Course at a glance
Introduction
The Accredited Level 2 Religious Studies Diploma offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of religious, philosophical and ethical issues. The course offer chances to demonstrate students’ knowledge and understanding of these issues, and to express their own ideas and opinions when evaluating the views of others.
Study of the course will enable students to acquire knowledge and develop understanding of religious beliefs, values and traditions, through the study of one or more of the six major world religions. Whilst also allowing students to acquire knowledge and develop understanding of key religious ideas, which are not specific to any one religion and of non-religious beliefs and values. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify, investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience, including questions about the meaning and purpose of life.
The course is a year in length and divided into 2 units of study. At the end of each unit there is an associated TMA (Tutor Marked Assessment) which students are required to complete and submit. The course is formally assessed by an average grade being attained from the 2 submitted Assessments.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 2 Religious Studies Diploma Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
Study Hours
Approximately 160 hours.
Course Duration
1 Year.
Enrolment
You can enrol on the course at any time.
Awarding Body
Assessment Method
Two tutor marked assignments; one assignment after each unit.
Course Content
Accredited Level 2 Religious Studies Diploma Unit 1: The Universe, Reality, and Relationships
Module 1: The universe, human beings and their destiny
- The universe and the place of human beings in it
- Human nature and the human condition
- Selfishness, greed, ignorance and sin
- Free will, determinism and predestination
- Death and life after death
- Ultimate reality
- The meaning of life
- Belief, doubt and unbelief
- The problem of evil and suffering
- Sanctity of life, euthanasia and abortion
Module 3: Relationships, families and children
- Human relationships
- Marriage and partnership
- Divorce and remarriage
- Family structures and responsibilities
- Childlessness and celibacy
Accredited Level 2 Religious Studies Diploma Unit 2: Rights and the Religious Community
Module 4: Rights, equality and responsibilities
- Human rights
- Equal rights and equal opportunities
- The multi-ethnic society and racial harmony
- The multi-faith society and interfaith relationships
- Relationships between rich and poor.
Module 5: The Religious Community
- Religious texts and sources of authority
- Founders and leaders
- Rules for living
- Worship and celebration
- Places of worship and pilgrimage
Progression
This Accredited Level 2 Religious Studies Diploma can be used in preparation for progressing to higher level study in relevant religious subjects (for example Accredited Level 3 Diplomas) or as a vehicle for career development or to fulfil entry requirements to education courses.
