Philosophy, Ethics and Religion (OCR A Level) 

Philosophy, Ethics and Religion (PER) is a challenging and rewarding A‑level for students who enjoy thinking deeply, questioning assumptions, and discussing big ideas. This is a subject for curious minds who want to explore the fundamental questions people have wrestled with throughout history, such as Why are we here? How should we live? What gives life meaning? and What happens when we die? 

You do not need to be religious to study PER. Instead, you should be open‑minded, willing to engage with different viewpoints, and prepared to examine beliefs critically and respectfully. If you enjoy debate, independent thinking, reading, writing, and analysing complex issues, this subject will suit you well. 

What will you study? 

The course follows the OCR Religious Studies A Level, assessed over two years through three written examinations at the end of Year 13. There is no coursework.

You will study three equally weighted components: 

1. Philosophy of Religion

Exploring classic and modern philosophical thinking about religion and reality, including: 

• Arguments for the existence of God (based on reason and observation) 
• The problem of evil and suffering 
• Religious experience 
• The nature and attributes of God 
• Mind, body and soul 
• Religious language (including symbolic, analogical and modern perspectives) 

2. Religious Ethics

Examining how moral decisions should be made, including: 

• Natural Law, Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics and Kant’s Categorical Imperative 
• Ethical language and conscience 
• Business ethics 
• Sexual ethics and euthanasia 

3. Developments in Christian Thought

Investigating key theological ideas and their impact on society, including: 

• Human nature and the afterlife 
• Knowledge of God 
• The person of Jesus Christ 
• Religious pluralism and secularism 
• Gender and theology 
• Liberation theology and Marxist critiques 

Skills you will develop 

Studying PER will help you to develop a wide range of highly transferable skills that are valued by universities and employers: 

Critical thinking – analysing complex arguments and evaluating evidence
Clear reasoning – constructing logical, well‑supported arguments of your own
Written communication – developing concise, structured and persuasive writing
Evaluation and reflection – weighing up different perspectives before reaching justified conclusions
Ethical awareness – understanding how moral decisions affect individuals and society 

These skills are particularly useful alongside subjects such as English, History, Psychology, Politics and Science, and PER is an excellent complementary subject for students considering careers in medicine, law, education or public service. 

Where could this subject take you? 

Philosophy, Ethics and Religion is a highly respected A‑level that demonstrates intellectual depth and strong academic skills. Students regularly go on to study subjects such as: 

• Philosophy 
• Theology or Religious Studies 
• Law 
• Politics 
• Psychology 
• History 
• Medicine and healthcare‑related degrees 
• Education and social sciences 

Career pathways linked to PER include law, medicine, teaching, journalism, politics, social work, counselling, the civil service and the charity sector, as well as any career requiring strong analytical, ethical and communication skills.