Philosophy, Theology & Ethics - A Level

"Since starting this course my essay writing skills and evaluation skills have improved massively. Philosophy and Ethics teaches you how to think more deeply into things which translates across all of your A levels."

Entry Requirements

Three GCSEs at grade 4 plus a grade 5 in English Language

Subject Intent

Studying Philosophy, Theology and Ethics challenges students to think about deep and controversial issues and write about them from a critical angle. Students are encouraged to develop open minds, that can assess complicated concepts from a multitude of angles and build their confidence to articulate these views verbally. It builds a broad understanding of religious, non-religious and sometimes competing world views, as well as equipping students to have a compassionate yet pragmatic approach to ethical issues.

The course will also support the development of high level analytical and evaluative skills as well as helping students express themselves fluently and clearly in essays. These essential skills are critical in a large variety of careers including marketing, civil service, business and academia.

Course Introduction

For many of our students this is a new course, touching on names and ideas never experienced before. If you enjoy discussions, exploring different and unusual ideas and asking questions about the world, existence, religion and ethics, then you will enjoy Philosophy, Theology & Ethics.

The course is split into three sections which all contribute equally towards the final exam. Philosophy includes Plato and Aristotle, Teleological Argument and Problem of Evil. Ethics includes Conscience, Utilitarianism and Business Ethics. Christian Thought (Theology) includes The Afterlife, Bonhoeffer, Gender and Feminism.

Students often find it complements their other A levels such as Law and Biology because of the overlap with ethics, History due to the use of original texts, English Language with the development of essay writing skills, Psychology with the study of psychologists including Freud, and Sociology due to the sociological ideas such as Marxism and Gender.

This course develops key skills needed to succeed both at university and future careers rather than just subject content.

Course Modules

The course is split into three sections (Philosophy, Ethics and Christian Thought) which all contribute equally towards your final exam. For example:

First Year Content

Philosophy

• The Greeks: Plato & Aristotle
• Teleological Argument
• Problem of Evil

Ethics

• Natural Law
• Euthanasia
• Utilitarianism
• Business

Theology

• Death and the Afterlife
• The person of Jesus Christ
• Christian Moral Action: Bonhoeffer

Second Year Content

Philosophy

• The nature of attributes of God
• Religious Language

Ethics

• Meta Ethics
• Conscience
• Sexual Ethics

Theology

• Religious Pluralism and Theology
• Gender and Society
• The Challenge of Secularism

Assessment

The assessment is 100% exam.

Course Fact

Each Christmas we decorate our “Philosotree” with our favourite Philosophers and Theologians.

Example Career Opportunities

Social Worker | Nurse | Teacher | Politician | Policy Officer | Solicitor | Barrister | Journalist | Doctor | Psychotherapist