A Level Philosophy and Ethics
AQA Examination Board
What does the course involve?
Component 1
Section A: Philosophy of Religion topics include: arguments for the existence of God, evil and
suffering, religious experience, religious language, miracles, and self and life after death.
Section B: Ethics topics include 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.
Component 2
Section A: Study of Christianity topics include: sources of wisdom and authority, God, self, death
and the afterlife, good conduct and key moral principles, expression 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 Christianity. How Christianity 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 Christianity. How religion is influenced by,
and has an influence on ethical studies in relation to the issues studied.
How will you learn?
The course should encourage you to:
- Develop your interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world
- Develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to
individuals, communities and societies - Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion
- Reflect on and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes in light of their study
What exams and coursework are involved?
Students will take two three hour exams at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics,
- Paper 2: Christianity and Dialogues
What are the entry requirements?
What could you do after completing the course?
Studying Philosophy helps students develop a range of key skills including the ability to think
clearly and critically, analyse arguments and present ideas logically and persuasively.
As well as giving an excellent foundation for those intending to apply for Philosophy at university,
the course will be a useful addition for a wide range of other Higher Education courses – Arts,
Humanities and Sciences.
Students including Philosophy in their A level choices have successfully secured places on
courses at top universities including Medicine, Law, PPE, History, Mathematics, Theology, Art,
Music and English Literature, to name a few.