A-Level Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Religious Studies, Philosophy & Ethics A Level at Brampton College: Question Everything, Understand More

Do you find yourself questioning the world around you, why we believe what we do, what is truly ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, and how we can make sense of life, death, and morality?
If so, the A Level Philosophy & Ethics course at Brampton College may be exactly what you’re looking for. Designed for curious minds and critical thinkers, this course invites you to explore
the deepest and most timeless questions of human existence.

Studying Philosophy & Ethics is not just about abstract ideas, it’s about engaging with the real world: grappling with moral dilemmas, unpacking religious perspectives, and understanding how ideas shape society, politics, science, and individual lives. Whether you come from a faith background or none at all, our course offers an open, analytical approach that challenges assumptions and sharpens your ability to think, argue, and reflect. As one of the leading sixth form colleges in London, Brampton College offers an intellectually
rigorous A Level in Philosophy & Ethics (AQA Religious Studies) with a strong track record of academic success and university progression. .

Why Study A Level Philosophy & Ethics at Brampton?

A Subject That Shapes Thinkers and Leaders

Philosophy and Religious Ethics help develop the ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and make balanced decisions, skills essential in law, medicine, politics, and
beyond. It’s a powerful A Level for students aiming for careers that demand intellectual clarity and moral reasoning.

Explore Life’s Biggest Questions

The course delves into fundamental questions: Does God exist? What is evil? Can morality be universal? What happens after we die? How should we live? You’ll study both historical and
modern philosophical perspectives that address these enduring human inquiries.

Open to All Backgrounds

Whether you’re religious or secular, new to philosophy or an avid reader of ethical theory, this course welcomes all students with an inquisitive mind. No prior study of GCSE Religious
Studies is required, just a willingness to ask challenging questions and explore complex ideas.

An Enriching Learning Environment

Our department offers lively debate, Socratic discussion, and plenty of opportunities for independent thought. We encourage students to explore philosophy through current affairs,
literature, and real-world dilemmas.

What You’ll Study: A Level Philosophy & Ethics Course Overview (AQA Religious Studies)

The course is divided into four broad sections, each offering a comprehensive foundation in Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics, and the dialogue between religion and contemporary thought.

Section 1: Philosophy of Religion

● Arguments for the existence of God
● The problem of evil
● Religious experience and miracles
● Religious language and metaphysical claims
● Concepts of the self, death, and the afterlife

Section 2: Religious Ethics (Moral Philosophy)

● Ethical theories: Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics, Natural Law, Virtue Ethics
● Key thinkers: Bentham, Kant, Aquinas
● Meta-ethics: What does it mean to say something is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’?
● Free Will, Conscience, and Moral Responsibility
● Applied Ethics: Abortion, euthanasia, embryo research, and end-of-life decisions

Section 3: Study of Religion

● Sources of wisdom and authority
● Nature of God and ultimate reality
● Identity, morality, and good conduct
● Religion and science
● Gender, sexuality, and secularisation
● Religion and global pluralism

Section 4: Religious Dialogues

● Dialogue between religion and philosophy
● Dialogue between religion and ethics
● Intersections between belief, logic, and moral reasoning

Who Should Study Philosophy & Ethics?

This A Level is ideal for students who:

● Have a questioning nature and enjoy discussion and debate
● Are interested in moral dilemmas and philosophical inquiry
● Want to develop high-level reasoning and essay-writing skills
● Plan to pursue careers in law, medicine, politics, education, psychology, journalism, or
theology
● Are interested in how philosophical and ethical issues impact global events and human
behaviour

Entry Requirements

You do not need to have studied GCSE Religious Studies to take this course. What matters most is your willingness to engage deeply with philosophical questions, participate in debate,
and write analytically. Strong reading and essay-writing skills will help students thrive in this intellectually demanding yet rewarding subject.

Skills You’ll Develop

Studying Philosophy & Ethics at Brampton College will help you:

● Think critically and assess arguments with logic and clarity
● Write persuasive, structured, and scholarly essays
● Debate sensitive and complex issues with maturity and empathy
● Evaluate diverse perspectives with openness and rigour
● Develop independent learning and research skills
● Apply ethical and philosophical concepts to real-world issues

These are essential life skills, highly transferable across industries and disciplines.

Enrichment Opportunities and Departmental Features

● Dedicated tutorial support with personalised feedback on essay writing and exam technique
● Access to an outstanding library, curated philosophical texts, and scholarly articles
● Philosophy reading clubs and current affairs discussions
● Video lectures and online resources for extended learning
● Royal Institute of Philosophy essay competitions and external workshops
● Encouragement of synoptic thinking, drawing connections across topics and disciplines
● Lively seminar-style discussions, helping students to articulate ideas confidently

Our classroom is a space for conversation, critical engagement, and intellectual curiosity. We also encourage wide reading, philosophy isn’t confined to the textbook.

Popular Career Paths Include:

● Law and Legal Practice
● Medicine and Healthcare Ethics
● Politics and Public Policy
● Philosophy and Theology
● Education and Academia
● Journalism and Editorial Work
● Civil Service and Diplomacy
● Corporate Strategy and Ethics in Business
● Marketing, PR, and Communications
● Charity, NGO, and Human Rights Work

Philosophy graduates are known for their reasoning abilities, problem-solving, and structured communication, skills in demand across every sector.
Many of our students progress to top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, UCL, Edinburgh, and Durham, often combining Philosophy with subjects such as Law, Politics, Psychology, History, or Theology.

A level Results