Course title: OCR A-Level Religious Studies (Specification Code: H573)
Examining body: OCR
Course duration: 2 years
Overview of the course
- This A-Level provides a coherent and thought-provoking programme of study that develops:
- Understanding of religious beliefs and teachings.
- Exploration of philosophy of religion and ethics.
- Critical engagement with profound questions about existence, morality, and society.
- Skills in analysis, evaluation, and constructing arguments.
How the course is examined.
- Assessment is 100% written examination (no coursework).
- Three papers, each 2 hours, equally weighted (33⅓% each):
- Philosophy of Religion (H573/01) – 120 marks.
- Religion and Ethics (H573/02) – 120 marks.
- Developments in Religious Thought (H573/03–07) – 120 marks.
- Students choose one religion for Component 3 (options: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism
Any relevant further information such as unit titles, specialisms.
Philosophy of Religion
- Ancient philosophical influences.
- Arguments for/against God’s existence.
- Religious experience.
- Problem of evil.
- Nature of God and religious language.
Religion and Ethics
- Normative ethical theories (e.g., Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics).
- Application to contemporary issues (e.g., euthanasia, sexual ethics).
- Conscience and free will.
Developments in Religious Thought
- Systematic study of one religion.
- Beliefs, values, sources of authority.
- Social and historical developments.
- Religion and society themes.
Where the qualification can lead to (i.e. next level, university, suggested careers)
- University progression: Theology, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Law, Politics, Sociology.
- Suggested careers: Teaching, Law, Social Work, Media, Journalism, Community Work, Civil Service.
- Valuable for roles requiring critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness.