Theology (Philosophy, Ethics and Religion)
Theology A-Level (Religious Studies) comprises study in three academic disciplines: Philosophy, Ethics and Religion (Christianity). The Philosophy component allows learners to investigate ultimate questions about meaning and purpose of life, including questions about the nature of reality, God’s existence and the problem of evil. The Ethics module allows learners to explore different ethical approaches to human morality, encouraging them to consider the implications of moral decision-making, the nature and meaning of the words ‘right and wrong’ and the role of ethics in the 21st century in application to business and sexuality. In the Religion element of the course, we aim to help students understand Christian beliefs, values and practices, enabling them to recognise the relationship between religion and society.
The exploration of key scholars from within western philosophy increases our students’ cultural capital and their ability to discuss the flaws and advantages of each scholars’ theory. A particular focus is placed on developing the student’s oracy skills to help them become more articulate and confident speakers going onto University or the world of work.
A popular and traditional subject, Theology aims to equip learners with transferable skills for further study, employment and society by developing their ability to think critically, analyse arguments, debate persuasively, write coherently, communicate effectively and respect the views of others that differ from their own.
Philosophy:
- Ancient philosophical influences
- Soul, mind and body
- Arguments based on observation
- Arguments based on reason
- Religious experience
- Problem of evil
- The nature or attributes of God
- Religious language
- 20th Century perspectives and philosophical comparisons
Ethics:
- Natural law
- Situation ethics
- Kantian ethics
- Utilitarianism
- Euthanasia
- Business ethics
- Meta-ethics
- Conscience
- Sexual ethics
Religion:
- Augustine’s teachings on human nature
- Death and the afterlife
- Knowledge of God’s existence
- The person of Jesus Christ
- Christian moral principles
- Christian moral action
- Religious pluralism and Theology
- Religious pluralism and society
- Gender and society
- Gender and Theology
- The challenge of secularism
- Liberation theology and Marx
- 1 x 2 hour exam in Philosophy (2 x 40 mark questions out of a choice of 4)
- 1 x 2 hour exam in Ethics (2 x 40 mark questions out of a choice of 4)
- 1 x 2 hour exam in Religion (2 x 40 mark questions out of a choice of 4)
Theology will particularly develop the following skills in students:
- Critical analysis
- Reading academic text
- Writing academic essays
- Oracy
- Self-regulated and independent study
- Synopsis
Students who study Theology A-Level go onto a variety of pathways post Aquinas including:
- University study. Some of our recent alumni graduates (summer 2024) went onto study courses in Philosophy, Theology, Law, Politics, History, English, Creative Media, Counselling, Primary teaching (Theology also counts as a ‘core’ subject if considering primary teaching.)
- Gap year. Some students go on to take a gap year in the voluntary sector. This included one student in our recent alumni graduate who has opted to take a gap year in South Africa.
- Trips to Universities in the North West including Manchester University, Lancaster University, Leeds Trinity and Liverpool Hope
- Guest Lectures from academics in the field of Philosophy and Theology.
- Trips to Poland to visit Auschwitz in the context of what they learn in the ‘problem of evil’ module.
- Spiritual and emotional development retreats to Hyning Hall
- Visits to a Carmelite Convent.
Related Courses
Skip CoursesEnglish Language
The course covers topics such as how we acquire it from birth, how it varies according to factors like accent, gender, ethnicity and how and why English has become a[...]
History
A level history is a fascinating and engaging subject for those who are intrigued by the past and want to discover how events have impacted the world in which we live[...]
Law
The A-level Law course covers a variety of interesting topics. The course takes you from how laws are made, the people who work in the legal system, the criminal law,[...]
Psychology
The Psychology course is an investigation into mind and behaviour. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested in understanding and[...]
Politics
The Politics course also allows students to study the fundamental ideologies that have influenced most political thought over the past 250 years; Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism.
Sociology
The study of Sociology provides you with alternative ways of looking at society and examines how people interact as individuals and in differing social groups within Britain and the world.
Latest From Aquinas
BTEC Creative Media Production and A level Graphics had an incredibly successful and inspiring day at APS with Northern Trains. From the insightful introductions and talks from industry professionals to the engaging creative brief, our students were fully immersed in a real-world marketing environment.
For the first time we celebrated our annual sports presentation in the canteen at college. This was a great afternoon celebrating the sporting successes of our teams, individual athletes, Upper Sixth classes and pathways department. We had a brilliant turnout and a great afternoon.
It was a privilege to welcome guest speaker and first-generation Holocaust survivor Tomi Komoly from the Northern Holocaust Education Group to College this week to talk about his experiences as a young child growing up in 1940s Budapest. Tomi spoke about the rise in fascism in Hungary, which culminated in an alliance with the Nazis.
Completed by first-year A-Level Photography students at Aquinas College, this exhibition invites you to explore the rich and evolving heritage of Stockport. Created in collaboration with Stockroom, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, and Stockport Heritage Trust, the project reflects on the town’s past, present, and future through a photographic lens.
