Edexcel

Introduction

In this course you will be exploring some deep and difficult
questions about life within the context of disciplined

academic study. You will be encouraged to develop further an interest and enthusiasm for the rigorous study of religion and to approach religious ideas and issues in an enquiring, critical and empathetic manner. You will be expected to build up clear knowledge and understanding of the topics studied and to sustain a critical line of argument and justify a point of view. At A2 level you will also be expected to make connections between the different elements of the course studied and to relate these elements to a wider context including specified aspects of human experience.

AS Course Details

Unit 1: FOUNDATIONS

This unit is assessed by a written examination of 1 hour 45
minutes which constitutes 50% of the total marks available for the AS qualification. Candidates must answer THREE questions from the following:

Philosophy of Religion

1. A study of philosophical arguments for the existence of
God:

• Design - key ideas, strengths and weaknesses.
• Cosmological – key ideas, strengths and weaknesses.

2. A study of selected problems in the philosophy of
religion:

• Problems of evil and suffering, different types of problems
and solutions.
• A study of philosophical debates about miracles: concepts
of miracle; reasons to believe in miracles; philosophical
problems with reference to Hume.

Ethics: A study of ethical concepts:

1. A study of the relationship between religion and
morality
• The relationship between religion and morality.
• Utilitarianism.
• Situation ethics.

2. A study of ethical dilemmas:
• Issues of war and peace.
• Sexual ethics.

UNIT 2: INVESTIGATIONS
This unit is assessed by one piece of coursework with a
recommended length of 1,500 – 2,000 words which constitutes 50% of the total marks available for the AS qualification. Coursework is internally marked and externally moderated. Coursework titles may be drawn from a variety of topic areas.

A2 Course Details

Unit 3: DEVELOPMENTS
This unit is assessed by a written examination of 1 hour 45
minutes which constitutes 50% of the total marks available for the A2 qualification. Candidates must answer THREE questions from the following:

Philosophy of Religion

1. A study of philosophical arguments about the existence of God:
• Religious experience - key ideas, strengths and
weaknesses.
• Ontological – key ideas, strengths and weaknesses.
• Non-existence of God and critiques of religious belief.

2. A study of selected problems in the philosophy of
religion:
• Beliefs about life after death; reincarnation; rebirth;
resurrection; immortality of the soul.
• A study of religious language: analogy; language games;
myth and symbol; verification and falsification debates.

Ethics: A study of ethical concepts:

1. A study of the relationship between religion and
morality
• Critiques of the relationship between religion and
morality.
• Deontology, natural moral law, virtue ethics – key
concepts, strengths and weaknesses.

2. A study of selected problems in ethics:

• Meaning and definition of ethical terms with reference to
‘ought/is’ and debates about ‘good’ and emotivism.
• Objectitivity, relativism and subjectivism.
• Justice, law and punishment

Unit 4: IMPLICATIONS
This unit is assessed by a written examination of 1 hour 15
minutes which constitutes 50% of the total marks available for the A2 qualification. Questions are based on an anthology published by Edexcel. Candidates must answer ONE question on either:

1. Philosophy of Religion

• Religious language
• Religious experience
• Emergence of modern philosophy of religion.

2. Ethics

• Method and moral theory
• Personal relationships
• Modern moral philosophy.
Students will consider implications in terms of how far particular beliefs and values might affect people’s understanding or awareness, including their own, of:
• Religion
• Human experience

Subject specific GCSE requirements

It is not necessary to have studied this subject at GCSE for entrance to this course. More important is that you have the ability to write clearly and concisely. A grade ‘B’ or above in English is, therefore, the usual requirement.