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Develops your understanding of religion, philosophy, and ethics while building strong skills in analysis, evaluation, and written argument.

A Level

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Religious Studies

Quick Summary

Philosophy and ethics combined – Explore moral dilemmas, existence of God, and philosophical arguments alongside religious texts

Essay-based assessment – Develop extended writing skills, constructing and evaluating complex arguments

Multiple perspectives – Study different religious traditions and secular viewpoints, even if you're not religious yourself

What's it actually like?

IN A NUTSHELL

A-Level Religious Studies is essay-based, with no coursework. You'll typically study philosophy of religion (arguments for God's existence, problem of evil), ethics (moral theories and their application to issues like euthanasia, war, business ethics), and usually a specific religion (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, or Hinduism depending on your exam board).
You'll evaluate philosophical arguments, debate ethical dilemmas, understand religious texts and practices, and consider how religion interacts with contemporary issues. It's about deep thinking, not faith – you don't need to be religious.
Exams are entirely essays analysing and evaluating religious, philosophical, and ethical questions.

You absolutely do NOT need to be religious. RS is academic study about religion and philosophy, not faith instruction. Atheist, agnostic, and religious students all do well.

Student Studying

You don't need to be religious: RS is academic study about religion and philosophy, not faith instruction. Atheist, agnostic, and religious students all do well.

About the course

Is this for you?

  • A Level Religious Studies develops your understanding of religion, philosophy, and ethics while building strong skills in analysis, evaluation, and written argument.


    1. Philosophy of Religion


    You study big questions such as:

    • The existence and nature of God

    • Arguments for and against God’s existence

    • The problem of evil and suffering

    • Religious experience and language

    This is assessed by a written exam.


    2. Ethics


    You study ethical theories and apply them to real issues, including:

    • Situation ethics, natural law, and utilitarianism

    • Issues such as euthanasia, business ethics, war, and sexuality

    • How religion influences moral decision-making

    This is assessed by a written exam.


    3. Study of Religion

    You study one religion in depth (usually Christianity), including:

    • Beliefs and teachings

    • Practices and forms of worship

    • Sources of authority and key thinkers

    • The role of religion in society

    This is assessed by a written exam.


    Final Assessment Structure

    All content is assessed by written exams.

  • Religious Studies is a good choice if you:


    • Enjoy thinking about big questions (does God exist? what makes actions right or wrong?)

    • Like debating ideas and evaluating arguments

    • Are comfortable with abstract philosophical thinking

    • Don't need clear right/wrong answers – can handle ambiguity

    • Enjoy essay writing and constructing arguments

    • Are interested in how religion influences society, even if not religious myself

    • Want to think critically about morality, existence, and meaning

    • Can consider views different from my own fairly


  • Critical thinking - Evaluating philosophical arguments and ethical theories strengthens analytical reasoning enormously.

    Essay writing - Constructing sophisticated, balanced arguments develops excellent written communication.

    Ethical reasoning - Understanding different approaches to morality helps you think through complex ethical issues.

    Debate skills - Presenting and defending positions whilst considering counterarguments builds confidence in discussion.

    Understanding diverse viewpoints - Studying religion and philosophy develops genuine open-mindedness and perspective-taking.

    Logical analysis - Breaking down arguments, identifying premises and conclusions, spotting logical fallacies.


  • It's philosophical and abstract: Arguments about God's existence, free will, moral relativism – this is philosophy as much as religious studies. If you prefer concrete subjects, it might feel frustrating.


    Essay writing is constant: Every exam is essays. If you dislike writing, RS isn't for you.


    There's no single right answer: You're evaluated on the quality of your reasoning, not whether you agree with a particular view. This freedom suits some people; others find it unsettling.


    Religious content varies: Depending on your exam board, you might focus on Christianity, study multiple religions, or concentrate more on philosophy/ethics. Check what your school offers.


    It's intellectually demanding: The arguments and concepts are genuinely difficult. You need to think hard about complex ideas.

  • RS + English Literature + History = Strong humanities combination
    RS + Psychology + Sociology = Understanding human behaviour and belief
    RS + History + Politics = Excellent for law or social sciences

  • RS rewards critical thinking and balanced evaluation. Here's how to succeed:


    Learn scholars and their arguments – Know key thinkers (Aquinas, Kant, Mill, Dawkins, etc.) and their positions. Citing scholars by name strengthens essays significantly.


    Always present both sides – Don't just argue for one view. Present arguments, counterarguments, and evaluate strengths/weaknesses of different positions. Balance earns high marks.


    Use examples to illustrate – Apply ethical theories to real dilemmas (euthanasia cases, war scenarios, business situations). Concrete examples show understanding and make arguments clearer.


    Structure essays clearly – Use clear paragraphs with points, evidence, explanation, and evaluation. Good structure makes complex arguments easier to follow.

  • RS graduates can go to work in:

    • law

    • teaching

    • journalism

    • social work

    • charity sector

    • policy analysis

    • ethics advisory roles

    • and many fields where ethical thinking matters.

  • Religious Studies is highly respected by universities. Universities value the critical thinking, ethical reasoning and cultural awareness it develops.


    Religious Studies A-Level opens doors to degrees in:


    • Theology and Religious Studies

    • Philosophy

    • Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

    • Law

    • International Relations

    • Anthropology

    • Social Sciences


    Top tip: Religious Studies shows strong analytical and essay-writing skills - universities value it across humanities and social sciences, not just religious or theological courses.

  • Ask yourself:


    • Do I enjoy thinking about big philosophical questions?

    • Am I comfortable evaluating arguments without needing a "right answer"?

    • Do I enjoy essay writing and constructing arguments?

    • Am I interested in ethics, morality, and how we should live?

    • Can I consider religious and philosophical views objectively, whether I agree or not?

    • Do I want to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills?

Broader application: The ability to think critically about ethical issues is valuable in medicine, business, technology, and anywhere ethical decisions arise.

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Common A Level combinations

This A Level pairs well with:

Politics
Sociology
Modern Languages
Politics
Philosophy
Drama & Theatre
Sciences (to keep STEM options open)
Psychology
Maths

Popular A Level combinations

RS + English Literature + History = Strong humanities combination
RS + Psychology + Sociology = Understanding human behaviour and belief
RS + History + Politics = Excellent for law or social sciences

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