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Philosophy & Ethics - KS5

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Students at SJB study RE to understand better who they are; to find their place in the world and receive the tools to strive to be the best version of themselves.

Exam Board: OCR

Qualification: Religious Studies H573

OCR Religious Studies H573 Specification

OCR’s A Level Religious Studies offers a thought-provoking and intellectually rich exploration of some of the most profound questions facing humanity. This course is ideal for students who enjoy debating ideas, thinking critically, and exploring diverse world-views.

What Will You Study?

The course is divided into three key components:

  1. Philosophy of Religion

    • Classical arguments for the existence of God

    • The problem of evil and suffering

    • Religious experience and the nature of God

    • Challenges to religious belief

  2. Religion and Ethics

    • Major ethical theories: Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, Natural Law, Situation Ethics

    • Applied ethics: euthanasia, business ethics, sexual ethics, environmental concerns

    • Meta-ethics and the nature of moral language

  3. Developments in Religious Thought (typically focused on Christianity)

    • Human nature, death and the afterlife

    • Sources of wisdom and authority

    • Key moral principles and religious identity

    • Religion and society: feminism, secularism, pluralism

Students following this course will gain a wide variety of knowledge and skills including:

  • Critical thinking and analytical skills

  • Ethical reasoning and philosophical insight

  • Understanding of religious and cultural diversity

  • Preparation for careers in law, education, journalism, social work, and more

 

The sky is the limit! Here is just a small flavour of the routes that our students go on to follow.

1. Law

Religious Studies develops analytical and evaluative skills that are highly valued in legal professions. Students often go on to study law and work as solicitors, barristers, or legal advisors.

2. Education

Many students pursue careers in teaching, either in Religious Education or Philosophy. The subject also provides a strong foundation for roles in educational leadership or curriculum development.

3. Social Work and Counselling

Understanding ethical issues and human beliefs equips students for careers in social care, mental health support, and counselling, where empathy and ethical decision-making are crucial.

4. Journalism and Media

The ability to critically assess arguments and explore societal issues makes Religious Studies students well-suited for careers in journalism, broadcasting, and content creation.

5. Public Sector and Civil Service

Roles in government, policy-making, and community engagement benefit from the subject’s focus on ethics, cultural awareness, and critical thinking.

For students to be successful in Philosophy and Ethics they must be both interested in the subject and able to write!

Entry Requirments:  

  • A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE RE is essential
  • It is desirable to also have a grade 6 in GCSE English

 

There are three components to the A Level course, examined in three papers sat at the end of Year 13.

  • Paper 1- Philosophy of Religion (33% of the course)  

    • Ancient Philosophical influences- Plato and Aristotle  
    • Soul, Mind and Body  
    • Arguments based on observation- Cosmological and Teleological  
    • Arguments based on reason- Ontological  
    • Religious Experience  
    • The Problem of Evil  
    • The Nature and Attributes of God 
    • Religious language: Negative, Analogical or Symbolic 
    • Twentieth century perspectives and philosophical comparisons 

  • Paper 2 - Religion and Ethics (33% of the course) 

    • Natural Law  
    • Situation Ethics  
    • Kantian Ethics  
    • Utilitarianism  
    • Euthanasia  
    • Business Ethics  
    • Meta-Ethical theories  
    • Conscience  
    • Sexual Ethics  

  • Paper 3 - Developments in Christian Thought (33% of the course)  

    • Augustine’s teaching on human nature  
    • Death and the afterlife  
    • Knowledge of God’s existence  
    • The Person of Jesus Christ   
    • Christian Moral Principles  
    • Christian Moral Action  
    • Religious pluralism and Theology  
    • Religious pluralism and society  
    • Gender and society  
    • Gender and theology  
    • The challenge of secularism  
    • Liberation theology and Marx  
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