Getting back into education

[admylin]

Dh has said now that he has completed his PhD and got himself established in his research area that it is my turn! I've been at home for the whole time with the kids allowing him to finish his studies. He managed his PhD in 2 years.

I want to start some distance learning course but I have to find one so I am searching the internet. I really want to study religion but am worried about having been out of education for so long. I was going to try an access course but then found an A Level in religious study which would be good as it would help get some background for the degree course. Does any one know if that would be enough to prepare and get me back in the swing of things!?

What is the 'A' level and degree subject in? Religion is a very wide subject and the two can be totally different. For example, I currently teach 'A' level religious studies, but I teach mostly philosophy and ethics, whereas my theology degree was predominantly biblical based study.

I would also find out the entrance requirements to the degree - you may find that you need more than one 'A' level.

Most degrees though assume no prior knowledge of religion because many schools are unable to offer it, and RS is so varied a subject there's no guarantee that even those who have done A level RS have done the same subject. Personally, I would start with the type of degree course you are intrested in (comparative religion, theology or philosophy and religion) and then find an 'A' level that suits the degree you wish to do.

HTH

Hi rarrie, thanks for answering. I was thinking of doing the A' Level religious studies just to get me back in the swing of things and because we are in Germany and hoping to leave in a year (if dh gets a reasearch position in UK or America) then I would be able to go to classes for the degree. In Germany I can't go anyway as it would all be in german and I make too many mistakes!
Do you think it would be a good idea then? At least I could start something to get back into studying. I did my GCE's and A' Levels years ago in the early 80's in UK and since then have lived abroad and studied french and german but not to degree levels.

Yes it would be helpful, if nothing else just to get you back into the swing of studying again. It might also help to clarify what type of degree you want to do.

If you're thinking of doing a theology degree I'd recommend finding an 'A' level where you can study a Book of the Bible and either Christianity or philosophy.

If you want to do comparative religion degree then perhaps do Christianity and a world religion.

If you want to do philosophy and religion as your degree then I'd look at doing philosophy and ethics for your 'A' level.

Whilst you don't need to have done RS to do a degree, it will help you in your degree if you have done something related in your 'A' level!
HTH