Eduqas A-Level Religious Studies
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Course overview
The EDUQAS A-Level Religious Studies specification covers 32 topics with 0 learning objectives (WJEC-A-Level-Religious-Studies). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
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32 topics
Course topics32 topics
- Buddhism – Religious figures and sacred textsThis topic covers the foundational figures and texts of Buddhism, focusing on the life of the historical Buddha, the significance of his birth and…
- Buddhism – Religious practices that shape religious identityThis topic explores the diverse religious practices within Buddhism that shape and express religious identity, including the role of the sangha, meditation,…
- Christianity – Religious concepts and religious lifeThis theme explores core Christian religious concepts and the practical expression of religious life, focusing on the nature of God, the Trinity, the…
- Philosophy of Religion – Religious languageThis topic explores the philosophical challenges surrounding religious language, examining whether it is cognitive or non-cognitive, and evaluating various…
- Sikhism – Religious practices that shape religious identityThis topic explores the religious practices within Sikhism that shape and express religious identity, focusing on the role of the gurdwara, the significance…
- Hinduism – Religious concepts and religious lifeThis theme explores core Hindu religious concepts, including the nature of Brahman and atman, the Trimurti, karma, reincarnation, and moksha.
- Christianity – Religious practices that shape religious identityThis theme explores how specific religious practices in Christianity, such as baptism, the Eucharist, festivals, ecumenism, charismatic movements, and…
- Sikhism – Significant social and historical developments in religious thoughtThis topic explores significant social and historical developments in Sikh religious thought, focusing on the aspiration for Khalistan, the changing roles…
- Islam – Significant social and historical developments in religious thoughtThis topic explores significant social and historical developments in Islamic religious thought, focusing on the relationship between religion and society,…
- Religion and Ethics – Ethical thought (Divine Command, Virtue Theory, Ethical Egoism, meta-ethics)Component 3, Theme 1 covers the foundational theories of ethical thought, including Divine Command Theory, Virtue Theory, and Ethical Egoism, alongside…
- Hinduism – Significant social and historical developments in religious thoughtThis topic covers significant social and historical developments in Hindu religious thought, focusing on the growth of ISKCON, the challenges posed by…
- Judaism – Religious figures and sacred textsThis topic covers the foundational religious figures of Abraham and Moses, the nature and authority of the Torah, the structure and importance of the…
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About this course
About Eduqas A-Level Religious Studies
This Eduqas A-Level Religious Studies course offers a comprehensive exploration of three core disciplines: Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and the study of a chosen world religion (Christianity, Islam, or Judaism). You will engage with profound questions about the nature of God, the problem of evil, ethical theories, and the application of religious beliefs to contemporary issues.
The specification is structured to develop your critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills. You will study key philosophical arguments, ethical frameworks, and religious concepts in depth, drawing on both classical and modern thinkers. Assessment is linear, with all examinations taken at the end of the course, allowing you to build a holistic understanding of how these areas interrelate.
Assessment Structure
The Eduqas A-Level Religious Studies is assessed through three written examination papers, each lasting 2 hours and contributing 33.3% of the final grade. Each paper is worth 100 marks, making a total of 300 marks. Paper 1 covers Philosophy of Religion, Paper 2 covers Religion and Ethics, and Paper 3 focuses on the systematic study of a chosen religion (Christianity, Islam, or Judaism). All questions are essay-based, requiring you to demonstrate knowledge, analysis, and evaluation. There is no coursework component.
Why Choose Eduqas?
- Eduqas offers a clear and structured specification that balances depth with accessibility, making it easier for students to grasp complex philosophical and ethical concepts. The assessment style, with a mix of short and extended essay questions, rewards both knowledge recall and critical evaluation, which can help high-achieving students excel.
- The board provides a wide range of set texts and thinkers, allowing for a rich and varied study. Additionally, Eduqas is known for its straightforward language in exam questions, reducing ambiguity and helping students focus on demonstrating their understanding rather than deciphering the question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Eduqas A-Level Religious Studies and other exam boards like AQA or OCR?
How much coursework is involved in the Eduqas A-Level Religious Studies?
Can I study both Philosophy and Ethics in depth with Eduqas?
What religions can I choose to study for the systematic study component?
Are there any recommended textbooks or resources for the Eduqas A-Level Religious Studies?
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
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
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Confusing hagiographical accounts with historical fact
- •Failing to distinguish between Theravada and Mahayana textual authority
- •Over-simplifying the concept of 'skilful means' (upaya)
- •Neglecting the specific philosophical content of the Heart Sutra
- •Misrepresenting the role of the monastic sangha in relation to the Patimokkha
- •Failing to distinguish between heritage and convert Buddhism when discussing practices
- •Confusing the specific purposes of different meditation techniques (e.g., samatha vs. vipassana)
- •Overlooking the philosophical critique of the Mindfulness Movement (e.g., Zizek's view)
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Ensure you can explain the significance of the Four Sights in terms of dukkha, anicca, and anatta
- •Be prepared to compare the approaches of the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh
- •Use precise terminology when discussing the Pali Canon (e.g., Vinaya, Sutta, Abidhamma)
- •Focus on the 'issues for analysis and evaluation' provided in the specification for each sub-section
- •Practice evaluating the relevance of ancient rules (Parajikas) in a contemporary context
- •Ensure you can link specific practices (like dana) to the accumulation of punya and its impact on rebirth
- •Be prepared to evaluate whether contemporary movements like Mindfulness are truly 'Buddhist' or secular adaptations
- •Use specific terminology such as 'Vajrayana', 'dana', 'punya', and 'metta bhavana' to demonstrate AO1 knowledge
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