Studying Religious Studies at A-level is no easy ride. Whether you’re grappling with Plato’s Forms or trying to remember who said what about Utilitarianism, it can often feel like there’s too much information and not enough clarity.
We’re lucky to live in a time where there’s no shortage of excellent content. From YouTube breakdowns to in-depth podcasts, there are plenty of useful resources to help clarify the course material — and even ignite a real interest in philosophy and theology along the way.
Here are some of the best videos and podcasts we recommend to A-level RS students.
Our Recommendations
1. Cogito Education
Let’s start, cheekily, with our own offering. At Cogito Education, our tutorials are designed specifically for the Religious Studies A-level. Each video breaks down key content areas like Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and Developments in Christian Thought in a clear, structured, and exam-focused way.
- Expert-led and tailored to the spec
- Accompanied by auto-marked quizzes
- Used in schools across the UK
2. Philosophy Tube
Run by actor and philosopher Abigail Thorn, Philosophy Tube presents philosophical concepts through theatrical monologues, visual metaphors, and some seriously engaging performances. It’s less syllabus-driven and more about feeling the ideas.
- Best for: Moral theory, existentialism, power & identity
- Try: “Who’s Afraid of Gender?” and “Transhumanism”
- Useful for: Gender & Society, Meta-Ethics, DCT
While it’s not exam-specific, it’s excellent for deepening your understanding — especially if you’re writing on contemporary approaches to gender or liberation theology.
3. Philosophize This! (Podcast)
This podcast is a treasure trove for students looking to build philosophical literacy. Hosted by Stephen West, Philosophize This! covers the entire history of philosophy in a clear, digestible format, perfect for listening on walks or the bus.
- Clear, informal delivery with great historical context
- Ideal for students new to topics like Plato, Kant, or Hume
- Start with: Episode 1 (Pre-Socratics) or the Nietzsche series
Use it to supplement your learning — it’s especially useful when revising AO1 material or adding a bit of philosophical flair to your essays.
4. The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast
This one’s made by teachers, for students. Hosted by a team of UK-based philosophy teachers, The Panpsycast covers A-level relevant material like the Design Argument, Free Will, and Religious Language in a witty, accessible way.
- Direct links to OCR topics
- Includes scholars and quotes perfect for essays
- Bonus: Teacher banter keeps things entertaining
Highly recommended during revision season — and their Patreon model even allows for access to full transcripts if you prefer reading to listening.
How to Use These Resources Effectively
Here’s how to make sure your screen time is actually revision:
- Use videos to reinforce what you’ve just learned in class
- Take notes like it’s a lesson — pause and summarise in your own words
- Use podcasts to review while doing chores, walking, or commuting
- Try pairing a video with a tutorial from our Cogito course for deeper understanding
