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
Last night saw the presentation party for the latest, great issue of our student magazine. There was yet again a great selection of articles and stories, all written and designed by our fantastically, talented students.
We are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website! This platform marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. Designed to support academic success and enhance the student experience, our new website serves as a central hub for information, events, news, and resources related to life at Aquinas College.
I am thrilled for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Over 58% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass rate. In addition, 70% of Vocational grades were at Distinction* or Distinction grades with a 100% pass rate. These amazing […]
Media Trip to UCLAN
On Wednesday 19th June the media department took a group of students to visit the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)’s Media Factory. The students were given a tour of the facilities including a state of the art fully functioning TV studio.
