AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course
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Course overview
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course specification covers 21 study areas with 155 learning objectives (8061). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 21 study areas
- 155 learning objectives
- 21
- topics
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Your exams
- The study of religions: two Section A religions plus Section B thematic studiesFriday, 21 May 2027, AM
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Explore your topics
21 study areas
Subject content1 topic
Section A: The study of religions: beliefs and teachings13 study areas
- Section A: The study of religions: beliefs and teachings5 specification points covering Students should study two of the following:, Christianity, Islam and related ideas.5 objectives
- Christianity4 specification points covering Students should be aware that Christianity is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and…4 objectives
Key beliefs
Christianity - 3.1.1.1 Key beliefs5 specification points covering The nature of God:, God as omnipotent, loving and just, and the problem of evil and suffering, the oneness of God and the…5 objectives- Jesus Christ and salvation6 specification points covering Beliefs and teachings about:, the incarnation and Jesus as the Son of God, the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension and…6 objectives
- Islam4 specification points covering Students should be aware that Islam is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and that…4 objectives
- Key beliefs6 specification points covering The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam and five roots of ‘Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam, including key similarities and…6 objectives
- Authority5 specification points covering Risalah (Prophethood) including the role and importance of Adam, Ibrahim and Muhammad., The holy books:, Qur’an: revelation…5 objectives
- Judaism4 specification points covering Students should be aware that Judaism is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and that…4 objectives
Key beliefs
Judaism - 3.1.3.1 Key beliefs7 specification points covering The nature of God:, God as one, God as Creator and related ideas.7 objectives- The Covenant and the mitzvot6 specification points covering The promised land and the Covenant with Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3., The Covenant at Sinai and its importance including the…6 objectives
- Buddhism5 specification points covering Students should be aware that Buddhism is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and…5 objectives
- Key Beliefs13 specification points covering The Dhamma (Dharma), The concept of Dhamma (Dharma)., The concept of dependent arising (paticcasamupada).13 objectives
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Section B: Thematic studies: religious, philosophical7 study areas
- Section B: Thematic studies: religious, philosophical10 specification points covering and ethical studies Students should study both Theme A: Relationships and families and Theme B: Religion, peace and…10 objectives
- Theme A: Relationships and families5 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that…5 objectives
- Sex, marriage and divorce7 specification points covering Human sexuality including: heterosexual and same sex relationships., Sexual relationships before and outside of marriage.,…7 objectives
- Families and gender equality13 specification points covering The nature of families, including:, the role of parents and children, extended families and the nuclear family.13 objectives
- Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict5 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that…5 objectives
- Religion, violence, terrorism and war11 specification points covering The meaning and significance of:, peace, justice and related ideas.11 objectives
- Religion and belief in 21st century conflict5 specification points covering Religion and belief as a cause of war and violence in the contemporary world., Nuclear weapons, including nuclear…5 objectives
About this course
About AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course offers a focused exploration of two major world religions, allowing you to study their beliefs, teachings, and practices in depth. You will examine how these religions shape individuals and communities, and you will also engage with philosophical and ethical themes that arise from religious perspectives. The course is designed to be concise yet comprehensive, making it ideal for students who want a qualification in Religious Studies without the workload of the full course.
The specification is structured into two components: a study of two religions and a thematic study. You will explore the beliefs and practices of two religions from a choice of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism. Alongside this, you will investigate a religious, philosophical, and ethical theme, such as relationships and families, religion and life, or peace and conflict. This structure ensures you gain both depth and breadth in your understanding of religion and its relevance today.
Assessment Structure
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course is assessed through two written exams, each worth 50% of the final grade. Paper 1 focuses on the study of two religions, with each religion worth 25% of the total marks. Paper 2 assesses the thematic study, also worth 50%. Both papers are 1 hour and 45 minutes long and contain a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-writing questions. There is no coursework or controlled assessment. The qualification is graded on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest.
Why Choose AQA?
- AQA is the most popular exam board for GCSE Religious Studies, with a wide range of support materials and past papers available, making it easier to find revision resources.
- The Short Course offers a flexible choice of religions and themes, allowing you to study topics that interest you most, while still covering core content in depth.
- AQA's clear and straightforward question papers help students understand what is expected, and the mark schemes are transparent, aiding effective exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Short Course and the Full Course in AQA GCSE Religious Studies?
How many papers do I have to sit for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course?
Which religions can I study for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course?
What themes can I study in the thematic paper?
Is the AQA GCSE Religious Studies Short Course respected by colleges and employers?
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
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