specification overview
Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies (9RS0) is a two-year linear qualification with four components (Paper 1 Philosophy of Religion, Paper 2 Religion and Ethics, Paper 3 New Testament Studies, Paper 4 Study of Religion 4A-4F). Students are entered for three of the four components, each a 2-hour written exam worth 33.33%.
subject content
1. Philosophy of Religion
Paper 1- Arguments for God's existence (ontological, cosmological, teleological)
- Problem of evil, religious experience, religious language
- Miracles, life after death, mind-body debate
2. Religion and Ethics
Paper 2- Ethical theories: virtue ethics, natural law, situation ethics, deontological, utilitarian
- Applied ethics: war and peace, sexual ethics, medical ethics
3. New Testament Studies
Paper 3- Social, historical and religious context of the New Testament
- Texts and interpretation of the person of Jesus
- Interpreting the text and issues of relationship, purpose and authorship
4. Study of Religion (4A-4F)
Paper 4- One chosen religion: 4A Buddhism, 4B Christianity, 4C Hinduism, 4D Islam, 4E Judaism, 4F Sikhism
- Religious beliefs, values and teachings; sources of wisdom and authority; practices that shape and express religious identity; social and historical developments; works of scholars; religion and society
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Philosophy of Religion) | Philosophy of Religion content | 2h | 80 | 33.33% | Section A: two extended-response questions (8 + 12 marks). Section B: two-part question on an anthology extract (10 + 20 marks). Section C: extended essay (30 marks) |
| Paper 2 (Religion and Ethics) | Ethical theories and applied ethics | 2h | 80 | 33.33% | Section A: two extended-response questions (8 + 12 marks). Section B: two-part question on an anthology extract (10 + 20 marks). Section C: extended essay (30 marks) |
| Paper 3 (New Testament Studies) | Historical and theological analysis of New Testament texts, including the person of Jesus and interpretation | 2h | 80 | 33.33% | Section A: two extended-response questions (8 + 12 marks). Section B: two-part question on an anthology extract (10 + 20 marks). Section C: extended essay (30 marks) |
| Paper 4 (Study of Religion, 4A-4F) | One chosen religion from 4A Buddhism, 4B Christianity, 4C Hinduism, 4D Islam, 4E Judaism or 4F Sikhism, covering religious beliefs, values and teachings; sources of wisdom and authority; practices that shape and express religious identity; social and historical developments; works of scholars; and religion and society | 2h | 80 | 33.33% | Section A: two extended-response questions (8 + 12 marks). Section B: two-part question on an anthology extract (10 + 20 marks). Section C: synoptic extended essay (30 marks) |
Edexcel offers four components (Paper 1 Philosophy, Paper 2 Ethics, Paper 3 New Testament Studies, Paper 4 Study of Religion 4A-4F) and students are entered for three. No single paper is compulsory; the only prohibited combination is Paper 3 (New Testament Studies) with Paper 4B (Christianity), and vice versa. Each paper is weighted 33.33%, so the three papers sat total 100% (the four on offer are not all taken). The A Level Religious Studies Anthology provides source extracts for Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including: religious, philosophical and/or ethical thought and teaching; influence of beliefs, teachings and practices on individuals, communities and societies; cause and significance of similarities and differences in belief, teaching and practice; approaches to the study of religion and belief. | 40% |
| AO2 | Analyse and evaluate aspects of, and approaches to, religion and belief, including their significance, influence and study. | 60% |
key tips for success
Structure essays with clear argument
AO2 (analysis and evaluation) is 60%. Every essay needs a defensible thesis backed by weighted arguments and a considered judgement.
Learn named philosophers and theologians
Aquinas, Anselm, Hume, Kant, Mill, Bentham, Aristotle, Augustine, Paley, Fletcher, know their arguments, positions and criticisms.
Master the ethical theories
Virtue ethics, natural law, situation ethics, deontological (Kant), utilitarian (Bentham and Mill). Know each theory and how to apply to applied scenarios (war, sexual ethics, medical ethics).
Choose your religion carefully
Paper 4 (Study of Religion) offers 4A-4F: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism. Christianity (4B) is the most common UK choice, but note the mutual-exclusion rule: if your school also enters you for Paper 3 (New Testament Studies), you cannot take Paper 4B. Your school picks the option.
Use the anthology strategically
The A Level Religious Studies Anthology applies to all four papers: each has a compulsory Section B two-part question on an anthology extract. The relevant extract is printed in the exam paper, so you do not take the anthology in, but read it thoroughly and be ready to link extracts to philosophical, ethical and religious debates.
Practise across all your papers
Every component rewards structured essay writing. The largest question in 9RS0 is 30 marks: each paper runs Section A 8 + 12, Section B 10 + 20 on an anthology extract, and Section C 30, totalling 80. Practise the 20- and 30-mark essays under timed conditions across the three papers you're entered for.
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