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    OCR as-level Religious Studies

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    Course overview

    The OCR as-level Religious Studies specification covers 7 topics with 21 learning objectives (601/8869/8). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    • 7 topics
    • 21 learning objectives
    Ofqual Regulated: 601/8869/8

    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)
    601/8869/8
    Awarding Organisation
    OCR
    Regulatory Type
    GCE AS Level
    National Level & Units
    as-level • 7 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 OCR as-level Religious Studies

    OCR AS-Level Religious Studies offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of philosophy of religion, ethics, and developments in Christian thought. You will examine fundamental questions about existence, morality, and faith, developing critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

    The course is structured into three distinct components, each assessed through written examination. You will study ancient Greek philosophy, the nature of the soul and mind, arguments for God's existence, ethical theories such as natural law and situation ethics, and contemporary issues in Christian theology. This specification encourages you to engage with primary texts and scholarly debates, fostering a deep understanding of religious and philosophical concepts.

    Assessment Structure

    OCR AS-Level Religious Studies is assessed through two written examination papers, each contributing 50% of the total AS grade. Paper 1 covers Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, with a total of 120 marks and a duration of 2 hours. Paper 2 focuses on Developments in Christian Thought, also with 120 marks and a duration of 2 hours. Both papers require a mix of short-answer and extended essay questions, testing your knowledge, understanding, and ability to construct coherent arguments. There is no coursework or practical assessment component.

    Why Choose OCR?

    • OCR's specification is renowned for its clarity and structure, with clearly defined content areas that make revision manageable and focused. The assessment style, which includes both AO1 (knowledge and understanding) and AO2 (analysis and evaluation) questions, allows you to demonstrate a range of skills and achieve your full potential.
    • The inclusion of contemporary issues and scholarly perspectives within the specification ensures that the course remains relevant and intellectually stimulating. OCR also provides excellent support resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and examiner comments, which are invaluable for exam preparation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between OCR AS-Level and A-Level Religious Studies?
    The OCR AS-Level is a one-year qualification that is half the content of the full A-Level. It covers the same three components but in less depth. The AS-Level is assessed through two written papers, each worth 50% of the AS grade, and does not contribute to an A-Level grade. If you wish to study the full A-Level, you would take the two-year course, which includes additional content and a third paper. Many students choose to take the AS-Level as a standalone qualification or as a stepping stone to the full A-Level.
    What skills will I develop by studying OCR Religious Studies at AS-Level?
    Studying OCR Religious Studies develops critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills. You will learn to construct and deconstruct arguments, assess the validity of philosophical and ethical theories, and articulate your own reasoned viewpoints. The course also enhances your essay-writing skills, as you will be required to produce structured, coherent arguments under timed conditions. These skills are highly transferable and valued in a wide range of degree subjects and careers, including law, politics, journalism, and education.
    Is OCR Religious Studies a respected qualification for university applications?
    Yes, OCR Religious Studies is a well-respected academic qualification. It is a facilitating subject for many humanities and social science courses, and it demonstrates to universities that you can engage with complex ideas, handle abstract concepts, and write persuasively. Russell Group universities often regard Religious Studies as a strong A-Level or AS-Level choice, as it provides a solid foundation for degrees in theology, philosophy, law, and many others.
    What kind of exam questions can I expect in the OCR AS-Level Religious Studies papers?
    Each paper in the OCR AS-Level includes a mix of short-answer questions (typically 2-3 marks) that test your knowledge of key terms and concepts, and extended essay questions (typically 10-15 marks) that require you to analyse and evaluate arguments. For example, in Philosophy of Religion, you might be asked to 'Explain Plato's theory of the Forms' (AO1) and then 'Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of this theory' (AO2). In Ethics, you could be asked to apply a theory to a specific ethical issue and then critically assess its usefulness.
    Do I need to be religious to study OCR Religious Studies?
    No, you do not need to be religious to study Religious Studies. The course is academic and analytical, not confessional. It explores religious beliefs and philosophical ideas from a critical perspective, and students of all faiths and none are welcome. In fact, having a variety of perspectives in the classroom enriches discussion and helps everyone develop their own informed viewpoints. The skills you learn are about understanding and evaluating arguments, not about promoting any particular belief system.
    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

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

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