Religious Studies

Applications Open: - Now

Applications Close: - Friday 13th February 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications may still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements: - 6 GCSE passes at Grade 5+, including a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics and English.

How to Apply: - Apply via KentChoices

Why study this subject?

If you have an interest in religion, ethics, and have an enquiring mind, then this specification will provide you with the opportunity to study these areas of interest.

Religious studies can combine well with all other humanities A Level subjects, such: as geography, history, and English. In addition, if taken with languages, sciences or philosophy, it will give you a broad based curriculum.

Successful completion of this A Level will give access to a wide range of possible career and higher education prospects. The course will provide you with the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills. These include the skills of: collecting, synthesising and interpreting information from a range of sources. Also, this A Level will enable you to think critically, analyse sources and construct persuasive arguments. Many of our students’ progress into fields, including: law, medicine, philosophy, and teaching, yet the skills acquired would be highly desirable in any further studies or employment.

Component 1: Philosophy of religion

Students study philosophical language and thought, and issues and questions raised by belief:

• Ancient philosophical influences

• The nature of the soul, mind and body

• Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God

• The nature and impact of religious experience

• The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil

• Ideas about the nature of God

• Issues of religious language.

Component 2: Religion and ethics

Students explore key concepts and the works of influential thinkers, ethical theories and their application:

• Normative ethical theories

• The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance

• Ethical language and thought

• Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience

• Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs.

Component 3: Developments in religious thought

Students select one religion to study systematically:

• Christianity will be the choice of study. Students will explore:

• Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world

• Sources of religious wisdom and authority

• Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within the tradition

• Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought

• Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society.

Paper 1: Philosophy of religion

2 hours; 33.3% of the A Level qualification

Paper 2: Religion and ethics

2 hours; 33.3% of the A Level qualification

Paper 3: Developments in religious thought

2 hours; 33.3% of the A Level qualification

GCSE grade 5 in Religious Studies or 5 in English Language or Literature.