Philosophy, Ethics, Beliefs and Values
Philosophy, Ethics, Beliefs and Values
AQA A-level Philosophy, Ethics, Beliefs and Values
Develop a greater understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and the philosophy of religion.
Is this course right for me?
This course will enable you to develop an appreciation of religious thought that contributes to individuals, communities, and societies. This will all help develop your interest in a rigorous study of philosophy alongside the beliefs and values of today and relate it to the wider world as well as developing your knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion.
What are the entry requirements?
- Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics
- Religious Studies grade B and English Language/Literature/First Language Welsh grade B
- Please check the AS Level Options Grid to see if this subject fits into your chosen programme
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
What will I learn?
The qualification includes a wide range of topics for consideration including:
- Philosophy – taking a look at arguments such as the existence of God, existence of evil and suffering, language and the questions it raises such as what is meant by good and bad, the meaningfulness of language within religion, and symbolism.
- Ethics – building up knowledge of differing types of ethics such as Utilitarianism, Situations ethics, Natural moral law, Divine command theory and then being able to implement these into situations such as polyamorous relationships, homosexuality, nuclear weapons as deterrents, and capital punishment.
- Buddhism – an in depth and broad study of one of the six major world religions; establishing the key concepts of the religion, development within Britain, approaches towards feminism, science, mindfulness, socially engaged Buddhists and many other topics too.
Throughout this course you will be required to adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach and develop your own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of your studies.
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Click below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses:
- Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses and those who have progressed through the internal progression route:
- A one year GCSE Resit Programme in GCSE Mathematics Intermediate Tier (Welsh or English medium) / GCSE English Language
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses and those who have progressed through the internal progression route:
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s – The priority of this programme (Foundation Maths for Mathematics pathway) is to build fundamental skill and knowledge, to prepare learners for progression onto the one-year, intermediate tier resit programme.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses:
- A one year pre-GCSE upskilling course in mathematics – The priority of this programme is to build fundamental skill and knowledge, to prepare learners for progression to the Foundation Maths programme.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For English:
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For Maths:
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
- A two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
Learners studying on a Jobs Growth Wales (JGW+) programme will be timetabled into literacy and numeracy sessions. To discuss the opportunity of attending a GCSE resit programme, in addition to their JGW+ timetable, please contact skills@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Written examination
What can I do next?
This course can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities in a varied range of businesses including: Further education teacher, Higher education lecturer, Secondary school teacher, Barrister, Chaplain, Civil Service Fast Streamer, Health service manager, Local government officer, Marketing executive, Newspaper journalist, Paralegal, Policy officer, Psychotherapist, Recruitment consultant, Solicitor, Stockbroker.
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
| Mode: | |
|---|---|
| Level: | |
| Duration: | 2 years |
Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.
