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Starts

2 Sep 2024

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

2 Years

Level

Level 3

Awarding body

WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee)

Course code

ALEVF3020AS1

Fee Information

Standard Fees of £724.00 for the first year

Advanced Learner Loan Fees of £724.00 for the first year

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 Fees and funding 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, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect on live chat (bottom right of your screen).

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.

Course details may be subject to change. 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 course tutor; 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.