A Level
Level 3

Philosophy, Ethics & Religious Studies

A1 Matrix Subject
College 16+, International
Student type:
College 16+, International
Start Date:
September 3rd, 2026
Duration:
2 Years
Campus:
Crewe Campus

The Course

Why Study Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Studies?

This A level will enable you to develop insights into areas of knowledge, belief and thought central to an understanding of the modern world. Through a study of philosophy, ethics and the world's major religions, you will be equipped with a range of knowledge and skills which help them to make sense of contemporary events.

At A1 you will be introduced to a number of themes which provide a broad introduction into the study of religion. A1 has two units:

  • Unit 1 is called Foundations and currently you will study two topics: Philosophy of Religion and New Testament studies.
  • Unit 2 is called Investigations and allows you the scope to develop your own ideas on one topic; you only need to answer one question on this paper.

A2 also comprises two units:

  • Unit 3 is called Developments and you will study two topics: Philosophy of Religion and the New Testament.
  • Unit 4 is called Implications – you will consider three set texts and their implications for the consequences of holding certain opinions, views or beliefs, including your own; how a particular belief or value could affect other people, either for good or ill; how other people's lives might be affected if a certain belief were widely held or a certain value widely applied.

Typically you will need 5 GCSEs, including two at grade 5/B (or above) and three at grade 4/C (or above) including maths and English.
Philosophy, Ethics & Religious Studies is a desirable subject in the humanities sector and social sciences. Students are able to progress through to university in Philosophy, Theology, or Sociology or enter employment in education or community services.
£1987

The course fee shown is the co-funded rate which is only available for people living in the local authority areas of Cheshire West and Chester or Cheshire East. If you live outside of these local authorities please contact the College for fee information.

Funding for Adult Courses

You may see a fee attached to the course you’re interested in, but if you are 19+ there may be funding options available to cover the cost of your course.

Get in touch with admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you’d like anymore information.

Higher Education Funding

There is funding available for eligible students.

Do I pay this fee?

Higher Education courses such as HNCs and HNDs can be self-funded through a payment plan. However, for eligible students, a tuition fee loan can fund your course through Student Finance England and you may be eligible for a maintenance loan to support your education.

Please note, you should apply for your loan before the course starts. You only commit to the loan once you begin attending the course.

Find out more about eligibility at Student Finance. For more information, find out on our Higher Education page or get in touch with our Bursary department.

Find out more about funding

Potential Career Pathways

Biologist

Average Salary:
Up to £40,000

Biologists examine the structure, behaviour and relationships of living organisms. Their work helps improve environmental management, medicine and scientific knowledge.

Biologist

Average Salary:
Up to £40,000

Biologists examine the structure, behaviour and relationships of living organisms. Their work helps improve environmental management, medicine and scientific knowledge.

Top-Up Degrees

Degrees you could enter:

  • Degree 1
  • Degree 2
  • Degree 3

Take the next step - Apply Now

Campus:
campus
Start Date:
startdate
Duration:
duration
Course Level:
level
Campus:
Crewe Campus
Start Date:
September 3rd, 2026
Duration:
2 Years
Course Level:
Level 3

Upcoming Events

Crewe Campus
24th September

Pledge Careers Fair (Crewe)

10am to 6pm

The Course

Why Study Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Studies?

This A level will enable you to develop insights into areas of knowledge, belief and thought central to an understanding of the modern world. Through a study of philosophy, ethics and the world's major religions, you will be equipped with a range of knowledge and skills which help them to make sense of contemporary events.

At A1 you will be introduced to a number of themes which provide a broad introduction into the study of religion. A1 has two units:

  • Unit 1 is called Foundations and currently you will study two topics: Philosophy of Religion and New Testament studies.
  • Unit 2 is called Investigations and allows you the scope to develop your own ideas on one topic; you only need to answer one question on this paper.

A2 also comprises two units:

  • Unit 3 is called Developments and you will study two topics: Philosophy of Religion and the New Testament.
  • Unit 4 is called Implications – you will consider three set texts and their implications for the consequences of holding certain opinions, views or beliefs, including your own; how a particular belief or value could affect other people, either for good or ill; how other people's lives might be affected if a certain belief were widely held or a certain value widely applied.

Why Study Philosophy, Ethics and Religious Studies?This A level will enable you to develop insights into areas of knowledge, belief and thought central to an understanding of the modern world. Through a study of philosophy, ethics and the world's major religions, you will be equipped with a range of knowledge and skills which help them to make sense of contemporary events.At A1 you will be introduced to a number of themes which provide a broad introduction into the study of religion. A1 has two units: Unit 1 is called Foundations and currently you will study two topics: Philosophy of Religion and New Testament studies. Unit 2 is called Investigations and allows you the scope to develop your own ideas on one topic; you only need to answer one question on this paper.A2 also comprises two units: Unit 3 is called Developments and you will study two topics: Philosophy of Religion and the New Testament. Unit 4 is called Implications – you will consider three set texts and their implications for the consequences of holding certain opinions, views or beliefs, including your own; how a particular belief or value could affect other people, either for good or ill; how other people's lives might be affected if a certain belief were widely held or a certain value widely applied.
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FUNDING FOR ADULT COURSES

If you are aged 19+ we can help you upskill and invest in your future with one of our adult courses.

You may see a fee attached to the course you’re interested in, but if you are 19+ there may be funding options available to cover the cost of your course.

Get in touch with admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you’d like anymore information.

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