1. Course Entry Requirements

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

Introduction

This is an engaging subject delivered by highly qualified subject tutors. Lessons involve lively debates about relevant issues in modern society through theological, philosophical and ethical lenses. Throughout this course you will develop key skills, such as creativity, problem solving, analytical skills and persuasive writing. These skills are highly regarded by both higher education providers and employers.

What you will study

  • Philosophy of Religion: This part of the course focuses on 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: This part of the course focuses on questions relating to moral decision-making, the nature of ethical language, and applied issues including euthanasia and business ethics.
  • Christianity: This part of the course covers issues such as the existence of God, death and afterlife, gender and theology, and the challenge of secularism.

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
  • Stretch and challenge activities
  • One-to-one tutorials outside of class time
  • Regular group tutorials

Enrichment Activities

  • Yearly participation in ‘Ethics Cup’ competition
  • Annual visits to universities
  • A range of guest speakers
  • Trips to Liverpool Cathedrals, Museums and the Walker Art Gallery
  • A student-run Philosophy debate Society including discussions, and guest speakers

Progression

Philosophy, Ethics and Religion is a highly respected subject that will teach you to think creatively and analytically and encourages you to apply knowledge to real life situations. These are skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

Career Opportunities

Employers know that this subject encourages innovation and creativity. 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.

Further Information

Theology, Philosophy & Ethics 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

Philosophy Daniel Darwent