Course Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in Religious Studies (if studied) and a grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

Introduction

During this course you will explore key ideas, concepts, themes and practices. This is a highly regarded subject valuable for a range of HE courses and careers.

What you will study

  • Philosophy of Religion: The study of Ancient Greek philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, arguments for the existence of God, challenges to religious belief, and claims to religious experience.
  • Ethics: You will focus on questions relating to moral decision-making, the nature of ethical language, and applied issues including euthanasia and business ethics.
  • Buddhism: This includes religious figures and sacred texts; religious concepts and religious life; social and historical developments in religious thought; and religious practices/identity.

Assessments

Regular essays will enable you to develop the writing skills, expressing complex ideas. There are three exams at the end of year two to assess your investigation of, and response to the many issues explored during the course.

Course Support

  • Support from friendly, approachable tutors to help you achieve your potential
  • A range of different teaching styles and methods
  • One-to-one tutorials outside of class time
  • Regular group tutorials

Enrichment Activities

  • Annual visits to universities
  • Trips to a Buddhist Centre, Liverpool Cathedrals, Museums and the Walker Art Gallery
  • Take part in the Royal Institute of Philosophy’s certified ‘Philosophy: The Classics’ course
  • A student-run Philosophy Society – discussions, films and guest speakers

Progression

Philosophy, Ethics and Religion is a highly respected subject that will teach you to think clearly and express yourself coherently; skills valued by universities and employers.

Career Opportunities

Employers know that this subject teaches people to think clearly and to express themselves coherently. The skills that you will develop in analysis and argument are valuable in a range of careers. For example, former students are accountants, HR officers, solicitors, criminal psychologists, speech therapists, nurses, teachers and too many more to mention.

Videos

Click the link below to view the Course Introduction video

A Level Philosophy, Ethics & Religion Course Introduction video

Further Information

Philosophy, Ethics & Religion Course Leaflet

Exam Board Course Specification

Guest lecture from the University of Manchester

Ethics Cup at the University of Liverpool

 

What Our Students Say

From day one, Carmel has consistently been a place for me to flourish; especially the PER department.

What’s special about the subject is how it gives you a greater world view, a critical perception of what we consider right and wrong, and helps you perfect your analysis skills through essay writing. I often find myself using the evaluation skills that are emphasised in this subject in both my other A-Levels, especially since all my subjects are essay based. As a department we’ve taken trips to Liverpool Cathedral and the Walker Art Gallery which was a perfect place to discuss how philosophical problems, such as Plato’s theory of forms, are expressed through classical art.

After Carmel, I hope to go to university to study classics, where the knowledge and skills of logic, analysis and evaluation I’ve gained through studying PER will be transferable, and truly invaluable.

Daniel Darwent