Is Religious Studies a Good A Level?

Choosing your A Levels is a big decision, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about which subjects will be the best fit. Religious Studies (RS) is sometimes overlooked compared to options like History, Philosophy, or Politics, but it can be one of the most rewarding subjects you choose.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Religious Studies a good A Level?”, the answer depends on your interests and goals. As an A Level RS teacher, I can tell you that it’s a great choice: highly academic, respected by universities, and helpful for developing skills that transfer to a wide range of careers. But I do realise that it isn’t for everyone, and is best suited to students who enjoy discussion, argument, and tackling complex ideas.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the A Level RS course entails, its pros and cons, and how it can support your university and career paths.

Key Takeaways

• Religious Studies A Level is respected by universities as a rigorous humanities subject.

• It covers philosophy of religion, ethics, and the study of belief systems such as Christianity or Islam.

• Best suited to students who enjoy in-depth discussion, critical thinking, and essay writing.

• Links well with A Levels like Philosophy, Politics, History, English Literature, and Sociology.

• Leads to degrees in Theology, Philosophy, Law, PPE, Politics, and more, as well as careers in law, media, education, and public service.

What Does A Level Religious Studies Involve?

A Level Religious Studies is much more than learning about different faiths. It’s an academic subject that combines philosophy, ethics, and the study of religion. While the exact content depends on your exam board, most courses include three main strands:

• Philosophy of religion: Classic arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of religious experience, challenges from science, and ideas about life after death.

• Ethics: Moral theories such as utilitarianism, situation ethics, and Kantian ethics, and how these apply to real issues like medical ethics, war, business, and the environment.

• Study of religion: Usually Christianity or Islam, though some schools may offer other faiths. You’ll explore core beliefs, sacred texts, practices, and how religions respond to modern challenges.

Assessment is exam-based. You’ll answer extended essay questions that test your ability to build arguments, use evidence, and evaluate different viewpoints. There’s no coursework, but you’ll need to keep up with regular essay practice to do well.

For a full breakdown, see our guide to what A Level Religious Studies involves and the complete list of A Level RS topics.

Who Should Consider Taking Religious Studies?

RS asks some of the biggest questions about existence, morality, and human thought, so it attracts students who like exploring challenging ideas and debating them in depth.

It works particularly well if you:

• Like exploring questions about morality, belief, and the meaning of life.

• Are confident in writing essays and analysing different perspectives.

• Enjoy class discussions and weighing up arguments from multiple sides.

• Have an interest in related areas such as philosophy, politics, sociology, or history.

Because it’s essay-based, RS pairs well with other A Level choices such as Philosophy, Politics, English Literature, History, and Sociology. Together, these create a strong profile for humanities and social science pathways at university.

What Can A Level Religious Studies Lead To?

Religious Studies is a highly respected A Level because it develops transferable skills that both universities and employers value. By studying RS, you’ll gain experience in:

• Critical thinking: analysing complex arguments and ideas.

• Ethical reasoning: applying moral theories to modern dilemmas.

• Communication: structuring essays and expressing your views clearly.

These skills open doors to a wide range of degree subjects, including:

• University degrees: Theology, Philosophy, Law, Politics, Sociology, PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics), International Relations, and English Literature.

• Careers: Law, journalism, media, education, counselling, social work, the Civil Service, and roles in NGOs or faith-based organisations.

Pros and Cons of Studying Religious Studies

Like any A Level, RS has its strengths and challenges. Knowing these in advance can help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Pros

• Builds strong reasoning and argumentation skills.

• Encourages open-mindedness and critical reflection.

• Links directly to modern ethical and social debates, such as human rights, medical ethics, and climate change.

• Recognised by universities as a rigorous academic subject.

Cons

• Can feel abstract and theoretical, which some students find challenging.

• Demands clear essay-writing skills and the ability to express detailed arguments in timed exam conditions.

• Less directly vocational than subjects like Maths or Sciences.

Common Misconceptions About Religious Studies

Religious Studies is sometimes misunderstood. Here are a few common myths I’ve heard in my time as an RS teacher, and the reality behind them:

• “It’s just about learning Bible stories.”
  In fact, RS is academic and analytical in its approach. The focus is on philosophy, ethics, and evaluating arguments, not memorising religious facts.

• “You have to be religious to study it.”
  RS does not require personal faith. Many students who take it have no religious background. The subject is about analysing ideas, not practising a belief system.

• “Universities don’t take it seriously.”
  This is a myth. RS is a respected humanities A Level because it develops transferable skills like essay writing, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.

Student Opinions and Experiences

Hearing from students who have studied A-Level RS can give you a clearer picture of what it’s really like day-to-day. Here are some reflections from students I’ve taught:

• “I didn’t realise how much philosophy was involved. We spent weeks debating arguments for and against the existence of God. At first I worried it might clash with my personal beliefs. But having to justify every statement really helped me develop my essay writing and logical thinking.” Sophie, A Level student

• “The ethics part was my favourite. We looked at medical ethics and environmental issues, which made me feel like what we were studying actually connected to the real world.” Joseph, A Level student

• “It’s definitely challenging, but the discussions are what make it fun. Lessons flew by. You learn how to back up your opinions with proper reasoning.” Matt, A Level student

As an RS teacher, I’ve always found it a privilege to lead students through the subject. Lessons are lively and discussion-led, and the students who get the most out of it are those who enjoy the process of philosophical or ethical debate and reflection. There are plenty of opportunities to share ideas and to challenge preconceptions you don’t even realise you have!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Religious Studies A Level respected by universities?

Yes. RS is considered a rigorous humanities subject. 

Universities value the analytical and essay-writing skills it develops, and it is accepted for a wide range of degree pathways.

What subjects go well with Religious Studies?

RS combines well with other essay-based subjects such as Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, English Literature, and History. 

These pairings create a strong foundation for humanities and social science degrees.

Is Religious Studies harder than Philosophy or Sociology?

Not necessarily. RS shares some overlap with both subjects but has a different emphasis. It focuses on philosophy of religion, ethics, and the study of belief systems. 

Some students find the abstract arguments in RS more challenging, while others prefer its clear structure compared to the broader themes in Sociology. Ultimately, it depends on your personal strengths and interests.

You can read more in our guide: Is A Level Religious Studies hard?

Final Thoughts

So, is Religious Studies a good A Level? For the right student, absolutely. It’s a subject that challenges you to think deeply, debate confidently, and engage with some of the biggest questions about human existence and ethics.

If you enjoy discussion, analysis, and essay writing, RS could be a strong choice that supports your university applications and future career plans. If you’re still weighing it up, speak to your teachers or older students to hear their perspectives.

To explore the course in more detail and find tailored revision support, check out Save My Exams’ A Level Religious Studies resources.