Religious Studies
Examination board: OCR
Specification name: Religious Studies
Linear or Modular: Linear
Specification codes: H173/H573
Subject content:
Unit 1: Philosophy of Religion
Unit 2: Ethics and Religion
Ancient Philosophy e.g. Plato
Soul, mind and body
Life after death
Religious experience
Existence of God (A2 only)
Nature of God (A2 only)
Religious Language (A2 only)
Normative ethical theories e.g.
natural moral law
Applied ethics (euthanasia and
sexual ethics)
Ethical key concepts e.g. Kant
Ethical language (A2 only)
Free will (A2 only)
Conscience (A2 only)
Development in ethical thought
e.g. feminism and secularism
(A2 only)
Unit 3: Development in
Christian Thought
Purpose of life
The self and immortality
Knowledge and revelation of
God
Life of Jesus (A2 only)
The challenge of secularism (A2
only)
Assessment procedures:
In AS pupils will take an exam in all three units. Each exam lasts one hour.
For the full A-Level pupils will take an exam in all three units. Each exam lasts two hours.
Qualities and skills essential for studying Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics
The ideal student for Philosophy and Ethics has a passion for moral issues and seeks answers to the
big questions such as whether God exists. They should be confident when expressing their own
opinions but also able to look at opposing and differing views to their own. The course is based on
extended writing therefore you should be able to formulate essays and enjoy independent research
outside of class to further your knowledge. Philosophy and ethics contains many challenging
questions and concepts, therefore you need to be resilient and hardworking. Finally you should be
able to evaluate different ideas and theories, this often involves independent thinking and being
able to weight up the strengths and weaknesses for yourself.
Entrance requirements
We require that pupils have a grade B in English Language and a grade B in Religious Studies
Additional information
Speak to Ms Taylor, Ms Osman or Ms West for further information.