How Many A Level Religious Studies Papers Are There?

Choosing A Level Religious Studies? One of the first questions students ask is: “How many A Level Religious Studies papers are there?” The answer depends on your exam board. Most courses include two or three papers, covering Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion. However, AQA, OCR, Edexcel, Eduqas, and WJEC all structure these slightly differently.

This guide breaks it all down clearly so you know exactly what to expect, whichever exam board you’re with. If you’re still deciding whether to take the subject, you might also want to check out our guide on what A Level Religious Studies involves.

Key Takeaways

• Most A Level Religious Studies students will sit 2 or 3 exam papers.

• The exact number depends on your exam board:

  • AQA: 2 papers (3 hours each).

  • OCR, Eduqas, WJEC, Edexcel: 3 papers (2 hours each).

• Papers usually cover Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and the Study of Religion, with some variations depending on the board (e.g. New Testament Studies with Edexcel).

• All areas are equally important, so it’s essential to prepare thoroughly for each paper.

• All exams are taken at the end of Year 13 (linear A Level, no coursework).

Overview of A Level Religious Studies Assessment

A Level Religious Studies is a linear course, which means you sit all your exams at the end of Year 13. Unlike GCSEs, there’s no coursework or modular testing. Your final grade is based entirely on written exams.

Most exam boards divide the subject into three main strands:

• Philosophy of Religion – arguments for God’s existence, the problem of evil, religious experience, and the limits of language.

• Ethics – ethical theories like utilitarianism, natural law, Kantian ethics, and applied ethics, such as medical or sexual ethics.

• Study of Religion – usually Christianity, though some boards allow alternatives. This covers sources of authority, key doctrines, practices, and how religion interacts with society.

Some exam boards group these areas into two larger exams (e.g. AQA), while others set three shorter papers (e.g. OCR, Eduqas, Edexcel). Either way, the balance of philosophy, ethics, and religion stays at the core.

If you’re wondering how demanding the workload can be, our guide on whether A Level Religious Studies is hard takes a closer look at the skills and challenges involved.

A Level RS Papers by Exam Board

Different exam boards set slightly different paper structures, but all cover Philosophy, Ethics, and the Study of Religion. Here’s what you can expect from each:

AQA

• Number of papers: 2

• Length: Both 3 hours

• Weighting: 50% each

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics

• Ancient philosophical influences, arguments for God, the problem of evil, religious language.

• Ethical theories (natural law, utilitarianism, situation ethics, etc.) and applied ethics.

Paper 2: Study of Religion and Dialogues

• In-depth study of one religion (e.g. Christianity, Buddhism, Islam).

• Dialogues: exploring connections between religion, philosophy, and ethics.

OCR

• Number of papers: 3

• Length: Each 2 hours

• Weighting: 33.3% each

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion

• Arguments for and against God’s existence, religious experience, the problem of evil, religious language.

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics

• Ethical theories (natural law, Kantian, utilitarianism) and applied ethics.

Paper 3: Developments in Religious Thought

• In-depth study of a chosen religion (commonly Christianity) and its dialogue with wider society.

Eduqas

• Number of papers: 3

• Length: Each 2 hours

• Weighting: 33.3% each

Component 1: Christianity

• Beliefs, sources of wisdom, religious figures, practices, and religion in contemporary society.

Component 2: Philosophy of Religion

• Arguments about God’s existence, religious experience, and challenges to faith.

Component 3: Religion and Ethics

• Ethical theories, applied ethics, and debates in religion and ethics.

WJEC (Wales)

• Number of papers: 3

• Length: Each 2 hours

• Weighting: 33.3% each

Content: Same as Eduqas (Christianity, Philosophy of Religion, and Religion and Ethics).

• Main difference: WJEC is used in Wales, while Eduqas is its English counterpart.

Edexcel

• Number of papers: 3

• Length: Each 2 hours

• Weighting: 33.3% each

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion

• Arguments for God, the problem of evil, religious experience.

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics

• Ethical theories and applied ethics.

Paper 3: New Testament Studies

• In-depth focus on biblical texts, their context, and interpretation.

Paper 4: Study of Religion

• Key beliefs and teachings, practices, sources of wisdom, and response to contemporary social and ethical issues of one major world religion.

All students sit Papers 1 and 2. Your third exam will be either Paper 3: New Testament Studies or Paper 4: Study of Religion, depending on which course components you have studied.

What Each Paper Covers

Although the exam boards structure things slightly differently, the main themes remain the same across all A Level Religious Studies courses. Here’s what you’ll usually find:

• Philosophy of Religion

  • Arguments for and against God’s existence (cosmological, teleological, ontological).

  • The problem of evil and suffering.

  • Religious experience and whether it can prove God.

  • Religious language - how (or if) we can talk meaningfully about God.

• Ethics

  • Ethical theories such as utilitarianism, natural law, situation ethics, and Kantian ethics.

  • Applied ethics, for example, medical ethics (euthanasia, genetic engineering), sexual ethics, or environmental issues.

  • How religion connects with moral decision-making.

• Study of Religion

  • Usually, Christianity, though some boards allow alternatives.

  • Sources of wisdom and authority (e.g. the Bible, key theologians).

  • Key beliefs and practices.

  • Religion in society: how faith interacts with modern issues like gender, pluralism, or secularisation.

• Additional content (depending on board)

  • AQA includes “Dialogues” between philosophy, ethics, and religion.

  • Edexcel focuses on New Testament Studies in its optional third paper, allowing students to undertake a detailed study of key New Testament texts.

For a full breakdown of themes and thinkers across exam boards, take a look at our A Level Religious Studies topics guide.

How to Prepare for Each Paper

A Level Religious Studies exams are essay-based, so preparation needs to focus on both content and exam technique. Here are some practical ways to get ready:

• Master essay writing

  • Most questions are extended essays worth 20–30 marks. Practise planning introductions, structuring arguments, and writing conclusions that show clear judgement.

  • Aim to balance AO1 (knowledge) with AO2 (analysis and evaluation).

• Revise thematically

  • Use mind maps or tables to link philosophers, ethical theories, and religious teachings across topics.

  • This makes it easier to compare and contrast ideas in your essays.

• Practise past papers

  • Each exam board phrases questions differently, so stick to the papers for your board.

  • Time yourself to build confidence with essay length and pacing.

• Balance your revision

  • Don’t just focus on your favourite area — Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion are usually weighted equally.

  • Create a timetable that spreads revision across all strands.

• Use active recall

  • Flashcards, practice essays, and self-testing are far more effective than just rereading notes.

For more detailed strategies, see our guide on how to revise A Level Religious Studies and our step-by-step advice on how to get an A* in A Level RS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there coursework components in A Level RS?

No. All exam boards assess A Level Religious Studies entirely through written exams at the end of Year 13. There are no coursework or controlled assessment elements.

Do all exam boards cover the same religions?

Not exactly. Most boards focus on Christianity as the main religion, though AQA and OCR sometimes offer alternatives. Edexcel has a distinctive focus on New Testament Studies. Always check with your exam board to be sure.

Can I resit individual papers in A Level RS?

No. Because A Levels are linear qualifications, you have to retake all the exam papers if you want to improve your grade.

Final Thoughts

Most A Level Religious Studies students will sit two or three exam papers, depending on their exam board. While the paper titles and structures vary, all boards test your understanding of Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and the study of a religion in depth.

With steady revision, regular use of past papers, and practice in writing strong essays and linking ideas across topics, you’ll be able to walk into your exam feeling fully prepared, whichever board you’re with. 

If you’d like extra support along the way, explore the full range of Save My Exams’ A Level Religious Studies resources. They’ll give you the tools and confidence to head into exam season ready to succeed.

References:

AQA A Level Religious Studies  (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel A Level Religious Studies (opens in a new tab)

OCR A Level Religious Studies (opens in a new tab)

Eduqas A Level Religious Studies (opens in a new tab)

WJEC A Level Religious Studies (opens in a new tab)