Edexcel A Level Religious Studies specification (9RS0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel A Level Religious Studies (9RS0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A-level Religious Studies course offers students a structured and critical exploration of key themes within philosophy, ethics, and the study of religion. It encourages an in-depth understanding of religious beliefs and practices, ethical issues and theories, and philosophical thought. The specification supports learners in forming reasoned arguments, evaluating different viewpoints, and developing insight into how religion relates to contemporary social, moral and philosophical questions. It promotes academic rigour, independent thinking and the respectful engagement with diverse perspectives.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Philosophy of Religion
- Ancient philosophical influences: Plato and Aristotle
- Soul, mind and body: dualism and materialism
- Arguments for the existence of God: design, cosmological, ontological
- Religious experience: types and challenges
- Problem of evil and suffering: theodicies and responses
- Nature of God: omnipotence, omniscience, benevolence
- Religious language: analogical, symbolic, via negativa
Component 2: Religion and Ethics
- Normative theories: natural law, situation ethics, utilitarianism, Kantian ethics
- Application of ethical theories to:
- Euthanasia
- Business ethics
- Sexual ethics
- Ethical language and thought: meta-ethics and objectivism/relativism
- Conscience: theological and psychological accounts
- Free will and moral responsibility: determinism, libertarianism, compatibilism
Component 3: Developments in Religious Thought (Choose one religion: Christianity, Islam or Judaism)
- Sources of religious authority: sacred texts and leaders
- Religious beliefs and values: God, humanity, life after death
- Practices that shape identity: rituals, festivals, worship
- Social and historical developments: pluralism, secularism, science
- Gender and sexuality
- Significant social and ethical issues: e.g. tolerance, immigration, environment
- Expressions of religious identity: clothing, dietary laws, symbols
- Challenges from secularisation and modernity
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion
- 2-hour written paper
- 33⅓% of A-level
- Covers key philosophical themes such as arguments for God, evil, language and religious experience
Paper 2: Religion and Ethics
- 2-hour written paper
- 33⅓% of A-level
- Includes normative ethical theories, applied ethics, and ethical language
Paper 3: Developments in Religious Thought
- 2-hour written paper
- 33⅓% of A-level
- Explores one religion’s beliefs, values, identity and responses to modern challenges
Question Types
- Essay-based questions requiring critical evaluation and coherent argumentation
- Typically two questions per paper, chosen from a selection
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief
- AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including significance and influence
Weighting
- AO1: 40%
- AO2: 60%
- Equal weighting across the three papers
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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