A-Level Religious Studies

Course Code: BA125
Award Level 3, Similar to - NVQ Level 3, A-Level

The A-Level Religious Studies course is split in to four units. There are 2 sections for the AS Level, and 2 sections for the A2 Level.

AS Level

The first two units of the course are each worth 50% of the AS grade, and 25% of the A2 grade. For the AS Level (Introduction to Religious Studies), students are required to:

Complete 2 written examinations lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes each. These are worth 90 marks each.

A2 Level

For the A2 Level course units (Studies in Religion and Religion and Human Experience), this is worth 50%. Students are required to:

Complete 2 written examinations lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes each.
Choose one topic from a choice of three to write and extended essay on.

Students are responsible for contacting the test centre directly and arranging test times. Fees will also need to be paid to the centre by the student.

Course Content

AS Level- Introduction to Religious Studies

New Testament (RSS07)

Module 1: How the synoptic gospels came into being
Module 2: Aspect of Jesus' teaching and actions, parables and healings
Module 3: The arrest, trial and death of Jesus
Module 4: The resurrection of Jesus
Module 5: World Religions 1: Buddhism, Hinduism or Sikhism
Module 6: The Four Noble Truths
Module 7: The Eightfold Path
Module 8: The Sangha

A2 Level- Studies in Religion, Religion and Human Experience

New Testament (RST3E)

Module 1: The context of John's gospel
Module 2: The nature, role and purpose of the discourses in John's gospel
Module 3: The nature, role and purpose of the signs in John's gospel
Module 4: The nature, role and purpose of the passion and resurrection narratives

New Testament (RST4C)

Module 1: Ways of moral decision making
Module 2: Business practice and economics

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual and study guide plus tutor support by email. Your A-Level course materials will be sent out in the post once you enrol.

Qualifications

This course prepares students for AQA A-Level Religious Studies for examination in 2011 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive an A-Level in Religious Studies.

Course Questions & Answers

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You do not require any previous knowledge however the courses are delivered in English so you will need to be able to read and write in English.

Q: Is there a time limit for completion of this course?

There is no specific time limit to complete your home learning course, your only real deadlines are the AQA A-Level examinations which take place every year during the summer. You can book on to these examinations when you are ready. Students are advised to contact exam centres, as cut of dates for exams do change.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

All learning documentation and course materials
Unlimited Tutor Support via email

Q: Is there a required reading list?

You may wish to purchase the following textbooks:

The Bible: Revised Standard Version
The New Testament: Proclamation and Parenesis, Myth and History, 3rd Ed. (Duling & Perrin) Harcourt Brace Publishers, (1994)
Buddhist Scriptures: Edward Conze- Penguin Classics (1959)

Textbooks can be purchased from any good bookshop or you can purchase them directly from us.

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A-Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself, however we can provide a list of A-Level test centres around the country.

Q: Are there any additional costs?

You will need to purchase the books listed above and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the examining centre that you choose.

Q: What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A-Level course. You will however be required to take the examinations within the UK as this is the only reliable way to access you.

Q: How do I get my work assessed?

Every student is issued with envelopes in order to return your completed work to us. Once we receive your coursework we will mark it and return it to you.