth form

Level 3A levelsGCE A level2 yearsFull timeFree

What the college says

Philosophy is the simply 'the love of wisdom'. What can we have true knowledge of? You will study the Ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, arguments about the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering, life after death, religious experience and much more. You will consider both religious and non-religious views. The course gives a thorough grounding in Philosophy and develops critical thinking skills which are hugely valuable for progression to further study. You will analyse, evaluate arguments and construct and justify your own. This course could benefit a wide variety of careers including Law, Medicine, Politics, Journalism, Media and many others that require the ability to think critically. The Ethics course helps us to understand how humans make important ethical decisions. You will study questions to do with human behaviour and right and wrong. The ethical theories you will look at include Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics and Christian Ethics. You will apply these theo-ries to sexual ethics, euthanasia and business ethics. You will study areas of human behaviour to do with whether humans are free to make moral decisions and see how this links with crime and punishment. Underpinning this qualification there is an in-depth study of one major world religion. As part of this you will study Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world. Interpret sources of rel

What you need to get on

You must be good at analysing arguments and putting your own views forward. You must be prepared to use your brain in an enquiring manner and enjoy thinking through different theories to do with the world. Lessons involve lots of discussion work and extra reading at home is expected. You need a grade 6 or above in GCSE RE (Short or Full course) and a grade 6 or above at English GCSE as this is an essay based subject.

How you are assessed

Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.

What this level means

The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.

Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?

Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.

Where it runs

  • Shaftesbury School

    Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, SP7 8ER

    DaytimeClassroom based
    Check the journey

Start dates

  • 1 September 2026 · Shaftesbury

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