Philosophy and Theology

Who is this suitable for?

• You may be interested in further study or careers in law, humanities, history, English, philosophy, theology, social sciences or education.
• Anyone interested in a career where decision-making or thinking around ethical issues is needed, or where communicating complex ideas succinctly is highly valued. Philosophy and Theology graduates often go into managerial roles, law, diplomacy, government, journalism, teaching, the military, law enforcement or the civil service.
• People who want to develop their ability to appreciate complex and contentious debates, relating to how humans should behave, what is ‘right’ or what the place should be of religion in society.

What will I learn?

The A Level is split into three different sections: the philosophy of religion, ethics, and developments in Christian thought. You will study each of these three areas across the two-year course.

How will I be assessed?

Year 12:

• Paper 1 – Paper one introduces students to ancient philosophical influences, Plato, Aristotle, the nature of the soul, the mind and body, arguments about the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and impact of religious experience, and the problem of evil and suffering.
• Paper 2 – Paper two introduces pupils to normative ethical theories (Aquinas, Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism) before applying them in the contexts of euthanasia and the corporate world.
• Paper 3 – Paper three introduces pupils to developments in Christian thought including Augustine on human nature, debates about knowledge of God’s existence and how Christian ethical principles were lived out in the case of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Year 13:

• Paper 1 – Paper one develops the themes of Year 12. It adds questions concerning free will and religious language.
• Paper 2 – Paper two develops the themes of Year 12. It adds questions concerning meta-ethics, Aquinas and Freud on conscience, and sexual ethics.
• Paper 3 – Paper three develops the themes of 12. It adds questions about religious pluralism, the challenge of secularism, Marx and liberation theology.

What other subjects go with Philosophy and Theology?

An A Level in Philosophy and Theology would go well with any of the humanities or arts subjects.

Where could it lead me?

An A Level in Philosophy and Theology could take you anywhere. The skills of distilling large quantities of information into succinct points, wrestling with complex and contentious debates, and arguing your point persuasively are highly valued by all top universities.