Religious Studies

Exam Board: Eduqas

Component 1: A Study of Religion (Christianity or Islam)

Written examination: 2 hours (33⅓% of qualification)

There will be four themes within each option:

• religious figures and sacred texts
• religious concepts and religious life
• significant social and historical developments in religious thought; (e.g. gender in Christianity)
• religious practices and religious identity

Component 2: Philosophy of Religion

Written examination: 2 hours (33⅓% of qualification)

There will be four themes within this component:

• arguments for the existence of God (e.g. design argument)
• challenges to religious belief (e.g. evil and suffering)
• religious experience (e.g. miracles)
• religious language (e.g. language games)

Component 3: Religion and Ethics

Written examination: 2 hours (33⅓% of qualification)

There will be four themes within this component:

• ethical thought
• deontological ethics (e.g. natural law)
• teleological ethics (e.g. utilitarian ethics)
• determinism and free will

Assessment

3 x 2 hour exams on each component.

Requirements

Sixth Form entry requirements including a grade 5 in GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)or English.

Where can it lead?

Many students go on to study philosophy, theology, law, criminology, medicine, sciences, philosophy, politics and economics, English, history and social sciences. Career paths could be a doctor/other medical professional, lawyer, journalist, teacher, police force, politics and business management.