Course description
Does God exist? If God exists, and is good, then why is there so much suffering in the world? Why should we believe in the concepts of miracles? Is religion just a fiction invented to bring comfort to people in difficult times? Is it ever morally right to go to war? Are abortions acceptable?
These are the kind of questions that you will study.
We will examine some of the answers that the great philosophers have given to these questions over the centuries. You will broaden your horizons and develop your powers of reasoning. You will also learn to express your views clearly and logically, both in speech and in writing.
You will develop knowledge and skills that will be highly appreciated both by universities and employers.
This course can be studied as part of the communications pathway.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
5 GSCEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, with English at grade 5.
Training Course Content
Your study will involve an overview of the main theories in different areas of philosophy.
You will study the following topics:
- Unit 1: foundations – a study of philosophical arguments about the existence of God and selected problems in the philosophy of religion. Ethics; ethical concepts and dilemmas.
- Unit 2: religious studies – investigations: the study of philosophy of religion: religious experience and the study of ethics: medical ethics; you study one topic.
At A2, you will continue to study philosophy of religion and ethics:
- Unit 3: developments -comprises further study of philosophical arguments about the existence of God and selected problems in the philosophy of religion, as well as further study of ethical concepts and problems.
- Unit 4: implications – in the implications paper, you are given a piece of text from an anthology and asked one question concerning the implications of this text for religion and human experience.
Course delivery details
You learn in a variety of ways, typically through discussion, groupwork, independent study, traditional essays, reading and research tasks. There is a balance between challenge and support. You play an active part in your learning and there is a strong focus on your individual learning needs.
You develop the skills necessary for further academic study, such as strong report writing, essay writing and study skills, including presentation skills.
You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. By the end of the course, you will benefit from individual support, including clear advice about higher education and careers.
Classes take place over four days a week between 9am and 5pm. We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of individual subjects. There are many enrichment opportunities, enabling you to extend your learning beyond the bounds of your chosen subjects.
Formal assessment is through examinations and, in some subjects, through coursework. The examination periods are in May/ June. There are a range of regular assignments, essays and class-based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you receive regular feedback.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...