AQA A-Level Religious Studies

The AQA A-Level Religious Studies course offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of some of the most profound questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and religious belief. Spanning two years, the qualification is structured to develop students' critical thinking, analytical writing, and evaluative skills through the study of three core areas: Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Religion, and either a systematic study of a world religion or a textual study of a sacred text. This balanced approach ensures students gain both breadth and depth, encountering diverse scholarly views and contemporary debates.

Through Philosophy of Religion, students grapple with classic arguments for God’s existence, the problem of evil, religious experience, and the nature of the divine, engaging with thinkers from Anselm to Dawkins. Ethics and Religion introduces major normative ethical theories and applied issues such as war, sexuality, and the environment, alongside meta-ethics and debates about conscience and free will. The final component allows students to specialise in Christianity or Islam, or to focus on the textual and historical context of the New Testament (Mark’s Gospel) or the Qur’an, exploring how sacred writings shape religious life and thought.

AQA’s specification is designed to be accessible yet academically challenging, encouraging students to make connections across topics and to develop their own reasoned viewpoints. The emphasis on dialogic education means classrooms become spaces for respectful debate, preparing students not just for exams but for university study and beyond. With a clear assessment structure and a wealth of supporting materials provided by AQA, teachers and learners are well-equipped to engage deeply with the subject.