Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics)

Department Overview

The OCR A Level Religious Studies course offers students the opportunity to explore some of life’s biggest questions through the disciplines of Philosophy and Ethics (based on Christianity and Humanism) and Developments in Islamic Thought. It encourages curiosity, lively debate and independent thinking, allowing students to examine different perspectives, challenge assumptions and develop their own well-reasoned arguments.

Curriculum Content

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion.

Topics include arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of the soul and the relationship between the mind and body, religious experiences, and the problem of evil and suffering. Students examine the ideas of influential philosophers and consider whether religious belief can be supported by reason and evidence.

Can we prove that God exists? If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does suffering happen? What makes us who we are?

These challenging questions encourage students to think critically, evaluate arguments and develop the confidence to defend their own conclusions.

Paper 2: Ethics.

The course explores influential ethical theories, including Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics, Kantian Ethics and Natural Law, and considers how these approaches can be applied to contemporary issues such as euthanasia, business ethics and sexual ethics. Students also investigate the nature of conscience, the meaning of right and wrong, and the influence of religion on moral thinking.

Is it ever right to break a religious rule to help someone? Should we judge an action by its consequences or by the principles behind it? Can we ever be certain that a decision is morally right?

Through discussion, debate and careful evaluation, students learn to weigh up competing arguments, recognise complexity and reach informed, balanced judgements.

Paper 3: Developments in Islamic Thought. 

This unit offers a fascinating opportunity to explore Islam as a living religious tradition, examining its beliefs, practices, history and continuing influence on individuals and society.

Students study the foundations of Islamic belief, and the ways in which Muslim identity and practice are expressed. They also explore how Islamic thought has developed over time and how Muslims have responded to changing social, cultural and intellectual contexts.

How should religious teachings be interpreted? Can scientific enquiry strengthen religious understanding? How do historical ideas continue to influence Muslims today?

By examining a range of perspectives within Islam, students develop a deeper appreciation of the diversity, richness and complexity of the tradition, while gaining a broader understanding of religion in the modern world.

What skills will students develop?

Critical thinking: analysing arguments, identifying assumptions and evaluating evidence.

Communication: expressing complex ideas clearly and constructing persuasive, well-supported arguments.

Independent thinking: questioning established ideas and reaching reasoned conclusions.

Debating and discussion: listening to different perspectives and responding thoughtfully to challenging questions.

Essay writing: organising ideas logically, comparing viewpoints and developing balanced evaluations.

These skills are valuable across a wide range of university courses and careers, including Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, Law, International Relations, Politics, History, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Journalism, Education, Social Work and Business Management.