What religions can I study in AQA GCSE Religious Studies?

You can choose two religions from a list that includes Buddhism, Christianity, Catholic Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism. Your school will decide which two you study, often based on teacher expertise and local context. Each religion is examined in Paper 1, with equal weighting given to both.

Is the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course difficult?

The course is designed to be accessible to all abilities, with clear assessment objectives and a focus on AO1 (knowledge) and AO2 (evaluation). While it requires memorisation of key teachings and the ability to construct balanced arguments, many students find the contemporary themes engaging and the criteria straightforward. Practice with past papers and structured revision can lead to high achievement.

How does AQA compare to Edexcel for Religious Studies?

Both boards cover similar content, but AQA's papers are often seen as more predictable in style, with a consistent command word approach. AQA offers a broader choice of religions and themes, while Edexcel includes a 'Philosophy and Ethics' pathway. AQA's mark schemes are praised for their clarity, which can help students understand what is expected in their answers.

Do I need to be religious to take this GCSE?

No, the course is suitable for students of any faith or none. It teaches about religions and their perspectives on ethical issues, rather than requiring personal belief. You will be assessed on your ability to describe, explain, and evaluate religious viewpoints, not on your own faith stance.

What are the key topics in AQA Religious Studies Paper 2?

Paper 2 covers four thematic studies chosen by your school. The available options are: Relationships and Families, Religion and Life, the Existence of God and Revelation, Peace and Conflict, Crime and Punishment, and Human Rights and Social Justice. Each theme explores contrasting religious and secular responses, helping you develop reasoning skills for contemporary debates.

Religious Studies AQA GCSE Topics & Revision

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the Christian understanding of God's nature, examining core attributes such as omnipotence, omnibenevolence, and justice. It considers how these beliefs are rooted in Biblical teachings and shape Christian worship, ethical decisions, and responses to suffering. Students learn to critically evaluate theological claims and their practical relevance in contemporary religious life.

E2E stub subtopic

Religious Studies AQA GCSE Topics & Revision

Topics Covered

Religious Studies

Ready to practise?

Study Guides

Key Features

About AQA GCSE Religious Studies

Assessment Structure

Why Choose AQA?

Frequently Asked Questions

What religions can I study in AQA GCSE Religious Studies?

Is the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course difficult?

How does AQA compare to Edexcel for Religious Studies?

Do I need to be religious to take this GCSE?

What are the key topics in AQA Religious Studies Paper 2?

Assessment Objectives

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

E2E stub topic

Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices

Buddhism

Key Beliefs

Practices

Christianity

Beliefs and teachings

Catholic Christianity

Hinduism

Islam

Judaism

Sikhism

Component 2: Thematic studies

Religious, philosophical and ethical studies

Theme A: Relationships and families

Theme B: Religion and life

Theme C: The existence of God and revelation

Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict

Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment

Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice

Textual studies

Theme G: St Mark's Gospel – the life of Jesus

Theme H: St Mark's Gospel as a source of religious, moral and spiritual truths

Wealth and poverty

Religion and belief in 21st century conflict

Duties and festivals

Lifestyle

Authority

Ideas about the nature of God and existence

Family life and festivals

The early ministry of Jesus

Jesus Christ and salvation

Worship

Religion and punishment

The origins and value of the universe

The origins and value of human life

The role of the church in the local and worldwide community

Religion, crime and the causes of crime

Festivals and lifestyle

The work of the Church

Jesus' relationships with those disregarded by society

Faith and discipleship

Philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God

The nature of the divine and revelation

Sex, marriage and divorce

Religion, violence, terrorism and war

The final days in Jerusalem

Buddhist ethics

Families and gender equality

The Kingdom of God

The synagogue and worship

Key beliefs

Human rights

Beliefs about the nature of human life

The seven sacraments

The Dhamma (Dharma)