Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL GCSE Religious Studies B specification covers 85 topics with 674 learning objectives (1RB0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 85 topics
- 674 learning objectives
Course 1RB0
- 85
- topics
This course is being built. Practice is AI-generated until checked.
Your exams
- Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Religion and EthicsThursday, 13 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2: Area of Study 2 – Religion, Peace and ConflictFriday, 21 May 2027, AM
- Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Religion, Philosophy and Social JusticeMonday, 7 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
Explore your topics
85 topics
Assessment Objectives1 topic
Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Religion and Ethics options28 topics
- Area of Study 1A: Catholic Christianity - Section 1: Catholic Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Trinity: the nature and significance of the Trinity as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the nature and significance of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1A: Catholic Christianity - Section 2: Marriage and the Family8 specification points covering 2.1 The importance and purpose of marriage for Catholics: the significance of marriage in Catholic life; Catholic teachings…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1A: Catholic Christianity - Section 3: Living the Catholic Life8 specification points covering 3.1 The sacramental nature of reality: Catholic teachings about how the whole of creation manifests the presence of God; the…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1A: Catholic Christianity - Section 4: Matters of Life and Death8 specification points covering 4.1 Catholic teachings about the origins and value of the universe: scientific explanations for the origins of the universe…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1B: Christianity - Section 1: Christian Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Trinity: the nature and significance of the Trinity as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the nature and significance of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1B: Christianity - Section 2: Marriage and the Family8 specification points covering 2.1 The importance and purpose of marriage for Christians: Christian teachings about the significance of marriage in…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1B: Christianity - Section 3: Living the Christian Life8 specification points covering 3.1 Christian worship: liturgical and non-liturgical forms of worship, including activities which are informal and…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1B: Christianity - Section 4: Matters of Life and Death8 specification points covering 4.1 Christian teachings about the origins and value of the universe: scientific explanations for the origins of the universe…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1C: Islam - Section 1: Muslim Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Six Beliefs of Islam: their nature, history and purpose, including Kitab al-iman 1:4; how they are understood and…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1C: Islam - Section 2: Marriage and the Family8 specification points covering 2.1 The importance and purpose of marriage in Islam: the significance of marriage in Muslim life; Muslim teachings about…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1C: Islam - Section 3: Living the Muslim Life8 specification points covering 3.1 Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam: their nature, history and purpose of the Ten Obligatory Acts; the diversity of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 1C: Islam - Section 4: Matters of Life and Death8 specification points covering 4.1 Muslim teachings about origins and value of the universe: scientific explanations for the origins of the universe and…8 objectives
12 of 28 shown
Paper 2: Area of Study 2 – Religion, Peace and Conflict options28 topics
- Area of Study 2A: Catholic Christianity - Section 1: Catholic Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Trinity: the nature and significance of the Trinity as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the nature and significance of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2A: Catholic Christianity - Section 2: Crime and Punishment8 specification points covering 2.1 Catholic attitudes towards justice: the nature of justice and why justice is important for Catholics, including Micah…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2A: Catholic Christianity - Section 3: Living the Catholic Life8 specification points covering 3.1 The sacramental nature of reality: Catholic teachings about how the whole of creation manifests the presence of God; the…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2A: Catholic Christianity - Section 4: Peace and Conflict8 specification points covering 4.1 Catholic attitudes towards peace: the nature and importance of peace for Catholics; Church teachings about peace; Jesus…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2B: Christianity - Section 1: Christian Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Trinity: the nature and significance of the Trinity as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the nature and significance of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2B: Christianity - Section 2: Crime and Punishment8 specification points covering 2.1 Christian attitudes towards justice: the nature of justice and why justice is important for Christians, including Micah…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2B: Christianity - Section 3: Living the Christian Life8 specification points covering 3.1 Christian worship: liturgical and non-liturgical forms of worship, including activities which are informal and…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2B: Christianity - Section 4: Peace and Conflict8 specification points covering 4.1 Christian attitudes towards peace: divergent Christian attitudes towards the nature and importance of peace for…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2C: Islam - Section 1: Muslim Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Six Beliefs of Islam: their nature, history and purpose, including Kitab al-iman 1:4; how they are understood and…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2C: Islam - Section 2: Crime and Punishment8 specification points covering 2.1 Muslim attitudes towards justice: Muslim teachings about the nature of justice and why justice is important for Muslims,…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2C: Islam - Section 3: Living the Muslim Life8 specification points covering 3.1 Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam: their nature, history and purpose of the Ten Obligatory Acts; the diversity of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 2C: Islam - Section 4: Peace and Conflict8 specification points covering 4.1 Muslim attitudes towards peace: Muslim teachings about the nature and importance of peace, including Surah 25:63; Muslim…8 objectives
12 of 28 shown
Paper 3: Area of Study 3 – Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice options28 topics
- Area of Study 3A: Catholic Christianity - Section 1: Catholic Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Trinity: the nature and significance of the Trinity as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the nature and significance of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3A: Catholic Christianity - Section 2: Philosophy of Religion8 specification points covering 2.1 Revelation as proof of the existence of God: the significance of Jesus Christ as the culmination of God’s revelation;…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3A: Catholic Christianity - Section 3: Living the Catholic Life8 specification points covering 3.1 The sacramental nature of reality: Catholic teachings about how the whole of creation manifests the presence of God; the…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3A: Catholic Christianity - Section 4: Equality8 specification points covering 4.1 Catholic teaching on human rights: Catholic teachings and responses to the nature, history and purpose of human rights;…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3B: Christianity - Section 1: Christian Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Trinity: the nature and significance of the Trinity as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the nature and significance of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3B: Christianity - Section 2: Philosophy of Religion8 specification points covering 2.1 Revelation as proof of the existence of God; revelation as shown in the Bible, including in the covenants with Noah and…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3B: Christianity - Section 3: Living the Christian Life8 specification points covering 3.1 Christian worship: liturgical and non-liturgical forms of worship, including activities which are informal and…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3B: Christianity - Section 4: Equality8 specification points covering 4.1 Christian teaching on human rights: Christian teachings and responses to the nature, history and purpose of human…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3C: Islam - Section 1: Muslim Beliefs8 specification points covering 1.1 The Six Beliefs of Islam: their nature, history and purpose, including Kitab al-iman 1:4; how they are understood and…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3C: Islam - Section 2: Philosophy of Religion8 specification points covering 2.1 Revelation as proof of the existence of Allah; the Qur’an as revelation; revelation as shown in the Qur’an as direct…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3C: Islam - Section 3: Living the Muslim Life8 specification points covering 3.1 Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam: their nature, history and purpose of the Ten Obligatory Acts; the diversity of…8 objectives
- Area of Study 3C: Islam - Section 4: Equality8 specification points covering 4.1 Muslim teaching on human rights: Muslim teachings and responses to the nature and purpose of human rights; why Muslims…8 objectives
12 of 28 shown
About this course
About Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B is a dynamic and engaging course that explores the relationship between religion, philosophy, and ethics in the modern world. You will study two major world religions in depth, Christianity and Islam, and then apply these beliefs to a range of contemporary ethical issues such as crime and punishment, peace and conflict, and matters of life and death. The specification is structured into three areas of study: Area of Study 1 (Religion and Ethics), Area of Study 2 (Religion, Peace and Conflict), and Area of Study 3 (Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice), allowing you to develop a broad understanding of religious perspectives.
The course encourages you to think critically about ultimate questions and to develop your own reasoned opinions while understanding the views of others. You will examine sources of wisdom and authority, including sacred texts, and learn how to construct well-argued responses using evidence and logical reasoning. This qualification is ideal for students who enjoy debate, want to understand different cultures and beliefs, and wish to explore the big questions of life and society.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed through three externally examined written papers, each worth 33.3% of the final grade. Each paper is 1 hour and 45 minutes long and contains a mix of short-answer, extended-writing, and source-based questions. There is no coursework or controlled assessment. The papers are: Paper 1 (Religion and Ethics), Paper 2 (Religion, Peace and Conflict), and Paper 3 (Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice). Each paper is marked out of 102, giving a total of 306 marks for the full GCSE.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Edexcel's Religious Studies B specification offers a clear and logical structure, with each area of study focusing on a distinct theme, making it easier for students to organise their revision and track their progress.
- The course includes a strong emphasis on contemporary ethical issues, which many students find more engaging and relevant to their own lives than a purely textual study of religion.
- Edexcel provides a wide range of high-quality support materials, including exemplar answers, mark schemes, and revision guides, which are invaluable for exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Religious Studies B and Religious Studies A for Edexcel GCSE?
Religious Studies A focuses on the study of two religions in depth, with a more traditional approach to beliefs, teachings, and practices. Religious Studies B, on the other hand, is a thematic course that examines religion through ethical and philosophical issues, such as peace and conflict, crime and punishment, and social justice. RS B is often chosen by students who prefer discussing contemporary moral dilemmas rather than purely studying religious texts and rituals.
Do I need to be religious to take GCSE Religious Studies B?
No, you do not need to be religious. The course is designed to be academic and objective, exploring different beliefs and viewpoints. You will learn about Christianity and Islam, but you are not expected to adopt those beliefs. Instead, you will develop skills in analysis, evaluation, and constructing balanced arguments, which are valuable regardless of your personal worldview.
How many papers are there in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B and what are they on?
There are three papers, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Paper 1 is Religion and Ethics, covering topics like matters of life and death, marriage and the family, and crime and punishment. Paper 2 is Religion, Peace and Conflict, focusing on war, peace, and forgiveness. Paper 3 is Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice, examining arguments for and against God's existence and issues of equality and discrimination. Each paper is worth one third of your final grade.
Is there any coursework in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B?
No, there is no coursework. The qualification is assessed entirely through the three written exams at the end of the course. This means your final grade depends solely on your performance in those exams, so regular revision and practice of exam-style questions are essential.
What skills will I develop by studying Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B?
You will develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills as you examine different religious and non-religious perspectives on ethical issues. You will learn to construct well-reasoned arguments, evaluate evidence, and communicate your ideas clearly. These skills are highly transferable and will benefit you in further study, such as A-level Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Ethics, as well as in many careers that require an understanding of diverse viewpoints and complex social issues.
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
Pearson Edexcel
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 B.
Start free
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge