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What can I do with an RS qualification?
Isn’t RE/RS rather out of date for today’s world? Many people too readily assume that as a serious subject choice Religious Studies is something of a lame duck, lacking in academic value and devoid of vocational relevance. I think this is because older people often wrongly assume that RS still resembles traditional scripture lessons many were familiar with during their own days at school. However times have definitely changed. Today’s approach to Religious Studies incorporates the same educational principles and standard which are applied to other GCSE subjects on the curriculum. It is therefore a subject which is very much up to date. |
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Will RE/RS be accepted by colleges as an academic subject for entry onto other courses? |
Yes! If you plan to take BTEC or City and Guilds qualifications you will find RS readily accepted as an academic subject. Moreover in terms of a supporting arts subject it is perfectly acceptable; RS GCSE and A levels are accepted by the universities as a subject of academic standing so far as their entry requirements are concerned. |
Of what use is a qualification in RS for getting a job?
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The discerning employer will look closely at the breadth of subject interests a young person has and his/her ability to think intelligently across a range of subjects. Religious Studies syllabuses cover a wide range of topics which involve pupils at sometime in an exploration of current social, moral and ethical issues. There are no standard answers, each person must think things through for themselves. It is a subject which requires the ability to examine important questions with an open mind, to weigh up arguments and to reach reasoned conclusions. Such skills as these, and the attitudes they promote, are relevant to life as a whole. They are also relevant to the many jobs which require an understanding of others, and the ability to relate to people of different backgrounds. In combination with other important subjects the possession of an RS qualification may say something about you which could make a difference.
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Do major employers accept Religious Studies at 16+ as a valid exam qualification? YES! Here are just a few institutions and employers who accept RE/RS as a valid examination qualification: Boots Company PLC, Marks and Spencer PLC, Major banks, Post Office, Gas and Electricity boards, Association of Certified Accountants, Institute of Printing, Faculty of Secretaries Administrators, Royal Town Planning Institute, Asssociation of Dispensing Opticians, British Dietetic Association, Police, Courtaulds Ltd, Civil Service Commission, H. J. Heinz Co. Ltd, Chartered Building Societies Institute and the main building societies, Balfour Beatty, Armed Forces, The Institute of Electrical Engineers, The Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting Boards...
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Careers and RE
The main benefits of an advanced study of the subject are the personal development of the student and the satisfaction of following up individual interests. However, the study of RE, especially to external examination level does confer a number of additional benefits which are useful when pursuing certain careers. For example: |
- careers which involve direct contact with people and require some understanding of human behaviour.
- careers which involve the use and the study of texts.
- careers in which it is an advantage to have as wide range of general knowledge.
- careers which call for the use of the imagination.
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(Taken from an article by Andrew Edwards, Specialist Careers Officer, Kent County Council.
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The Career Value of RE