AQA A Level Religious Studies specification (7062)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Religious Studies exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Religious Studies specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Religious Studies (7062) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A-level Religious Studies course promotes a rigorous understanding of religious beliefs, values and traditions, and their impact on the modern world. It encourages critical engagement with philosophical and ethical thought, as well as the systematic study of a chosen religion. Students are supported to explore key debates, develop reasoned arguments and analyse primary sources. The specification aims to nurture reflective learners who can articulate personal responses while respecting different perspectives and promoting interfaith understanding.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Philosophy of religion and ethics
Section A: Philosophy of religion
- Arguments for the existence of God: design, cosmological, ontological (including challenges)
- Evil and suffering
- Religious experience: types, influence, challenges
- Religious language: verification, falsification, analogy, symbol, myth, language games
- Miracles: definitions, examples, philosophical and theological debates
- Self and life after death
Section B: Ethics and religion
- Normative ethical theories: utilitarianism, situation ethics, natural moral law
- Application of theories to issues: theft, lying, embryo research, cloning, designer babies, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, animal experimentation, blood sports, use of animals for organ transplants
- Ethical language and thought: meta-ethics
- Free will and moral responsibility
- Conscience
- Bentham and Kant
Component 2: Study of religion and dialogues
Section A: Study of religion (choose one from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism)
- Sources of wisdom and authority
- God/gods/ultimate reality
- Self, death and afterlife
- Good conduct and key moral principles
- Expression of religious identity
- Religion and science
- Religion and gender
- Religion and sexuality
- Religious pluralism
- Religion and society
- Challenges from secularisation
- Religion and politics
Section B: The dialogue between philosophy of religion and religion
- How religious beliefs are influenced by, and influence, philosophical debates
Section C: The dialogue between ethical studies and religion
- How religious beliefs are influenced by, and influence, ethical studies
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
- 3-hour written exam
- 100 marks (50% of A-level)
- Two sections: Philosophy of religion and Ethics
- Two compulsory two-part questions per section
Paper 2: Study of Religion and Dialogues
- 3-hour written exam
- 100 marks (50% of A-level)
- Section A: Study of one religion – two compulsory questions
- Sections B and C: Dialogues with philosophy and ethics – one question per section
Question Types
- Essay-based questions requiring in-depth analysis and evaluation
- Each question split into two parts assessing knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief
- AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance, influence and impact
Weightings
- AO1: 40%
- AO2: 60%
- Paper 1 and Paper 2 each contribute 50% of total A-level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level Religious Studies isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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