Why Choose Religion, Philosophy & Ethics?

Studying Religion, Philosophy & Ethics allows you to gain a thorough understanding of a diversity of philosophical and ethical viewpoints on some of life’s most important and interesting questions. Students gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers, particularly in the fields of law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration and the media. Religion, Philosophy & Ethics is a thought provoking subject and our contemporary themes ensure that this is a highly engaging course.

What will you learn?
The course consists of two key components; Philosophy of religion and ethics, and the Study of religion and dialogues. These run alongside each other throughout the course. Key topics for Philosophy include arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering and religious experiences. In Ethics, topics include key ethical theories including Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics along with the influence of free will and moral responsibility and issues of human and animal life and death.

The religion of Christianity is studied through the lens of both Philosophy and Ethics and contemporary topics such as religious identity, religion vs science, gender and sexuality and secularisation.

You will learn the skills such as evaluation and analysis through discussion, research and essay writing.

Why study Religion, Philosophy & Ethics at Ashmole Sixth Form?
Religion, Philosophy & Ethics enables students to develop a range of transferrable skills highly sought after for University and employment. These include, problem solving, analysis, the ability to work independently and as part of a group, an ability to argue effectively, presentation and communication skills.

There have been opportunities to experience University learning. Recently our A level students attended a lecture series on Philosophy and Religion at the Cambridge Debating Chambers with world renowned philosophers such as Anthony Grayling and Richard Swinburne; both on our A level specification.

Former students who have gone on to study Philosophy at University have come back as visiting speakers. Most recently Sabrina Zanelli who achieved an A* in the subject and went onto study at Sussex University came and spoke on studying Philosophy.

Which subjects go well with Religion, Philosophy and Ethics?
Although all Humanities subjects such as History and Sociology pair well with Religion, Philosophy & Ethics, students in the past have also said that studying this subject alongside Biology, Psychology and English as there are several curriculum cross overs.

Where it will lead you?
Although students are often concerned that studying Religion, Philosophy & Ethics has limited options it is actually often a facilitator for a number of varying occupations and areas of stud. Some students go onto study Philosophy at University and may combine this with another subject such as English or History as a joint Honours degree. In terms of careers, Religion, Philosophy & Ethics has a number of pathways into Medicine, Law, Journalism, Advertising, Publishing, Social work, Teaching and Politics.
 

For more information on subject content structure please click here for the Sixth Form Information Booklet.

For admissions criteria for each subject please click here for the Sixth Form Prospectus

 

Subject Ambassadors

 

"The study of Philosophy, Ethics and Religion is one which requires passion and intrigue. It allows you to broaden your mind and vocabulary, and introduces you to a wide, new spectrum of thinking. You get to explore the political issues that dominate our society and look at different theorists from as far back as 322 BC; studying deeper into the minds of some of the greatest scholars in history. I have particularly found an interest in the philosophy side of the course, but both philosophy and ethics have helped to expand my knowledge and confirm my desire to pursue philosophy at degree level. Unlike GCSEs, we get a lot more independence and less contact time, so in partnership with the challenging content, the subject really aids students in thinking broadly about the world around them, by themselves, and exposes them to scholarly views on society."

 

"I chose philosophy and ethics as one of my three A-levels because I have always been interested in studying the existence of God. I also like how there are no wrong or right answers when it comes to the philosophers ideas. There is always a way to criticise a statement, which to begin with seems so correct Philosophy and ethics has given me many opportunities including the chance to be able to study ideas about our universe and to think deeply about whether God is real or not. Studying philosophy and ethics has also allowed me and my class to go on a trip to the Cambridge Debate Chamber, to listen to three world renowned philosophers.  While studying this subject I have learnt many skills, which I know I will be able to use for a lifetime. I have learnt how to debate with other class members and fully get my point across. I have also learnt to understand different perspectives and views to what I may hold. Moreover I have also been given the chance to learn how to develop my critical thinking.

Within the department I have been awarded the role of the subject ambassador. This role entails representing this subject as a fellow student.

After A-levels I aspire to go onto university to complete an MA studying Theology and Ethics, and further my career in Philosophy.

I think that you should definitely pick philosophy and ethics if you would like to dig deeper into our morals and ideas of the world. This subject is for you if you would like to gain independence in your thinking and writing, but always having the help if need be. Philosophy and ethics is the most interesting by far for me!"

To hear from our former students click here