AQA GCSE Religious Studies
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Course overview
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification covers 32 study areas with 1491 learning objectives (8062). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 32 study areas
- 15 study pages
- 1491 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 1,494
- verified practice questions
- 497
- verified teaching notes
- 32
- topics
- 7
- explainer videos
- 15
- audio lessons
Your exams
- Paper 1: The study of religions (two options)Thursday, 13 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2: Thematic studies (Paper 2A or 2B)Friday, 21 May 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices | 105 min | 102 | 50% |
| Component 2: Thematic studies | 105 min | 99 | 50% |
Explore your topics
32 study areas
Subject content considerations1 topic
The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices21 study areas
- Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings7 specification points covering Buddhism, Christianity, Catholic Christianity and related ideas.21 objectives · 2 study pages
- Buddhism4 specification points covering Students should be aware that Buddhism is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and…12 objectives
- Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices29 specification points covering Worship and festivals, The nature, use and importance of Buddhist places of worship including temples, shrines, monasteries…87 objectives
- Key Beliefs24 specification points covering The Dhamma (Dharma), The concept of Dhamma (Dharma)., The concept of dependent arising (paticcasamupada).72 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…12 objectives
- Christianity - 3.1.2.1 Beliefs and teachings13 specification points covering Key beliefs, The nature of God:, God as omnipotent, loving and just, and the problem of evil and suffering and related ideas.39 objectives
- Christianity - 3.1.2.2 Practices20 specification points covering Worship and festivals, Different forms of worship and their significance:, liturgical, non-liturgical and informal,…60 objectives
- Catholic Christianity4 specification points covering Students should be aware that Catholic Christianity is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain…12 objectives
- Catholic Christianity - 3.1.3.1 Beliefs and teachings16 specification points covering Key beliefs, One God as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the scriptural…48 objectives · 1 study page
- Catholic Christianity - 3.1.3.2 Practices16 specification points covering Worship, Prayer:, prayer as 'the raising of the mind and heart to God' and related ideas.48 objectives · 1 study page
- Hinduism4 specification points covering Students should be aware that Hinduism is one of the diverse religious traditions and beliefs in Great Britain today and…12 objectives
- Hinduism - 3.1.4.1 Beliefs and teachings19 specification points covering Ideas about the nature of God and existence, Brahman: different Hindu understandings of brahman; ultimate reality as divine…57 objectives
12 of 21 shown
Thematic studies10 study areas
- Religious, philosophical and ethical studies6 specification points covering Students should be aware of different religious perspectives on the issues studied within and / or between religious and…18 objectives
- Theme A: Relationships and families27 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that…81 objectives · 1 study page
- Theme B: Religion and life22 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that…66 objectives
- Theme C: The existence of God and revelation22 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious and philosophical arguments, relating to the issues that follow,…66 objectives
- Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict22 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that…66 objectives · 2 study pages
- Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment25 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that…75 objectives · 1 study page
- Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice23 specification points covering Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that…69 objectives · 2 study pages
- Textual studies2 specification points covering In studying these themes, students should be aware of the significance, importance and influence of St Mark’s Gospel for…6 objectives · 1 study page
- Theme G: St Mark’s gospel: the life of Jesus28 specification points covering The early ministry of Jesus, John’s preparation for Jesus’ ministry: 1:1–8., Jesus’ baptism and temptation: 1:9–13.84 objectives · 1 study page
- Theme H: St Mark’s Gospel as a source of religious, moral and spiritual truths29 specification points covering The Kingdom of God, Parable of the sower: 4:1–9, 14–20., Parable of the growing seed: 4:26–29.87 objectives
About this course
About AQA GCSE Religious Studies
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies course offers students a comprehensive exploration of two major world religions, examining their beliefs, teachings, and practices in depth. Students will engage with key philosophical and ethical issues through a series of thematic studies, applying religious perspectives to contemporary moral questions. This course is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and empathetic understanding of diverse worldviews, preparing learners for further study and active citizenship.
Structured into two examined components, the specification balances the study of religion with thematic ethics. Students will investigate how religious traditions respond to topics such as relationships, life and death, crime and punishment, and human rights. The course encourages respectful dialogue and personal reflection, equipping learners with the skills to evaluate different viewpoints and construct well-reasoned arguments.
Aligned with AQA's clear and accessible assessment style, this GCSE is widely recognized for its academic rigour and real-world relevance. The specification's flexibility allows schools to select the religions and themes best suited to their cohorts, while a focus on contemporary issues ensures the content remains engaging and thought-provoking.
Assessment Structure
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies qualification is assessed through two written examinations, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes and contributing 50% to the final grade (100 marks per paper, 200 marks total). Paper 1 examines the beliefs, teachings, and practices of two chosen religions, while Paper 2 assesses knowledge and understanding of four thematic studies. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; all components are externally examined at the end of the course.
Why Choose AQA?
- Clear and well-structured assessments: AQA's question papers are renowned for their straightforward language and logical layout, reducing misunderstanding and allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge effectively.
- Flexible curriculum options: Schools can tailor the course by selecting from a wide range of religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc.) and thematic studies, enabling educators to play to their strengths and students' interests.
- Extensive teaching support: AQA provides a wealth of resources, including specimen papers, marked exemplars, and detailed schemes of work, making it easier for teachers to deliver and for students to revise confidently.
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 and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and beliefs including: beliefs, practices and sources of authority; influence on individuals, communities and societies; similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs.
Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence.
Exam Structure
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices
1h 45m
Duration
102
Marks
50%
Weighting
Component 2: Thematic studies
1h 45m
Duration
99
Marks
50%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Error: Stating that Britain is an entirely secular country without acknowledging its Christian heritage. Correction: Explicitly recognise that the main religious tradition of Great Britain is Christian, despite growing diversity.
- •Error: Ignoring non-religious perspectives in thematic essays. Correction: Always include views from atheism or humanism when evaluating contemporary issues to show a balanced understanding.
- •Error: Confusing atheism with humanism. Correction: Define atheism as the lack of belief in God, and humanism as a specific ethical life stance based on reason and humanity without religion.
- •Error: Confusing the concepts of Anicca (impermanence) and Anatta (no fixed self). Correction: Remember that Anicca refers to the changing nature of all things, while Anatta specifically refers to the absence of a permanent soul.
- •Error: Assuming all Buddhists practice the same way. Correction: Explicitly differentiate between Theravada, Mahayana, and Pure Land practices and beliefs.
- •Error: Treating the Buddha as a god who answers prayers. Correction: Explain that the Buddha is viewed as an enlightened teacher and guide, not a supreme creator deity.
- •Confusing the roles of the Trinity; correction: clearly distinguish the Father as creator, Son as saviour, and Holy Spirit as the unseen power in the world.
- •Treating all Christian denominations as having identical beliefs; correction: acknowledge diverse views, such as literalist versus non-literalist interpretations of creation.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •When evaluating a statement in a 12-mark question, explicitly contrast a Christian perspective with a non-religious view like humanism.
- •Use the phrase 'in contemporary British society' to contextualise your answers, showing awareness of modern diversity.
- •Ensure you can name and briefly explain the stance of at least one minority religion in the UK to demonstrate breadth of knowledge.
- •Use precise Pali or Sanskrit terms (like Dukkha or Karuna) and define them clearly to access higher marks for specialist vocabulary.
- •When evaluating a statement about Buddhist practice, contrast the views of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists to show depth of understanding.
- •Link ethical practices, such as the Five Moral Precepts, directly to the concept of kamma and the goal of escaping samsara.
- •Memorise at least three versatile biblical quotes that can be applied to multiple topics, such as John 3:16.
- •When referencing the Apostles' Creed, introduce it as a 'historical statement of Christian belief' rather than a 'quote from the Bible'.
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