What Is A Level Religious Studies?

If you’re thinking about taking A Level Religious Studies, you might be a little unsure about what it involves. A Level RS can sound abstract or even intimidating at first, and you may even be concerned that you have to be religious to succeed at this subject. 

As an A Level RS teacher for many years, I’d love to dispel some of the myths. We’ll break down exactly what you study in A Level Religious Studies, how it’s structured and assessed, and what lessons are really like. You’ll also get a clear picture of the skills you’ll develop, who the subject is best suited to, and how it can support your future goals, whether you’re heading to university or not. 

If you’ve ever wondered about right and wrong, how we know what’s true, or what different religions say about the world - and you enjoy a good debate – A Level Religious Studies could just be the perfect subject for you.

What Do You Study in A Level RS?

A Level Religious Studies explores some of the biggest and most thought-provoking questions about life, belief, and morality. 

The course is usually divided into three key areas, though the exact structure and content can vary slightly depending on your exam board (OCR, AQA, or Edexcel). Your subject teacher or the school or college’s prospectus will confirm which course you will follow.

1. Philosophy of Religion

You’ll get to explore classic philosophical questions like:

• Does God exist?

• What is the nature of God?

• Why does evil exist if God is supposed to be loving?

• What is the nature of the soul, mind and body?

• What happens after we die?

You’ll explore how religious and non-religious ideas try to answer life’s most profound questions. Along the way, you’ll study key thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Aquinas, who have all tackled these issues across the centuries. 

2. Ethics

This part of the A Level RS course looks at how we make moral decisions and what counts as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. You’ll explore ethical theories (like Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, and Natural Law) and apply them to real-world issues such as:

• Euthanasia

• Animal testing

• Capital punishment

• Sexual ethics

You’ll also consider whether ethics should come from religion, reason, or personal choice.

3. Developments in Religious Thought

This section focuses on a specific religion - often Christianity, but some schools offer Islam or Judaism instead. You’ll explore how religious beliefs have developed over time and how they respond to modern issues like:

• Secularism and atheism

• Feminism and gender roles

• Science and faith

• Liberation theology

Throughout all areas of study, you’ll be encouraged to think critically, weigh up different perspectives, and build your own reasoned arguments.

How Is A Level Religious Studies Structured and Assessed?

A Level RS is assessed entirely through written exams. There’s no coursework or practical element. Success depends on how well you can understand, analyse, and evaluate complex ideas in extended essays under exam conditions.

Exam Structure

Most A Level RS courses follow a three-paper structure, typically covering:

• Philosophy of Religion

• Ethics

• Developments in Religious Thought (e.g. Christianity, Islam, or Judaism)

Each paper contributes equally to your final grade.

The exam length varies slightly depending on the exam board:

• For example, OCR papers are usually 2 hours each

• Some boards (like AQA) set 3-hour papers instead

Your school will confirm which exam board you follow and how the assessment is timed.

Types of Questions

All questions are long-form essays. You’ll be asked to:

• Explain key concepts clearly and accurately

• Compare different theories, viewpoints, or arguments

• Evaluate how convincing those ideas are

• Reach a reasoned, well-supported conclusion

Example questions might include:

• “Critically assess the claim that religious experience is a valid basis for belief in God.”

• “To what extent is Natural Law the best approach to ethical decision-making?”

• “Critically assess liberation theology’s engagement with social issues.”

Strong answers are well-structured and show a good understanding of issues, demonstrating your ability to analyse and evaluate different viewpoints critically. This means explaining ideas clearly, exploring the views of scholars and coming to a justified conclusion, all under timed conditions.

What Are Lessons Like in A Level RS?

A Level Religious Studies lessons are very different from GCSE RS. They’re more discussion-based, intellectually challenging, and focused on exploring complex ideas in depth.

You’ll spend time:

• Reading and interpreting primary texts, such as Plato’s Republic, Kant’s Groundwork, or Aquinas’ Summa Theologica

• Debating ethical issues like euthanasia, war, or genetic engineering

• Exploring philosophical problems such as the nature of reality, the existence of God, or how we define good and evil

• Planning and writing essays, often using past paper questions and examiner guidance

Teachers will guide you through each topic, but they’ll also expect you to contribute your own thinking, challenge ideas, and ask good questions. Lessons often include:

• Structured note-taking and concept maps

• Whole-class discussions and debates

• Group tasks where you evaluate arguments or plan essay responses collaboratively

Expect to spend time reading outside of class, reviewing your notes, and preparing arguments before lessons. This is a subject that rewards curiosity and engagement - not just memorising content, but working through it critically. 

As a teacher, A Level RS has always been my absolute favourite course to lead. Students become deeply invested in analysing ideas, and it’s not unusual for lessons to overrun as they continue heated debates past the bell, or leave the classroom still furiously discussing the lesson’s topic. 

Many students say RS lessons feel different from other subjects, and that’s because the learning approach is more like university seminars than traditional classroom teaching. It definitely gives a brilliant grounding for many subjects at university.

What Skills Will You Develop?

A Level Religious Studies is more than just learning facts about religion. It’s unique in the way it trains you how to think clearly, argue effectively, and reflect deeply. Whether you continue in the subject after A Levels or not, the skills you gain are useful for life, university, and the workplace.

Here are some of the key skills you'll develop:

Analytical Thinking

You'll break down complex ideas and assess different viewpoints, from ancient Greek philosophers to modern thinkers. You’ll learn how to spot weaknesses in arguments and build stronger ones yourself.

Essay Writing and Argument Construction

Every topic will be examined via essay questions that ask you to form a judgement. You'll practise writing structured, persuasive essays that explain and evaluate different sides of an issue.

Ethical Reasoning

You’ll engage with moral questions and learn how to apply ethical theories (like Utilitarianism or Natural Law) to real-life situations. This is excellent preparation for courses like Law, Politics, or Medicine.

Philosophical Inquiry and Abstract Thinking

You’ll explore abstract ideas such as whether the soul exists, how we define truth, or what makes actions right or wrong - all of which sharpen your ability to think beyond the obvious.

Communication and Self-Expression

In class discussions and essays, you’ll learn how to express your ideas clearly and confidently, listen to others, and adapt your arguments based on new information.

Even if you don’t plan to study Philosophy or Theology at university, these are transferable skills, valued in a wide range of degrees and careers, including Law, Journalism, Psychology, Politics, and Education.

Who Should Consider Taking A Level RS?

A Level Religious Studies isn’t just for people who are religious, or even those who studied RS at GCSE (although it is advisable to have passed the subject at GCSE or IGCSE first). It’s a subject for students who are curious about the world, interested in debate, and enjoy thinking about big questions.

You might enjoy RS if you:

• Like asking deep questions about life, ethics, or belief

• Enjoy class discussions or playing “devil’s advocate”

• Prefer essay-based subjects where you can explore and argue different views

• Want to develop your critical thinking and writing skills

• Are interested in Philosophy, Ethics, Politics, History, or Sociology

A Level RS often pairs well with other humanities subjects such as English Literature, History, Politics, or Psychology, especially if you’re considering a degree in Law, Philosophy, or Theology. It’s also useful for careers that involve communication, ethics, or working with people.

Quick self-check: Is A Level RS for you?

If you’re still unsure, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I enjoy writing essays and analysing ideas?

• Do I like subjects that involve debate and discussion?

• Do I enjoy engaging with big questions about life, morality and belief?

• Am I open to exploring different viewpoints?

• Am I prepared to engage with challenging, abstract, sensitive and controversial concepts?

If you find yourself intrigued by these questions, or if you’re the kind of person who has always driven your parents, carers, or teachers mad by constantly asking “but why?”, then A Level RS could be a great fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level RS hard?

Yes, it’s a challenging subject, but also a very rewarding one. 

You’ll need to write structured, thoughtful essays and engage with complex philosophical and ethical ideas. Success comes from building strong skills in analysis, evaluation, and argument, not just learning facts.

Do you need to be religious to take RS?

Not at all. A Level RS is about studying beliefs, not having them. 

Whether you’re religious, agnostic, atheist, or just curious, the course encourages a respectful exploration of different worldviews. Your ability to think critically matters, not your personal beliefs.

What grades do you need to take A Level RS?

Most schools ask for at least a grade 6 (or B) in GCSE English and/or Religious Studies. 

That’s because essay writing and source analysis are central to the course. If you didn’t take RS at GCSE, some schools may still let you join if you have strong English skills and show enthusiasm for the subject.

Final Thoughts

​​A Level Religious Studies is a unique subject. It’s an invitation to explore some of the biggest and most fascinating questions humans have ever asked. You’ll learn how to think critically, write persuasively, and understand complex ideas from multiple points of view.

Although it’s not an “easy option”, if you’re curious, thoughtful, and enjoy discussion and debate, RS could be a brilliant fit for you. It combines deep academic challenge with real-world relevance, making it a highly respected subject for university and the world beyond. Former students of mine have gone on to study law, become social workers, and even become RS teachers themselves.

Still unsure? Talk to your RS teacher, look at past papers, or try a taster lesson. Choosing your A Levels is always a big decision, so take your time and take advice. With the right subjects, you’ll enjoy your learning and set yourself up for future success. Whatever path you take, make sure it’s one that challenges you and helps you grow, and A Level RS might be just that.