Religious Studies - A2

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 21 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Religious Studies A2 programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student. 

All topics on this programme are studied from a reflective and philosophical perspective and students must be prepared to explore, debate and discuss a range of beliefs and issues.

Aims of the course:

No prior knowledge of the subject is required, with aims being to:

  • Develop an interest and enthusiasm for the study of religion and its impact upon society
  • Treat the subject as an academic discipline
  • Encourage enquiry into the nature of religion through debate, discussion and extensive reading

What you will study

During the course the following areas will be covered:

Unit 4: Religion and Ethics

Students will explore the:

  • Ethical thought through naturalism, intuitionism and emotivism
  • Deontological ethics through natural law, Proportionalism and their application to immigration and capital punishment
  • Determinism through St Augustine and John Calvin
  • Free will through Pelagius, Arminius and libertarianism

Unit 5: Philosophy of Religion

Students will explore the:

  • Knowledge and understanding of religion and belief through Freud and Jung
  • Religious experiences - miracles
  • Religious language and logical positivism
  • Religious language as symbolic, mythical and a language game

Unit 6: Textual Studies – New Testament

Students will explore the:

  • Parables - types and purpose
  • Miracles - types, purposes and interpretations
  • Epistles - 1 Peter - authorship and purpose
  • Apocalyptic literature: Revelation – definitions, characteristics, purposes and interpretations

Entry requirements

Successful completion of AS programme including satisfactory attendance and tutor recommendation.

Teaching and assessment

Two written exams

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

21 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

A2CC3F15
L3

Qualification

Religious Studies - A2
Access logo

More...

Videos
What our students say

Someone came in to speak to us about the Sutton Trust, which gives students a taste of life at American universities. I applied - it was really competitive but I got in. We went to a different state every day, and we went to different colleges including Princeton and Harvard. I also had a week at Warwick Uni and a week at Nottingham Uni. It was so good – I just loved it.
You have a lot of support at the College, especially from the Careers and Ideas team. I think there are a lot more opportunities here as it is such a big college with so many resources.

A Levels - case study
Charlotte Hall
Studying A Levels in English Literature, History, Law, Psychology and Welsh Baccalaureate

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Classical Civilisation
  • Geography
  • History
  • Law
  • Philosophy
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Theology

Need to know

A Levels Learner

Scholars Programme

Gain the skills and support to succeed at top-level universities.
Performing Arts

Opportunities

CAVC offers lots of opportunities beyond your studies including a great enrichment programme and sporting opportunities.

Next steps

Find out more

Download a course guide for your area of interest.

Open Evenings

Visit us at one of ours sites, chat to tutors about your course of interest and see our great facilities for yourself.

Apply online

Applying to CAVC is easy and all online.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE