Do I have to study two religions for OCR GCSE RS?

Yes, the specification requires you to study two religions. The first is always Christianity, and you then select a second religion from a choice of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Sikhism. Both religions are examined in separate papers, each contributing 33.3% to your final grade. Studying two faiths allows you to compare and contrast beliefs and practices, which is a key skill assessed in the exams.

Is there any coursework in OCR GCSE Religious Studies?

No, the qualification is assessed entirely through three written exams at the end of the course. There is no coursework, controlled assessment, or practical element. This makes it suitable for students who prefer to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in timed examination conditions rather than through extended projects.

What topics are covered in the philosophy and ethics paper?

Paper 3, 'Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world', focuses on four contemporary themes: relationships and families (including marriage, divorce, and same-sex relationships), the existence of God and revelation (arguments for God's existence and forms of divine revelation), religion, peace and conflict (attitudes to war, violence, and pacifism), and dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs (challenges of secularisation and interfaith dialogue). You will study these themes from both religious and non-religious perspectives.

How many exams are there and how long are they?

There are three exams in total. Each exam paper is 1 hour long and is worth 60 marks, giving a total of 180 marks for the whole qualification. The papers are equally weighted at 33.3% each. They are all sat at the end of the course, usually in the summer term of Year 11.

Religious Studies

Q: Can I choose which religions to study?

Yes, you have a choice for the second religion. Christianity is compulsory for the first religion paper, but for the second paper you can select from Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Sikhism. Your school will decide which options are offered, but many centres allow students to express a preference if multiple choices are available.

OCR

GCSE

Specification: J625

The OCR GCSE Religious Studies specification covers 10 topics with 0 learning objectives (J625). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

Religious Studies examines the beliefs, teachings and practices of major world religions. You'll explore ethical issues, philosophical arguments and how religion influences individuals and societies.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Study Guides

13 revision guides for OCR GCSE Religious Studies

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Key Features

Compare religious teachings
Evaluate ethical arguments
Understand religious practices
Analyse contemporary issues

About OCR GCSE Religious Studies

The OCR GCSE (9-1) in Religious Studies invites you to explore some of life's biggest questions through the lens of religious beliefs and modern ethical issues. You will study the core beliefs, teachings, and practices of two major world religions, the first of which is always Christianity, and the second you can choose from Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Sikhism. This dual-religion approach helps you understand the diversity within and between faith traditions, developing skills in comparing and contrasting different viewpoints.

The course is structured into three key components. Components 1 and 2 focus on the beliefs and teachings, and the practices, of your two chosen religions. Component 3, titled 'Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world', applies religious perspectives to four contemporary themes: relationships and families; the existence of God; religion, peace and conflict; and dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs. This component encourages you to think critically about how religion engages with 21st-century moral and philosophical debates.

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to develop analytical and evaluative skills, constructing well-reasoned arguments and engaging with a range of religious and non-religious viewpoints. OCR's specification places a strong emphasis on contemporary relevance, ensuring that your study is not just about ancient texts but about how religion shapes the world we live in today. The course is assessed entirely through written exams, with no coursework, making it a rigorous and respected qualification.

Assessment Structure

The OCR GCSE Religious Studies course is assessed through three written exams, all taken at the end of the course. Each paper lasts 1 hour and carries 60 marks, making them equally weighted at 33.3% of the total qualification. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; all components are externally examined. The papers are: J625/01 (Christianity: Beliefs and teachings & practices), J625/02 (second religion: Beliefs and teachings & practices), and J625/03 (Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world). The total number of marks available across all papers is 180.

Why Choose OCR?

Flexibility to choose a second religion from five options means you can tailor the course to your interests or to complement the Christian content with another faith you are curious about, such as Islam or Buddhism.
The distinct philosophy and ethics paper focuses exclusively on modern moral issues like relationships, war, and the existence of God, giving you a dedicated space to explore how religion interacts with the real-world challenges that matter to you.
OCR provides extensive free and paid resources, including accredited textbooks and digital planning tools, and its assessment is designed to be clear and predictable, with no coursework stress – ideal if you prefer end-of-course exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment Objectives

AO1

50%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including: • beliefs, practices and sources of authority • influence on individuals, communities and societies • similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs

AO2

50%

Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence

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

OCR

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name or select

Describe

2-4 marks

Account of process or features

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

Evaluate

9-12 marks

Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing sanctity of life with absolute prohibition of all forms of life-taking, ignoring situational ethics.
•Failing to distinguish between religious and secular ethical frameworks.
•Overgeneralising 'the religious view' without accounting for denominational or scriptural nuances.
•Failing to reference specific Christian denominations when discussing divergent views.
•Neglecting to use relevant sources of wisdom and authority (e.g., specific Bible verses) to support arguments.
•Confusing the requirements of AO1 (knowledge and understanding) with AO2 (analysis and evaluation).
•Generalizing Christian beliefs without acknowledging the diversity of interpretation.
•Confusing Sunni and Shi'a core beliefs (e.g., mixing up the Five Pillars with the Ten Obligatory Acts).

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use specific terminology like 'imago Dei' and 'pikuach nefesh' accurately to demonstrate depth.
•Structure responses using a clear PEE structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation) with a balanced argument.
•In evaluation questions, offer a justified conclusion that synthesises different perspectives rather than just stating personal opinion.
•Ensure you can identify and explain the significance of key terms like 'benevolent', 'omniscient', 'omnipotent', 'monotheistic', 'judge', 'eternal', 'transcendent', 'immanent', 'personal', and 'forgiving'.
•Be prepared to discuss the Trinity, the nature of God, and the problem of evil.
•Know the key biblical references provided in the specification (e.g., The Lord's Prayer, The Ten Commandments, The Parable of the Lost Son).
•Practice constructing balanced arguments that consider different Christian perspectives.
•Use specialist terminology accurately to gain marks in the SPaG assessment.

Specification Topics

10 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the concept of the sanctity of life, a fundamental belief across major world religions that life is sacred because it is a gift from God. Students examine how this principle influences ethical decision-making on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment. The practical application involves evaluating religious teachings and their impact on personal and societal moral choices.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Christianity

The study of Christianity as a first or second religion in the OCR GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies specification, covering core beliefs, teachings, and practices, as well as their influence on individuals, communities, and societies.

0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

Islam

The study of Islam as a major world religion, focusing on core beliefs, teachings, and practices, including the six articles of faith (Sunni), five roots of Usul ad-Din (Shi'a), the nature of Allah, prophethood, holy books, angels, eschatology, and the Five Pillars/Ten Obligatory Acts.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Judaism

The study of Judaism as a major world religion, focusing on core beliefs, teachings, and practices. This includes the nature of G-d, the Covenant at Sinai, the Messiah, the Promised Land, key moral principles (Mitzvot), sanctity of life, eschatological beliefs, worship, prayer, law (Tenakh and Talmud), Shabbat, festivals, dietary laws, and rites of passage.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Buddhism

The study of Buddhism as a major world religion, focusing on core beliefs, teachings, and practices, including the life of the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Four Noble Truths, human personality, destiny, and ethical teachings, as well as forms of worship, significant places, the Sangha, festivals, and attitudes to death.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Hinduism

The study of Hinduism as a major world religion, focusing on core beliefs, teachings, and practices, including the nature of the divine, the cycle of samsara, karma, and the four aims of human life (purusharthas).

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Relationships and families

This topic explores religious teachings regarding the nature and purpose of families in the 21st century, including perspectives on sex, marriage, cohabitation, divorce, and the roles of men and women within religious communities.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

The existence of God, gods and the ultimate reality

This topic explores the existence of God, gods, and ultimate reality, focusing on philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of the divine, and how these concepts are understood through revelation, visions, miracles, or enlightenment.

0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

Religion, peace and conflict

This topic explores religious perspectives on violence, conflict, peace, and reconciliation. It covers the causes of conflict, the justification of violence (including Just War theory and holy war), the concept of pacifism, and the role of religious individuals and communities in working for peace, justice, and reconciliation in the modern world.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes

This topic explores the dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes in modern British society, focusing on the role of religion in public life, secularism, inter-faith and intra-faith dialogue, and the relationship between religious and non-religious worldviews.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

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Religious Studies OCR GCSE Topics & Revision

Topics Covered

Exam Tips for OCR GCSE Religious Studies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Key Terms

Religious Studies

Ready to practise?

Study Guides

Key Features

About OCR GCSE Religious Studies

Assessment Structure

Why Choose OCR?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to study two religions for OCR GCSE RS?

Is there any coursework in OCR GCSE Religious Studies?

What topics are covered in the philosophy and ethics paper?

How many exams are there and how long are they?

Can I choose which religions to study?

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

Christianity

Islam

Judaism

Buddhism

Hinduism

Relationships and families

The existence of God, gods and the ultimate reality

Religion, peace and conflict

Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes

Ready to master Religious Studies?