Philosophy, Ethics and DCT is the study and analysis of the world and people to understand why they behave as they do and how their approach to the world impacts on their actions.
The beauty of Philosophy, Ethics and DCT is that it allows for personal reflection, discussion, and the formation of argument and the debating of relevant ethical ideas. Your lessons will allow you to deepen your thoughts and ideas, challenge traditional concepts and arguments and articulate your reasoning and evaluation of moral issues.
This qualification is designed to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and philosophy of religion. You will develop your skills of critical analysis in order to construct balanced, informed arguments and responses to religious, philosophical and ethical ideas.
OCR’s A Level Religious Studies course aims to engage you thoroughly and develop an interest in Philosophy, Ethics and DCT which extends beyond the classroom and can be applied to the world.
Philosophy of religion – 33.3% of A Level and a 2 hour exam You will study:
Ancient philosophical influences
The nature of the soul, mind and body Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
The nature and impact of religious experience
The challenge for religious belief and the problem of evil Ideas about the nature of God Issues in religious language.
Religion and Ethics – 33.3% of A Level and a 2-hour exam You will study:
Normative ethical theories: Natural Moral Law, Kantian Ethics, Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics
The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance: Euthanasia and Business Ethics
Meta Ethics
Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious belief
Developments in Religious Thought – 33.3% of A Level and a 2 hour exam
You will study:
OCR
Grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies (if studied at school) and grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature.
A Level
Analysing | |
Critical thinking | |
Evaluating | |
Interpreting complex text | |
Constructing essays/extended essay writing | |
Communicating religious, ethical and philosophical concepts and applying them to everyday life | |
Empathy/listening skills | |
Understanding different cultures and traditions | |
Think for yourself! | |
Discover and justify your own beliefs |
There is no coursework in Philosophy, Ethics and DCT.
Philosophy, Ethics and DCT is designed to teach you analytical and evaluative ability and is therefore useful to study alongside any subject.
The skills of evaluation and analysis that Philosophy, Ethics and DCT teaches you is applicable to almost any walk of life. Religious Studies can prepare you for anything that you want to do.
According to AGCAS – the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service. RE/Theology graduates go into a wide range of careers. However they, and employers, feel that it particularly prepares students for the following careers:
Financial Services sector
Legal sector
Medicine
Politics
Consultancy Journalism
Media sector
Education sector
Publishing sector
Social Care sector
Voluntary sector
Social & Pastoral Care
Community work