Religious Studies

This AS-Level Religious Studies course provides a comprehensive introduction to key areas of Islam, philosophy of religion, and religious ethics, following the Eduqas specification. The course explores Islamic beliefs and practices, including the Six Articles of Faith, the significance of the Qur’an, the Five Pillars of Islam, and the role of the Ummah. Students will analyse how these core elements shape both personal devotion and community life.

In the Philosophy of Religion component, students will engage with fundamental questions about the existence of God, including classic arguments like the Cosmological and Teleological arguments, and consider how these intersect with Islamic views on Tawhid and divine creation. The course also covers the problem of evil and responses to suffering, as well as the nature and significance of religious experience, including examples from Sufism.

The Religious Ethics component examines various ethical theories, such as Utilitarianism and Divine Command Theory. Topics like justice and intention are considered, along with contemporary ethical issues such as medical ethics and social justice.

Course Assessment

This course will be assessed by three end-of-year exams following the Eduqas Religious Studies specification.

Course Prospects

A-Level Religious Studies equips students with valuable skills that are highly regarded in both Higher Education and the job market.

The subject encourages critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to form coherent arguments—skills that are fundamental across many disciplines in Higher Education. It is especially useful for university courses such as Theology, Philosophy, History, Law, Politics, Sociology, and Anthropology, providing a strong foundation for understanding cultural and ethical dimensions of the modern world.

In terms of employment prospects, Religious Studies helps cultivate empathy, cultural awareness, and effective communication skills—attributes highly sought after in professions like education, social work, journalism, public service, and international relations. Employers in fields such as law, healthcare, and human resources value candidates who can thoughtfully approach ethical dilemmas, understand diverse perspectives, and engage with complex moral issues.

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“Religious Studies class has sparked a lot of interesting debates about different beliefs with both my peers and my teachers which is always a brilliant learning opportunity.”

Religious Studies Student

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 6 grade 4s, including a grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language, is required. GCSE Maths must also be at grade 3 as a minimum. If GCSE Maths is at a grade 3, you would have to resit it.

Need More Information?

If you have any questions, queries, or concerns, please contact Siobhan Thompson (Head of Religious Studies, Philosophy and Humanities) at SThompson@jcc.ac.uk

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