Skip to course topics
    ← Religious Studies

    AQA as-level Religious Studies

    Explore your course, one topic at a time.

    Course overview

    The AQA as-level Religious Studies specification covers 6 topics with 18 learning objectives (601/8716/5). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    • 6 topics
    • 18 learning objectives
    Ofqual Regulated: 601/8716/5

    Official Regulatory Specification

    Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England

    View on Ofqual Register (opens the official government register in a new tab)
    Qualification Number (QN)
    601/8716/5
    Awarding Organisation
    AQA
    Regulatory Type
    GCE AS Level
    National Level & Units
    as-level • 6 units
    Sector Subject Area: Theology and religious studies
    This qualification is officially accredited under the national framework. Credits and certified outcomes are recognised by employers, further education colleges, and training providers throughout the UK.
    6
    topics

    This course is being built. Practice is AI-generated until checked.

    Explore your topics

    6 topics

    AS Religious Studies5 topics
    Course topics1 topic
    About this course

    About AQA as-level Religious Studies

    AQA AS-Level Religious Studies offers a focused yet rigorous introduction to the philosophy of religion and ethics, designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Over the course of one year, you will explore fundamental questions about existence, morality, and religious belief, engaging with classical and contemporary arguments.

    The specification is structured into two main components: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. Each component is assessed through a single written paper, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts, texts, and debates. This course is ideal for students who enjoy questioning assumptions and evaluating different worldviews.

    Assessment Structure

    This qualification is assessed through two written papers, each contributing 50% of the AS-Level grade. Paper 1 covers Philosophy of Religion, and Paper 2 covers Ethics. Each paper lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and consists of two sections: Section A offers a choice of one essay question from two, and Section B requires you to answer one structured question with parts (a), (b), and (c). There is no coursework or practical assessment. Each paper is worth 80 marks, giving a total of 160 marks for the full AS-Level.

    Why Choose AQA?

    • AQA's AS-Level Religious Studies specification is well-structured and clearly defined, making it easier for students to focus their revision on specific topics and key thinkers. The exam papers are known for their clarity and fairness, with questions that directly assess the specification's content.
    • AQA provides a wealth of high-quality resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, which are invaluable for exam preparation. This support helps students understand exactly what examiners are looking for in high-scoring answers.
    • The AQA course encourages a balanced approach, combining philosophical and ethical theories with real-world application. This makes the subject engaging and relevant, and it develops skills in critical analysis and argumentation that are highly valued by universities and employers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between AQA AS-Level and A-Level Religious Studies?
    The AS-Level is a one-year qualification that counts as 50% of a full A-Level. It covers two components: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. The A-Level is a two-year course that includes these same components but also adds a third component, 'Religion and Dialogues', which explores the relationship between religion and philosophy, and religion and ethics. The A-Level also requires more in-depth study and longer exam papers.
    Do I need to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE to take AQA AS-Level Religious Studies?
    No, it is not a requirement to have studied Religious Studies at GCSE. However, you should have a strong interest in philosophical and ethical questions and be comfortable with reading and analysing texts. Good essay-writing skills are also important, as the exams are primarily essay-based. Many students take this course without prior formal study and do very well.
    What kind of career or university course can AQA AS-Level Religious Studies lead to?
    AS-Level Religious Studies is highly respected for developing critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. It can lead to university courses in philosophy, theology, law, politics, sociology, and many others. It is also useful for careers in education, journalism, medicine, law, and public service, as it teaches you to consider ethical dilemmas and different perspectives.
    How much emphasis is placed on learning quotes and key thinkers in the AQA AS-Level Religious Studies exams?
    While it is important to be familiar with the ideas of key thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, and Kant, the exams do not require you to memorise specific quotes. Instead, you are expected to explain and evaluate their arguments in your own words. Using short, accurate quotes can strengthen your answers, but the focus is on demonstrating understanding and critical analysis.
    Are there any resources specifically recommended for the AQA AS-Level Religious Studies course?
    AQA publishes a specification and past papers on their website, which are essential. Textbooks such as 'AQA A-level Religious Studies: Philosophy of Religion' and 'AQA A-level Religious Studies: Ethics' by John Frye are tailored to the specification. Additionally, online resources like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and BBC Bitesize can provide useful supplementary material. Always check that resources align with the AQA syllabus.
    Assessment and exam guidance

    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

    Ready for a little practice?

    Create your account to start practising Religious Studies.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    Start free

    Cookies on MasteryMind

    Essential cookies keep you signed in.

    Analytics and advertising cookies stay off unless you accept.

    Read our Privacy Policy.