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    CCEA as-level Religious Studies

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    Course overview

    The CCEA as-level Religious Studies specification covers 8 topics with 24 learning objectives (601/8452/8). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    • 8 topics
    • 24 learning objectives
    Ofqual Regulated: 601/8452/8

    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)
    601/8452/8
    Awarding Organisation
    CCEA
    Regulatory Type
    GCE AS Level
    National Level & Units
    as-level • 8 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.
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    About this course

    About CCEA as-level Religious Studies

    This CCEA AS-Level Religious Studies course offers a deep and structured exploration of fundamental questions about belief, ethics, and the nature of reality. You will engage with key philosophical arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering, and the relationship between religion and science, while also examining the ethical theories that shape moral decision-making in contemporary society.

    The specification is divided into two main components: the AS 1 paper on 'Foundations of Ethics' and the AS 2 paper on 'An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke'. This structure allows you to develop both philosophical and textual analytical skills, preparing you for the more advanced A2 topics while building a strong foundation in critical thinking and argumentation.

    Assessment Structure

    The CCEA AS-Level Religious Studies qualification is assessed through two written examination papers, each contributing 50% of the total AS grade. AS 1: Foundations of Ethics is a 1 hour 30 minute paper worth 80 marks, and AS 2: An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke is also 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 80 marks. Both papers consist of structured essay-style questions that require you to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and evaluation of the specified content. There is no coursework or practical assessment component; your final grade is determined entirely by your performance in these two examinations.

    Why Choose CCEA?

    • CCEA offers a distinctive combination of ethics and biblical studies, allowing you to explore both philosophical ethics and the Gospel of Luke in depth. This dual focus provides a balanced and engaging curriculum that appeals to students interested in both contemporary moral issues and the historical and literary study of the New Testament.
    • The assessment style is clear and predictable, with a consistent structure across past papers. This allows you to prepare effectively and focus on developing your evaluative skills, as questions often require you to consider different perspectives and reach reasoned conclusions.
    • As a Northern Ireland-based board, CCEA's specification is tailored to the local educational context, but its content is universally relevant. The course encourages critical thinking and ethical reflection, skills that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between AS and A-Level Religious Studies with CCEA?
    The AS-Level is a standalone qualification that is typically taken in the first year of sixth form. It covers two modules (AS 1 and AS 2) and is assessed by two written papers. The A-Level is a two-year course that includes the AS content plus additional A2 modules (A2 1 and A2 2), which are more demanding and require deeper critical analysis. If you take the full A-Level, your AS grades count towards 40% of your final A-Level grade, with the A2 exams contributing the remaining 60%. Some students choose to take only the AS-Level to gain a qualification in one year, while others continue to the full A-Level.
    Is CCEA Religious Studies harder than other exam boards?
    The difficulty of an exam board is subjective and depends on your strengths and preferences. CCEA is known for its clear structure and straightforward assessment style, which many students find accessible. The content is not inherently harder than other boards, but it does require a good grasp of ethical theories and the ability to apply them to specific issues. Compared to boards like AQA or OCR, CCEA may have a more focused specification, with fewer optional topics, which can make revision more manageable. However, the essay questions demand strong evaluative skills, so you need to be prepared to argue and justify your views.
    What career paths can Religious Studies AS-Level lead to?
    Religious Studies develops critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that are valuable in a wide range of careers. It is particularly useful for careers in law, journalism, education, social work, medicine, and the civil service. The ethical component is relevant to fields like bioethics, business ethics, and public policy. Additionally, the study of religious texts and traditions can lead to careers in theology, counselling, or community work. Many students also go on to study Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Ethics at university, which can open doors to postgraduate research or teaching.
    How much coursework is involved in CCEA AS-Level Religious Studies?
    There is no coursework in CCEA AS-Level Religious Studies. The qualification is 100% exam-based, with two written papers taken at the end of the academic year. This means your entire grade depends on your performance in these exams. While this can be stressful, it also means that your revision and exam technique are the key to success. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice essay writing and receive feedback from your teacher throughout the course to help you prepare.
    Can I study Religious Studies AS-Level without having studied it at GCSE?
    Yes, you can absolutely study CCEA AS-Level Religious Studies without having taken GCSE Religious Studies. The specification assumes no prior knowledge, and the course is designed to introduce you to the key concepts and skills from the ground up. However, you will need to be prepared to engage with abstract ideas and write analytical essays. If you have studied other humanities subjects like History or English Literature, you will find many transferable skills. Your teacher will guide you through the content, and with consistent effort, you can achieve a high grade.
    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

    CCEA
    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

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