Religious Studies Revision — AQA A-Level

    Complete AQA A-Level Religious Studies specification revision resources. Tailored syllabus coverage with topic breakdowns, quizzes, and practice questions.

    Overview

    The AQA A-Level Religious Studies course offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of some of the most profound questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and religious belief. Spanning two years, the qualification is structured to develop students' critical thinking, analytical writing, and evaluative skills through the study of three core areas: Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Religion, and either a systematic study of a world religion or a textual study of a sacred text. This balanced approach ensures students gain both breadth and depth, encountering diverse scholarly views and contemporary debates.

    Through Philosophy of Religion, students grapple with classic arguments for God’s existence, the problem of evil, religious experience, and the nature of the divine, engaging with thinkers from Anselm to Dawkins. Ethics and Religion introduces major normative ethical theories and applied issues such as war, sexuality, and the environment, alongside meta-ethics and debates about conscience and free will. The final component allows students to specialise in Christianity or Islam, or to focus on the textual and historical context of the New Testament (Mark’s Gospel) or the Qur’an, exploring how sacred writings shape religious life and thought.

    AQA’s specification is designed to be accessible yet academically challenging, encouraging students to make connections across topics and to develop their own reasoned viewpoints. The emphasis on dialogic education means classrooms become spaces for respectful debate, preparing students not just for exams but for university study and beyond. With a clear assessment structure and a wealth of supporting materials provided by AQA, teachers and learners are well-equipped to engage deeply with the subject.

    Why Choose AQA for Religious Studies?

    AQA’s specification is renowned for its clarity and logical structure, making it easier for students and teachers to navigate the extensive content. The division into discrete Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion/Textual units allows for focused teaching while still encouraging synoptic linkage through the dialogic essays, which many other boards do not explicitly assess.

    AQA offers a genuine choice in the final component: students can study Christianity or Islam in depth, or take a textual route with Mark’s Gospel or the Qur’an. This flexibility enables schools to tailor the course to their cohort’s interests and staff expertise, unlike some boards that prescribe a single approach.

    Extensive support from AQA, including specimen papers, mark schemes, and teacher resources, alongside its widespread use in schools, means there is a large community of practice and a wealth of high-quality textbooks and revision guides specifically tailored to this specification, giving students a clear advantage.

    Assessment & Exam Structure

    Assessment is entirely through two written examinations at the end of the two-year course; there is no coursework. Paper 1 (Philosophy of Religion and Ethics) and Paper 2 (Study of Religion and Dialogues) are each 3 hours long, worth 100 marks, and each contributes 50% to the final A-Level grade. Both papers consist of two sections: Section A has two two-part questions (each part worth 10 and 15 marks), and Section B is a single synoptic essay question worth 25 marks, requiring students to bring together knowledge from across the specification. The total mark available across the two papers is 200.

    Specification Topics

    Top Exam Board Tips

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Key Terminology & Definitions

    {"theme":"Typology of Experience","description":"Classification of phenomena into categories such as mystical, numinous, visions, and voices to facilitate systematic philosophical analysis."}
    {"theme":"Epistemological Status","description":"The investigation into whether religious experiences can provide objective knowledge of God or remain purely subjective psychological states."}
    {"theme":"Psychological and Neuroscientific Challenges","description":"Critiques from Freud, Jung, and Persinger suggesting that experiences are products of the subconscious or temporal lobe stimulation rather than external divine agency."}
    {"term":"Hedonic Calculus","definition":"Bentham's seven-fold method (intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, extent) for calculating the balance of pleasure and pain."}
    {"term":"Categorical Imperative","definition":"An unconditional moral obligation which is binding in all circumstances and is not dependent on a person's inclination or purpose."}
    {"term":"Autonomy","definition":"The capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced decision; the basis of Kantian moral agency."}
    {"term":"Teleological","definition":"Ethical theories that judge the rightness of an action based on its consequences or end goal (telos)."}
    {"term":"Summum Bonum","definition":"The 'highest good' which Kant argues is the combination of virtue and happiness, achievable only in the afterlife."}
    {"theme":"Theological Responses to Religious Diversity","description":"Analysis of the shift from traditional Exclusivism (Barth) to Inclusivism (Rahner's 'Anonymous Christian') and the radical Pluralism of John Hick, necessitated by increased inter-faith proximity."}
    {"theme":"The 'Reverse Mission' and Global South Influence","description":"The phenomenon of Christian growth in Africa, Asia, and Latin America impacting the UK through migration, leading to the establishment of Black Majority Churches (BMCs) and the re-evangelisation of the West."}
    {"theme":"Social Cohesion and the Established Church","description":"The evolving role of the Church of England as a 'hospitable host' for minority faiths, balancing its constitutional status with the requirements of a multi-faith public square."}
    {"theme":"Cyclical Cosmology and Time","description":"Analysis of the Kalpa and Yuga systems in relation to the oscillating universe theory and the Big Bang, emphasizing the non-linear perception of time in Hindu thought."}
    {"theme":"Evolutionary Synthesis","description":"Exploration of the Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Vishnu) as a metaphorical or proto-evolutionary sequence, mapping the transition from aquatic to terrestrial and eventually complex human forms."}
    {"theme":"Consciousness and Quantum Reality","description":"Investigation into the parallels between the Upanishadic concept of Brahman and the observer effect in quantum mechanics, focusing on the non-dual nature of reality."}
    {"term":"Qiwamah","definition":"The concept of male guardianship or the responsibility of men to provide for and protect women."}

    Religious Studies

    AQA
    A-Level

    Specification: 7062

    The AQA A-Level Religious Studies specification covers 77 topics with 0 learning objectives (7062). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    77

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    282

    Exam Tips

    177

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About AQA A-Level Religious Studies

    The AQA A-Level Religious Studies course offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of some of the most profound questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and religious belief. Spanning two years, the qualification is structured to develop students' critical thinking, analytical writing, and evaluative skills through the study of three core areas: Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Religion, and either a systematic study of a world religion or a textual study of a sacred text. This balanced approach ensures students gain both breadth and depth, encountering diverse scholarly views and contemporary debates.

    Through Philosophy of Religion, students grapple with classic arguments for God’s existence, the problem of evil, religious experience, and the nature of the divine, engaging with thinkers from Anselm to Dawkins. Ethics and Religion introduces major normative ethical theories and applied issues such as war, sexuality, and the environment, alongside meta-ethics and debates about conscience and free will. The final component allows students to specialise in Christianity or Islam, or to focus on the textual and historical context of the New Testament (Mark’s Gospel) or the Qur’an, exploring how sacred writings shape religious life and thought.

    AQA’s specification is designed to be accessible yet academically challenging, encouraging students to make connections across topics and to develop their own reasoned viewpoints. The emphasis on dialogic education means classrooms become spaces for respectful debate, preparing students not just for exams but for university study and beyond. With a clear assessment structure and a wealth of supporting materials provided by AQA, teachers and learners are well-equipped to engage deeply with the subject.

    Assessment Structure

    Assessment is entirely through two written examinations at the end of the two-year course; there is no coursework. Paper 1 (Philosophy of Religion and Ethics) and Paper 2 (Study of Religion and Dialogues) are each 3 hours long, worth 100 marks, and each contributes 50% to the final A-Level grade. Both papers consist of two sections: Section A has two two-part questions (each part worth 10 and 15 marks), and Section B is a single synoptic essay question worth 25 marks, requiring students to bring together knowledge from across the specification. The total mark available across the two papers is 200.

    Why Choose AQA?

    • AQA’s specification is renowned for its clarity and logical structure, making it easier for students and teachers to navigate the extensive content. The division into discrete Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion/Textual units allows for focused teaching while still encouraging synoptic linkage through the dialogic essays, which many other boards do not explicitly assess.
    • AQA offers a genuine choice in the final component: students can study Christianity or Islam in depth, or take a textual route with Mark’s Gospel or the Qur’an. This flexibility enables schools to tailor the course to their cohort’s interests and staff expertise, unlike some boards that prescribe a single approach.
    • Extensive support from AQA, including specimen papers, mark schemes, and teacher resources, alongside its widespread use in schools, means there is a large community of practice and a wealth of high-quality textbooks and revision guides specifically tailored to this specification, giving students a clear advantage.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    50%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including: • religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching • influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies • cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice • approaches to the study of religion and belief

    AO2
    50%

    Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    AQA
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Failing to link philosophical or ethical theories to the specific scholars prescribed.
    • •Confusing cognitive and non-cognitive approaches in religious language.
    • •Applying ethical theories to issues without demonstrating a clear understanding of the theory's core principles.
    • •Neglecting the evaluation (AO2) component in favor of purely descriptive (AO1) content.
    • •Failing to address the 'proof' status of arguments for God's existence.
    • •Confusing different types of visions (corporeal, imaginative, intellectual).
    • •Failing to distinguish between the logical and evidential challenges to religious experience.
    • •Misapplying Swinburne’s principles of credulity and testimony.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Ensure you can clearly distinguish between the first part (AO1 - knowledge) and second part (AO2 - evaluation) of the two-part questions.
    • •Practice applying multiple ethical theories to the same issue (e.g., abortion) to compare their different moral conclusions.
    • •Use the prescribed scholars' names and their specific arguments to substantiate your evaluation.
    • •Be prepared for questions that span more than one topic within a section.
    • •Focus on the 'reasonableness' and 'coherence' of arguments when evaluating philosophical claims.
    • •Questions may span more than one topic.
    • •Ensure you can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments and scholars' views.
    • •Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between reason and faith.

    Specification Topics

    77 topics

    Component 1: Philosophy of religion and ethics

    Component 1: Philosophy of religion and ethics covers two main sections: Section A (Philosophy of religion) explores arguments for God's existence, the problem of evil, religious experience, religious language, miracles, and the nature of the soul/afterlife. Section B (Ethics and religion) examines normative ethical theories (Natural Moral Law, Situation Ethics, Virtue Ethics), meta-ethics, free will, moral responsibility, conscience, and the application of these theories to human and animal life/death issues.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Section A: Philosophy of religion

    Section A of Component 1 covers the core philosophical arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering, the nature and verification of religious experience, the meaningfulness of religious language, the definition and significance of miracles, and concepts of the soul and life after death.

    0 objectives4 tips

    Arguments for the existence of God

    This topic covers the classical philosophical arguments for the existence of God, specifically the Design, Ontological, and Cosmological arguments, including their presentations by key scholars and their respective criticisms.

    0 objectives4 tips

    Evil and suffering

    The study of the problem of evil and suffering within the Philosophy of Religion, focusing on the nature of evil, the logical and evidential challenges it poses to the existence of an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God, and key theodical responses.

    0 objectives4 tips

    Religious experience

    The study of religious experience, covering its nature, types, verification, and challenges, including the influence of these experiences on religious faith.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Religious language

    The study of religious language, focusing on the debate between cognitive and non-cognitive interpretations, the challenges of verification and falsification, and various responses including eschatological verification, Bliks, language games, symbolism, analogy, and the Via Negativa.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Miracles

    The study of miracles within the Philosophy of Religion, focusing on differing definitions, the debate between realist and anti-realist perspectives, and the contrasting views of David Hume and Maurice Wiles.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Self and life after death

    This topic explores philosophical perspectives on the nature of the soul, the relationship between the body and the soul, and the philosophical possibility of personal existence continuing after death.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Section B: Ethics and religion

    Section B: Ethics and religion covers normative ethical theories, their application to human and non-human life and death, meta-ethics, free will, moral responsibility, conscience, and a comparative study of Bentham and Kant.

    0 objectives4 tips

    Normative ethical theories

    This topic covers the study of normative ethical theories, including deontological, teleological, and character-based approaches, their application to moral decision-making, and their specific application to issues of human and non-human life and death.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Issues of human life and death

    This topic covers the ethical application of normative ethical theories (Natural Moral Law, Situation Ethics, and Virtue Ethics) to specific issues of human life and death, including embryo research, cloning, designer babies, abortion, voluntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, and capital punishment.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Issues of animal life and death

    This topic covers the ethical issues surrounding the treatment and use of animals by humans, specifically examining the application of normative ethical theories (Natural Moral Law, Situation Ethics, and Virtue Ethics) to these issues.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Introduction to meta ethics

    An introduction to meta-ethics, focusing on the meaning of right and wrong through three specific theories: Divine Command Theory, Naturalism (Utilitarianism), and Non-naturalism (Intuitionism).

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Free will and moral responsibility

    This topic explores the philosophical and ethical dimensions of free will and moral responsibility, examining the conditions required for moral accountability and the extent to which human actions are determined or free.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Conscience

    The study of conscience as a moral guide, exploring differing religious and non-religious perspectives on its nature and its role in moral decision-making, specifically regarding lying, breaking promises, and adultery.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Bentham and Kant

    This topic involves a comparative study of the ethical theories of Jeremy Bentham and Immanuel Kant, focusing on their approaches to moral decision-making and their compatibility with religious moral frameworks.

    0 objectives

    Component 2: Study of religion and dialogues

    Component 2: Study of religion and dialogues involves an in-depth study of one of five major world religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, or Judaism). Students examine sources of wisdom and authority, ultimate reality, self/death/afterlife, moral principles, religious identity, and the religion's interaction with gender, science, secularisation, and pluralism. Additionally, students must engage in synoptic dialogues between their chosen religion and both philosophy of religion and ethical studies.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    2A Buddhism

    The 2A Buddhism component covers the religious beliefs, teachings, values, and practices of Buddhism, exploring their expression in individuals, communities, and societies. It includes the study of sources of wisdom and authority, ultimate reality, self, death and afterlife, good conduct, religious identity, and the dialogue between Buddhism and both philosophy and ethics.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Buddhism: Sources of wisdom and authority

    This topic explores the sources of wisdom and authority in Buddhism, focusing on the significance of the Buddha's life, his teachings on Dukkha, and the nature and authority of the Pali Canon.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Buddhism: Ultimate reality

    This topic explores the Buddhist concepts of ultimate reality, focusing on the differences between Theravada and Mahayana concepts of the Buddha, the Trikaya doctrine, the nature and importance of Anicca (impermanence) and its development into the doctrine of emptiness, and the nature of Nirvana.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Buddhism: Self, death and afterlife

    This topic explores the Buddhist understanding of the self, the nature of death, and the afterlife, focusing on the concepts of Anatta, Samsara, and the goals of Nirvana and rebirth within both Theravada and Mahayana traditions.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Buddhism: Good conduct and key moral principles

    This topic explores the Buddhist approach to morality, focusing on the importance of intention, the classification of actions as healthy or unhealthy, the role of free will and moral responsibility, the Five Precepts, the Six Perfections of Mahayana Buddhism, and the application of the principle of ahimsa to contemporary ethical issues.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Buddhism: Expressions of religious identity

    This topic explores the expressions of religious identity within Buddhism, focusing on the role of the Sangha, the practice of devotion, and the significance of Buddha images and merit-making.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Buddhism: Gender and sexuality

    This topic examines the historical and social factors influencing Buddhist perspectives on gender and sexuality, specifically within the context of Thailand, and explores developments in Buddhist thought, including feminist approaches and debates regarding ordination, celibacy, marriage, and LGBTQ+ issues.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Buddhism: Religion and science

    This topic explores the interaction between Buddhism and science, focusing on how scientific developments have influenced Buddhist thought and how Buddhism has responded to scientific challenges and ethical issues.

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Buddhism: Religion and secularisation

    This topic explores the Buddhist response to the challenge of secularisation, focusing on the British context. It examines the impact of secular values on Buddhist practice, the emergence of new forms of Buddhism, and the role of Engaged Buddhism in addressing social issues.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Buddhism: Migration and religious pluralism

    This topic examines the development of Buddhism in Britain, focusing on the impact of migration, the resulting multicultural society, and the influence of religious pluralism within a modern secular state on Buddhist thought and practice.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Buddhism: Dialogue between Buddhism and philosophy

    This topic explores the dialogue between Buddhism and philosophy, focusing on how developments in Buddhist belief have influenced and been influenced by philosophical studies of religion. It requires students to demonstrate critical awareness of connections between Buddhist teachings and philosophical enquiry.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Buddhism: Dialogue between Buddhism and ethics

    This topic explores the dialogue between Buddhism and ethical studies, focusing on how Buddhist moral principles interact with, influence, and are influenced by various ethical frameworks and contemporary moral issues.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    2B Christianity

    This topic covers the religious beliefs, teachings, values, and practices of Christianity, including their expression in the lives of individuals, communities, and societies. It explores sources of authority, concepts of God, the afterlife, moral conduct, and the dialogue between Christianity and both philosophy and ethics.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Christianity: Sources of wisdom and authority

    This topic explores the sources of wisdom and authority in Christianity, focusing on the nature and authority of the Bible, the role of the Church in both Protestant and Catholic traditions, and the authority of Jesus as a role model and source of teaching.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Christianity: God

    This topic explores the Christian understanding of God, focusing on monotheism, the nature of the Trinity, the personhood of God, and the challenges posed by process theology.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Christianity: Self, death and afterlife

    This topic explores Christian beliefs regarding the purpose of life, the nature of the soul, resurrection, and the afterlife, including interpretations of judgement, heaven, hell, and purgatory, as well as the concept of objective immortality in process thought.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Christianity: Good conduct and key moral principles

    This topic explores the importance of good moral conduct in the Christian way of life, including theological concepts of justification and predestination, as well as Christian perspectives on the sanctity of life, dominion, and stewardship.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Christianity: Expressions of religious identity

    This topic explores the expressions of religious identity within Christianity, focusing on the significance of baptism and Holy Communion, and the mission of the Church.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Christianity: Gender and sexuality

    This topic explores the historical, social, and theological developments in Christian thinking regarding gender and sexuality, including the impact of Biblical criticism, changing societal roles, and feminist theological perspectives.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Christianity: Religion and science

    This topic explores the relationship between Christianity and science, focusing on how scientific advancements have influenced Christian thought and how the religion has responded to these challenges, including the role of evidence, reason, and specific scientific theories.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Christianity: Religion and secularisation

    This topic examines the challenge of secularisation to Christianity within the British context, focusing on the shift in religion's role in society, the rise of militant atheism, and Christian responses to these challenges, including new forms of expression and social relevance.

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    Christianity: Migration and religious pluralism

    This topic examines how migration has created multicultural societies containing Christianity, focusing on the diversity of faiths in Britain, the role of freedom of religion in European law, and religious pluralism in modern secular states. It explores the influence of this context on Christian thought, specifically regarding attitudes to other faiths (Exclusivism, Inclusivism, and Pluralism) and responses to freedom of religious expression.

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    Christianity: Dialogue between Christianity and philosophy

    This topic explores the dialogue between Christianity and philosophy of religion, focusing on how developments in Christian belief have influenced and been influenced by philosophical studies of religion. It requires students to analyze the reasonableness, meaningfulness, and coherence of Christian beliefs in relation to philosophical enquiry.

    0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

    Christianity: Dialogue between Christianity and ethics

    This topic explores the dialogue between Christianity and ethical studies, focusing on how Christian beliefs and teachings interact with, influence, and are influenced by various ethical frameworks and moral issues.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    2C Hinduism

    This topic covers the religious beliefs, teachings, values, and practices of Hinduism, including their expression in individual and community life. It explores sources of authority, concepts of ultimate reality, the nature of the self and afterlife, moral conduct, and the impact of modern challenges such as secularisation, science, gender, and migration.

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    Hinduism: Sources of wisdom and authority

    This topic explores the primary sources of wisdom and authority in Hinduism, specifically focusing on the Vedas (shruti), smrti texts (Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Manusmrti), and the role and authority of gurus in the modern world, exemplified by Swami Sivananda.

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    Hinduism: Ultimate reality

    This topic explores the Hindu understanding of ultimate reality, focusing on the nature of God, the Trimurti, the concept of avatars, and the distinction between Nirguna and Saguna Brahman.

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    Hinduism: Self, death and afterlife

    This topic explores Hindu beliefs regarding the purpose of life, the nature of the atman, and the cycle of samsara, including reincarnation and the various realms of existence.

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    Hinduism: Good conduct and key moral principles

    This topic explores the importance of good moral conduct in Hinduism, focusing on the role of karma, karma yoga, the concepts of dharma (Sanatana and Varnashrama), and the virtue of ahimsa in relation to contemporary ethical issues.

    0 objectives4 tips

    Hinduism: Expressions of religious identity

    This topic explores the various ways in which Hindu religious identity is expressed, focusing on the paths of Yoga, the practice of Bhakti Yoga (including darshan and puja), and the role and evolution of ashrams as spiritual retreat centres.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Hinduism: Gender and sexuality

    This topic explores the historical, social, and theological developments within Hinduism regarding gender and sexuality. It examines the impact of Western values, changing societal roles, and secular government legislation on Hindu perspectives, alongside specific feminist approaches and debates concerning celibacy, marriage, divorce, homosexuality, and transgender issues.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Hinduism: Religion and science

    This topic explores the relationship between Hinduism and science, focusing on how scientific advancements have influenced Hindu thought and how Hinduism has responded to these challenges. It covers the emphasis on evidence and reason in science, specific scientific discoveries, and science as a stimulus to Hindu ethical thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Hinduism: Religion and secularisation

    This topic examines the impact of secularisation on Hinduism, focusing on the 19th-century context of the encounter with Western values, the reinterpretation of Advaita Vedanta by Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Mission, and the challenges and responses within the British context, including the preservation of sects and the emergence of new forms of Hinduism.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Hinduism: Migration and religious pluralism

    This topic examines the impact of migration on the development of Hinduism in Britain, the resulting multicultural society, and the Hindu response to religious pluralism, freedom of religion, and the influence of these contexts on Hindu thought.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Hinduism: Dialogue between Hinduism and philosophy

    This topic explores the dialogue between Hinduism and philosophy, focusing on how developments in Hindu belief have influenced and been influenced by philosophical studies of religion. It requires students to demonstrate a critical awareness of the connections between Hindu beliefs and philosophical enquiry, specifically regarding ultimate reality, self, death and afterlife, sources of wisdom and authority, religious experience, the relationship between scientific and religious discourses, the truth claims of other religions, and miracles.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Hinduism: Dialogue between Hinduism and ethics

    This topic explores the dialogue between Hinduism and ethical studies, focusing on how Hindu beliefs and teachings influence and are influenced by various ethical frameworks, including deontological, teleological, and character-based approaches, as well as specific contemporary moral issues.

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    2D Islam

    This topic covers the religious beliefs, teachings, values, and practices of Islam, including sources of authority, the nature of God, self and afterlife, moral conduct, and expressions of identity. It also explores the dialogue between Islam and philosophy, and Islam and ethics, examining how these areas influence and are influenced by one another.

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    Islam: Sources of wisdom and authority

    This topic covers the primary sources of wisdom and authority in Islam, specifically focusing on the nature and authority of the Qur’an, the status of the Prophet Muhammad as the final prophet, the role of hadiths, and the authority of Imams in Shi’a Islam.

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    Islam: God

    This topic covers the Islamic understanding of God, focusing on the concept of Tawhid (Oneness), personal attributes of God, and the diverse theological interpretations regarding God's nature, including anthropomorphic descriptions and Sufi perspectives.

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    Islam: Self, death and afterlife

    This topic explores Islamic beliefs regarding the purpose of human life, the nature of the soul, the concept of divine decree (Al-Qadr), and the afterlife (Akhirah), including Barzakh, judgement, heaven, and hell.

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    Islam: Good conduct and key moral principles

    This topic covers the importance of good moral conduct in Islam, including the duty of obedience to God and the Prophet, the role of greater jihad, and the application of Shari'ah law through the five-fold classification of actions. It also examines the sanctity of life regarding the embryo and unborn child, the concept of lesser jihad in relation to warfare, and the role of the Ummah as Khalifah (stewards) regarding the environment and animal life.

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    Islam: Expressions of religious identity

    This topic explores the concept of what it means to be a Muslim, examining the similarities and differences between Sunni and Shi'a views, the role and purpose of the Five Pillars of Islam (including Salah and Hajj), and the changing role of the mosque in the community with reference to the London Central Mosque.

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    Islam: Gender and sexuality

    This topic examines the historical and social factors influencing Muslim perspectives on gender and sexuality, including the impact of Western values, immigration, and secular government rights. It covers feminist approaches, specific debates regarding the veil, the role and status of women (including interpretation of Qur'an 4:34), and contemporary Muslim views on celibacy, marriage, homosexuality, and transgender issues.

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    Islam: Religion and science

    This topic explores the relationship between Islam and science, focusing on how scientific advancements have influenced Muslim thought, the challenges science poses to traditional beliefs, and the development of Muslim responses to these challenges.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Islam: Religion and secularisation

    This topic examines the challenges posed by secularisation to Islam, specifically within the British context. It covers the shift of religion from the public to the personal sphere, the rise of militant atheism, and the impact of materialistic secular values on Muslim identity and practice.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Islam: Migration and religious pluralism

    This topic examines the impact of migration on the development of Islam in Britain, the diversity within the British Muslim community, the role of freedom of religion in secular states, and the resulting developments in Muslim thought regarding exclusivism, inclusivism, and freedom of expression.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Islam: Dialogue between Islam and philosophy

    This topic explores the dialogue between Islam and philosophy, focusing on how developments in Islamic belief have influenced and been influenced by philosophical studies of religion. It examines the reasonableness, meaningfulness, and coherence of Islamic beliefs, as well as the relevance of philosophical enquiry for religious faith.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Islam: Dialogue between Islam and ethics

    This topic explores the dialogue between Islam and ethical studies, focusing on how Islamic beliefs and teachings influence and are influenced by various ethical frameworks, including deontological, teleological, and character-based approaches, as well as specific contemporary moral issues.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    2E Judaism

    This topic covers the religious beliefs, teachings, values, and practices of Judaism, including their expression in the lives of individuals, communities, and societies. It explores sources of authority, concepts of God, self, death, and the afterlife, good conduct, religious identity, and the dialogue between Judaism and both philosophy and ethics.

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    Judaism: Sources of wisdom and authority

    This topic explores the primary sources of wisdom and authority in Judaism, specifically focusing on the nature and authority of the Tenakh, the Babylonian Talmud, and the role of Rabbis in contemporary Judaism, including the Beth Din.

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    Judaism: God

    This topic explores the Jewish understanding of God, focusing on the nature of monotheism, the personal nature of God, and the theological contributions of Martin Buber. It examines how these beliefs are expressed in sacred texts and how they influence Jewish life and thought.

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    Judaism: Self, death and afterlife

    This topic explores Jewish beliefs regarding the purpose of life, the nature of the soul, and concepts of the afterlife, including the Messianic Age, resurrection, and immortality, as well as the link between these beliefs and the justice of God.

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    Judaism: Good conduct and key moral principles

    This topic explores the importance of good moral conduct in Judaism, focusing on obedience to God and the mitzvot, the extent of human freedom and moral responsibility, the role of individual reasoning, the principle of pikuach nephesh, the sanctity of life (including embryo research, abortion, and war), and the concept of stewardship regarding animals and the environment.

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    Judaism: Expressions of religious identity

    This topic explores the concept of 'Jew' and the diverse ways in which Jewish identity is expressed in daily life, worship, and the changing role of the synagogue in society.

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    Judaism: Gender and sexuality

    This topic explores the historical and social factors influencing Jewish perspectives on gender and sexuality, including the impact of secular government rights, changing societal roles, and interpretations of Torah and Halakah. It covers specific developments such as the ordination of women as rabbis, the work of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) regarding agunot and minyan, and diverse Jewish views on celibacy, marriage, homosexuality, and transgender issues.

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    Judaism: Religion and science

    This topic explores the relationship between Judaism and science, focusing on how scientific advancements and the scientific method influence Jewish thought, and how Jewish traditions respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by science.

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    Judaism: Religion and secularisation

    This topic explores the challenges posed by secularisation to Judaism, focusing on the tension between religious identity and secular society, including the impact of materialistic values, the role of the state, and the preservation of Jewish identity.

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    Judaism: Migration and religious pluralism

    This topic explores how migration has shaped the Jewish community in Britain, the resulting diversity within the community, and the theological and practical responses of Judaism to living in a multicultural, secular state where freedom of religion is a protected human right.

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    Judaism: Dialogue between Judaism and philosophy

    This topic explores the synoptic dialogue between Judaism and philosophy of religion, focusing on how developments in Jewish belief have influenced and been influenced by philosophical studies of religion. It examines the reasonableness, meaningfulness, and coherence of Jewish beliefs in relation to philosophical enquiry.

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    Judaism: Dialogue between Judaism and ethics

    This topic explores the dialogue between Judaism and ethical studies, focusing on how Jewish beliefs and teachings interact with, influence, and are influenced by various ethical frameworks and moral decision-making processes.

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