Advanced Learner Loan Fees of £724.00 for the first year
If you are not a UK National you may have an International fee to pay, please see our International Student Payment Information page for more information.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see our Fees and funding page for more information.
Age 16-18
FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).
If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.
Age 19+
If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Student Finance
If you are aged 19 or over and not eligible to get your course free, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company to help towards the cost of some, or all, of your fees. If the amount of Advanced Learner Loan available to you is less than the Advanced Learner Loan Fee for your course, you would need to pay the difference. See our Funding Your Study page for more information or visit the Student Loans Company website to find out more.
Advanced Learner Loan Fees of £724.00 for the first year
If you are not a UK National you may have an International fee to pay, please see our International Student Payment Information page for more information.
Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see our Fees and funding page for more information.
Age 16-18
FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).
If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.
Age 19+
If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Student Finance
If you are aged 19 or over and not eligible to get your course free, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company to help towards the cost of some, or all, of your fees. If the amount of Advanced Learner Loan available to you is less than the Advanced Learner Loan Fee for your course, you would need to pay the difference. See our Funding Your Study page for more information or visit the Student Loans Company website to find out more.
If you are interested in studying A Levels at New College Durham please just complete one application form and you will be able to choose your subjects once you have had your interview. You do not need to apply for each of the subjects you are interested.
Investigate ultimate questions such as 'why does evil exist?' and 'what is the purpose of life?' and study topics that explain the diversity of life and religion in the modern world.
Improve philosophical thinking skills and the ability to think outside of the box, understand contemporary ethical and religious issues such as medical ethics and religious fundamentalism.
Develop communication skills and learn to clearly express your views and increase your self-confidence.
Entry Criteria
You will hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs, minimum of grade 4/C, including maths and English plus a 5 in an essay based subject.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a member of the course team. Please bring a copy of your GCSE grades or predicted GCSE grades.
Study Aims
This A-Level subject will encourage you to:
Develop your interest in a rigorous study of religion and belief and relate it to the wider world
Develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion
Develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies
Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion.
Modules Studied
AS
Philosophy of Religion
Including Arguments for the existence of God
Arguments against the existence of God
Religious Experience
Ethical Philosophy
Ethical theories.
Applied Ethics:
Euthanasia
Nuclear War
Sexual Ethics.
Buddhism
The Life of the Buddha
The Universe according to Buddhism
Karma and reincarnation
Mediation.
A2
Philosophy of Religion
Miracles
Psychological Challenges to religion
Religious Language
Ethical Philosophy
Free-will
Meta-Ethics.
Applied Ethics:
Immigration
Capital Punishment.
Buddhism
Buddhist Texts
Relationship between religion and society
Tibetan Buddhism
The Mindfulness movement.
Teaching and Assessment
You will sit three exams at the end of each year.
What else?
Religious studies works well with Law, History, Politics, English Literature and Psychology.
You could progress to study a higher education programme at New College Durham or university.You could pursue a career in teaching, politics and clergy.
“I was able to take control of my learning and this gave me some much-needed independence, I realise this even more now that I have started university!"
If you want to ask a question about a specific course or subject area, you can use our course explorer to find the course and use the Ask a Question button.
