UK Open College

A Level Religious Studies Course

This new Specification Religious Studies A Level course offers an academic approach to the study of religion and is accessible to candidates of any religious persuasion or none. This A Level Religious Studies course encourages students to develop their 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 and Reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their learning.

• Qualification: A Level Religous Studies
• Accredited: Yes
• QCF Recognised: Yes
• Awarding Body: AQA
• Start Date: Anytime - We enrol 365 days a year
• Duration: Flexible - Approx 700 Hours - 2 Years

Syllabus

First Component
Section A: The philosophy of religion consisting of:

• Arguments for the existence of God
• Evil and suffering
• Religious experience.
• Religious language
• Miracles
• Self and life after death

Section B: Ethics and religion

• Ethical theories
• Issues of human life and death
• Issues of animal life and death
• Introduction to meta-ethics
• Free will and moral responsibility
• Conscience
• Bentham and Kant

Second Component

Section A: Study of religion

• The sources of wisdom and authority
• God and ultimate reality
• Self, death and the afterlife
• Good conduct and key moral principles
• Expressions of religious identity
• Religion, gender and sexuality
• Religion and science
• Religion and secularisation
• Religion and religious pluralism

Section B: The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion

• How religion is influenced by and has an influence on, philosophy of religion in relation to the issues studied

Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion

• How religion is influenced by and has an influence on, ethical studies in relation to the issues studied.

Pre-requisites

• Minimum of GCSE grade C or above.

Students are recommended to possess the ability to read and write English to GCSE standards, Mathematics knowledge also to GCSE level and be over 16 years of age.

Duration

Course duration will vary dependant on student commitment, effort and ability. Overall guided learning hours are approx 700. This should be used as a guideline only and completion times will vary hugely.We would encourage students to seriously consider how they plan to complete their chosen course prior to enrolment. Students should think about how they are going to study, where they are going to study and how often. Be realistic!

Speak to family members and help them to understand what you are trying to achieve, explain you may require peace and space to study at certain times. The more you involve them the more likely you are to get them on your side. Students are reminded that the time in which they complete is purely down to them as an individual.

Completion can be as quickly or as slowly as you wish within the 24 month tuition period. If you require additional time an extension may be available. Extensions are arranged at an additional cost as and when needed.

Format

Students are able to select how they wish to study.

• Paper-based: Receive your course pack in the post in hard copy and correspond directly with your tutor via email.

or

• Online: Access our premium online cloud-based learning system where you are able to access all of your course lessons, assignments and tutor correspondence in one place. Download the APP and access your course information on any device from anywhere in the world with an internet signal. Whichever way you choose to study is up to you!