Philosophy And Ethics

Why Choose Philosophy & Ethics?

Religious Studies is a combination of Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, it is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. Students will develop their skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas. It encourages students to think about the questions that science can’t answer, consider their own points and take on the viewpoints of others.

Course Content

There are three components to the course; Philosophy of Religion, The study of Ethics, and Development in Religious Thought.

There will be 3 two hour exams that consist of writing essays worth 40 marks.

Some of the areas studied are;

  • Can we trust our senses?
  • What is the distinction between the mind and the body?
  • How should we decide what the right thing to do is?
  • Can we calculate happiness?
  • Should people have the right to choose when to die?
  • What is sexual ethics?
  • Is there an afterlife?
  • Who really was Jesus?
  • Is Christianity sexist?

These and many other questions.

Assessment Pattern

The exams are essay based using a combination of knowledge and understanding. A01 and ability to evaluate A02.

The exams have 4 essay question and students choose 3 to answer. This allows us to prepare fully for essay style and potential questions fully equipping them with the skills required.

Extra Information

Religious Studies students are highly employable. More than 82% go on to employment or further study, and 29% go onto professional jobs – more than any other Humanities and Social Science subject except Architecture and Languages. In particular, Religious Studies graduates work in the NHS; the civil service; youth and social work, advertising, investment and banking, law, politics, business, the creative industries, the charity sector and NGOs, publishing and journalism, and education. The fact is, the skills developed in studying religions are increasingly in demand in a complex, connected, global world. They help us to understand ourselves, our society, and the world.