What Careers Can You Get with A Level Religious Studies?
What Careers Can You Get with A Level Religious Studies?
Created:Updated: 25-August-2025
A Level Religious Studies (RS) builds a powerful toolkit: precise reading, structured argument, ethical reasoning, and the ability to compare ideas clearly.
If you’re studying A Level Religious Studies with us (we teach the AQA specification), here’s how it can open doors—whether you plan to go to university, take an apprenticeship, or move straight into work.
Why RS is valued by universities & employers
- Critical evaluation: weighing arguments and evidence, reaching justified conclusions.
- Ethical literacy: applying theories (utilitarianism, Kant, Natural Law) to real scenarios.
- Communication: clear, persuasive essays with precise use of sources.
- Cultural awareness: understanding belief, meaning, and society—useful across many fields.
University degrees that welcome RS
Typical degree options (single or joint honours) include:
- Religious Studies, Theology, Philosophy, or Philosophy & Theology
- Law (LLB) or a Law conversion after another degree
- Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology
- Education, Childhood Studies, Social Policy, Social Work (check prerequisites)
- Journalism, Media & Communications
- Business, Management, Human Resources, Marketing
Tip: For competitive Law/Politics routes, strong grades and essay practice matter—RS pairs well with subjects like English, History or Politics.
Careers directly related (often via degree-level routes)
- Teacher / Lecturer (via a relevant degree and teacher training/PGCE)
- Faith & Community Roles (chaplaincy, community outreach, interfaith work)
- Charity / NGO policy and programmes (human rights, development, social justice)
- Research & Policy (think tanks, public sector, social research)
Careers where RS gives you an edge
- Law & legal services: argumentation, ethics and case analysis
- Public sector & civil service: policy, diplomacy, community engagement
- Media, journalism & publishing: writing, analysis, interviewing
- Business, HR & marketing: communication, stakeholder insight, ethics/governance
- Healthcare & social care: cultural competence, safeguarding, advocacy
Apprenticeships & entry-level roles (if not going to university)
- Business Administrator, HR Support, Marketing Assistant
- Paralegal/Legal Services (via legal apprenticeships)
- Public Services / Civil Service Pathways
- Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor, Pastoral Support
- Charity/Non-profit programme or communications roles
Build a strong subject mix
- RS + English/History for Law, humanities, media.
- RS + Politics/Sociology for social sciences, policy, IR.
- RS + Philosophy for PPE/Philosophy-focused routes.
- RS + Business/Economics for management, HR, marketing.
Super-curriculars that stand out
- Essay competitions, debate society, Model United Nations
- Volunteering with charities, community groups or faith organisations
- Short courses/MOOCs in ethics, philosophy, politics or law
- Write articles/blog posts; contribute to school/university magazines
- Shadowing or placements (legal firms, local council, NGOs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do universities value A Level Religious Studies?
Yes. RS shows you can analyse complex ideas, argue clearly and engage with ethics—skills prized across Law, humanities and social sciences.
Is RS good preparation for Law?
Definitely. RS develops argumentation and evaluation. Many Law applicants combine RS with English, History or Politics.
Do I need to be religious to study RS?
No. RS is an academic subject about ideas, arguments and sources. Many successful students approach topics from a range of perspectives.
Can I get into teaching with RS?
Yes—via a relevant degree then teacher training (e.g., PGCE). RS also supports roles in pastoral care and citizenship/PSHE.
What subjects pair best with RS for competitive courses?
For Law: RS + English/History. For PPE/politics: RS + Politics/Maths (where needed). For social policy/journalism: RS + Sociology/English.