AQA GCSE Religious Studies B
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Course overview
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies B specification covers 29 study areas with 933 learning objectives (8063). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 29 study areas
- 933 learning objectives
- 946
- verified practice questions
- 310
- verified teaching notes
- 29
- topics
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Your exams
- Paper 1: Catholic ChristianityThursday, 13 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2: Perspectives on faith (2A or 2B, plus 2X or 2Y)Friday, 21 May 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
Explore your topics
29 study areas
Subject content considerations1 topic
Catholic Christianity19 study areas
- Component 1: Catholic Christianity3 specification points covering This component covers the content laid down by DfE for study of religions: Catholic Christianity:, beliefs and teachings;…9 objectives
- CreationThis is topic-level course guidance, not an assessed answer target.3 objectives
- Forms of expression – art3 specification points covering The meaning and significance of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam., How it reflects Catholic beliefs about God as creator and…9 objectives
- Beliefs and teachings22 specification points covering The nature of God expressed in Genesis 1 and 2: God as creator, God as transcendent and omnipotent; the significance of…66 objectives
- Sources of authority24 specification points covering Scripture, The origin of the Bible, its structure and key literary forms, including law, history and prophecy., The meaning…72 objectives
- Practices9 specification points covering Care for the environment as an expression of the requirement to ‘love our neighbour’ in concrete terms., The meaning of…27 objectives
- IncarnationThis section is a study guide, not an assessed answer.3 objectives
- Forms of expression – symbol and incarnation3 specification points covering The religious significance and relevance of the following Christian symbols: Ichthus (fish), Alpha and Omega, Chi-Rho., How…9 objectives
- The Triune God, mission and prayer2 specification points covering Students consider Catholic understanding of the glory of God and the mystery of the Trinity., Expressions of this belief in…6 objectives
- Forms of expression – music and the glory of God3 specification points covering The use of different styles of music in worship including psalms, plainchant, traditional hymns, contemporary worship songs…9 objectives
- Redemption – ransomed, healed, restored, forgivenThis section asks you to read across several linked ideas rather than learn them in isolation.4 objectives
- Forms of expression – architecture and design3 specification points covering How the architecture, design and decoration of Catholic churches reflect Catholic beliefs and facilitate worship., How the…9 objectives
12 of 19 shown
Perspectives on faith9 study areas
- Component 2: Perspectives on faith2 specification points covering In Section A of this component, students should study either Islam or Judaism, with a focus on the beliefs, teachings and…6 objectives
- Islam33 specification points covering Students should study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Islam specified below and their basis in Islamic sources of…99 objectives
- Judaism45 specification points covering Students should study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Judaism specified below and their basis in Jewish sources of…135 objectives
- Section B: Themes3 specification points covering Students must study two of the religious, philosophical and ethical themes (Themes A–C) or the two textual studies themes…9 objectives
- Theme A: Religion, relationships and families22 specification points covering Students should study the following dialogues., Dialogue 1: Relationships and the human condition – love and sexuality:…66 objectives
- Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict24 specification points covering Students should study the following dialogues., Dialogue 1: Christian perspectives on human violence, justice, forgiveness…74 objectives
- Theme C: Religion, human rights and social justice23 specification points covering Students should study the following dialogues., Dialogue 1: Human rights and religious freedom Key ideas, Foundational…69 objectives
- Theme D: St Mark's Gospel – the life of Jesus31 specification points covering Students should be aware of the significance, importance and influence of St Mark’s Gospel for individuals, communities and…93 objectives
- Theme E: St Mark's Gospel as a source of spiritual truth32 specification points covering Students should be aware of the significance, importance and influence of St Mark’s Gospel for individuals, communities and…96 objectives
About this course
About AQA GCSE Religious Studies B
AQA GCSE Religious Studies B is a thought-provoking course that explores the beliefs, teachings, and practices of major world religions while also tackling some of the biggest ethical and philosophical questions facing society today. You will study two religions in depth, chosen from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, alongside thematic studies on issues such as relationships, life and death, good and evil, and human rights. The specification is structured into two components: 'Beliefs and Practices' and 'Thematic Studies', each designed to build your knowledge and evaluative skills.
The course encourages you to develop your own opinions while understanding and respecting the views of others. You will learn how religious beliefs influence moral decision-making and how scholars and religious authorities interpret texts and traditions. With a focus on critical thinking and reasoned argument, this qualification prepares you well for further study and for life in a diverse, multi-faith society.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed through two written exams, each worth 50% of the final grade. Paper 1: 'Beliefs and Practices' is 1 hour 45 minutes and covers the two religions you have studied, with 96 marks plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Paper 2: 'Thematic Studies' is also 1 hour 45 minutes and covers four thematic units, with 96 marks plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Both papers include a mix of short-answer, extended-writing, and evaluative questions. There is no coursework or controlled assessment.
Why Choose AQA?
- AQA offers a clear and well-structured specification with a straightforward exam format, making it easier for students to understand exactly what is expected of them in each paper.
- The thematic approach allows you to connect religious beliefs to contemporary issues, which many students find more engaging and relevant than a purely text-based study.
- AQA provides a wide range of high-quality support materials, including past papers, mark schemes, and exemplar answers, which are invaluable for revision and exam practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AQA Religious Studies A and B?
Do I need to be religious to take GCSE Religious Studies B?
How many papers are there and how long are they?
What religions can I study for AQA GCSE Religious Studies B?
Is there any coursework in AQA GCSE Religious Studies B?
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
- •Treats the list of traditions as a menu from which a centre may pick freely; check the specification's own route and option requirements before assuming which traditions are studied.
- •Reads the statement as claiming Britain is uniformly Christian; note that it says Christian traditions are in the main, alongside acknowledged diversity.
- •Assumes atheism and humanism are optional extras that never appear in assessment; recognise that non-religious beliefs are part of the required study and may be applied in assessment.
- •Studies beliefs only as historical facts; connect them to contemporary British society as the statement requires.
- •Treats the named translation as examinable content to be memorised and recited; recognise it as guidance about how quotations are printed.
- •Rewrites a printed quotation from memory in a different translation; work from the wording as it appears in the question.
- •Assumes a familiar translation's phrasing is identical to the printed text; check the words actually given before explaining them.
- •Ignores the quotation and answers only from general knowledge; use the printed passage as the basis for the point you make.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Use the specification's subject content pages as your checklist and tick off each required tradition and non-religious belief as you cover it.
- •Build a short bank of contemporary British examples for each belief so you can apply knowledge in whichever topic the question targets.
- •When a question names a belief you have studied, apply specific beliefs and practices rather than general statements about religion.
- •Keep the Christian-majority and diversity framing in mind when discussing British society, and avoid overstating either point.
- •Read any printed biblical quotation carefully before answering and base your explanation on those exact words.
- •Link the quotation explicitly to the belief or practice the question asks about rather than paraphrasing it loosely.
- •If the wording differs from a version you know, trust the printed text and explain it as given.
- •Practise explaining short passages in your own words while keeping the meaning of the printed text intact.
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