A Level Religious Studies Distance Learning Course

Was £395.00 now £310.00 for a full AS/A2 Level.
A2 available in October
A Level: Religious Studies AQA-2060: Specification 
AS Assessment Units 1 & 2
RSS07 AS Unit G: New Testament:
How the synoptic gospels came into being (covering oral tradition, reasons for the writing of the gospels, relationship between three synoptic gospels and Mark, reasons for editing gospels and reasons for translation from the Greek.)
Learners will be able to consider whether the synoptic gospels are better understanding by considering how they came into being; the pros and cons of having three gospels, to what extent the gospels may be trusted given the time lapse and if a translation be considered as the word of God.
Aspects of Jesus’ teaching and action, parable and healings (covering role and purpose of parable and healings and the scholars view on their theology; the sower, the tenants in the vineyard, the centurion’s slave and legion.)
Learners will be able to discuss whether Jesus’ healings should be rationalised in light of science, to what extent parables can be understood in the modern day and the purpose and importance of scholars in explaining the theological messages from the text.
The arrest, trial and death of Jesus (covering scholars views on the theological message and the teaching on Jesus, the person and the similarities and differences between Matthew 26:36-27:61, Mark 14:32-15:47 & Luke 22:40-23:56.)
Learners will be able to discuss whether there is an explanation for why each account differs, whether the gospels provide the reason for Jesus’ crucifixion, the historical reliability of the texts and how convincing the claims are regarding Jesus’ ministry and death within the synoptic gospels.
The resurrection of Jesus (covering the theological message and the teaching about the person of Jesus in these accounts and similarities and differences between Mark 27:62-28:20, Mark 16:1-16:20 and Luke 24.
Learners will be able to discuss whether the resurrection is historical or symbolic or both, whether there is an explanation for the differences between the synoptic gospels, whether the longer ending of Mark’s gospel is authentic and the importance of the resurrection narratives in the synoptic gospels for Christianity.
SET TEXT: The Bible: Revised Standard Version.
The New Testament: Proclamation & Paranesis, Myth and History: Duling & Perrin

RSS09 AS Unit J:  World Religions 1

BUDDHISM:
Samsara & Three marks of existence (covering samsara, cycle of death and rebirth, dukkha, anatta & anicca, implications for Buddhists and their attitude for life.)
Learner will be able to consider and explain the Buddhist attitude to life, discuss the common sense implications to dukkha and anicca and explain whether these concepts can only be understood through experience.
The Four Noble Truths (covering an in depth summary of the truths and how they are understood in Buddhist philosophy and practice.)
The learner will be able to consider and explain whether Buddhists should desire to end desire, whether the Buddhist goal can be understood and discuss whether Buddhists should be disinterested in life.
The Eightfold Path (covering the nature and importance of wisdom, morality and mental discipline, the importance of meditation and the relationship between the 3 aspects and the path.)
The learner will be able to consider whether Buddhists feel any of the three aspects have a particular importance, if Buddhists follow the path for their own needs or if it is practiced for others and the significance for these teachings in the modern world.
The Sangha (covering the community as refuge, the monastic and lay community, the communities relationship and the importance of the path to both.)
The learner will be able to consider whether the life of a monk is better or harder than the life of a lay Buddhist, whether Buddhism is a form of escapism and which of the communities has more significance for the modern Buddhist.
SET TEXT: Essential Buddhism: Jacky Sach & Buddhist Scriptures: Penguin Classics
Study Time
To complete a full A level it will take in the region of 200 study hours.
Pre-requisites

To take an A Level with UK Open Learning you should have a GCSE grade C or above, or the equivalent and preferably in your chosen subject.
Support
As a student of UK Open Learning you will have access to tutor via email who will mark your work and guide you through the course to ensure you are ready for your examinations.
Examination Centres

UK Open Learning will provide you with a list of examination centres but it is entirely your responsibility to find a centre which will accept you as an external candidate.
In some cases you should be prepared to travel to another town or city to take your exams.
The contract for sitting exams is between you and the centre  and we will provide you with comprehensive instructions on when and how to deal with the examination centre.
Please email for a list of centres and we will provide you with a link or a pdf for you to contact centres directly. We are unable to provide this information by telephone.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do your courses meet the latest syllabus changes?
A. yes, all our course materials meet any changes and will be updated free of charge if further changes are made.
Q. Why do I have to find a centre myself?
A. We have students all over the UK and Europe and it is impossible for us to arrange dates and times for individual students.
Q. What if I cannot find an examination centre in my home town?
A. If you wish to gain the qualification then be prepared to travel it is worth it!
Q. How much are exam fees?
A. These vary from centre to centre so please check with your local centre.
Q. Are the courses paper based or on-line?
A. All our courses are paper based and come in attractive sturdy folders.
Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. Tutors are all working Teachers or Lecturers so contac