OCR A Level Religious Studies specification (H573)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR 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 OCR 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 OCR A Level Religious Studies (H573) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A-level Religious Studies course (OCR) encourages learners to critically engage with profound philosophical and ethical questions, as well as explore developments in religious thought. It supports students in forming well-reasoned arguments, analysing texts and traditions, and considering the relevance of religious beliefs in the modern world. Emphasis is placed on understanding different perspectives, developing logical reasoning, and applying religious concepts to contemporary issues. The course equips students with skills valuable for higher education and civic life, fostering intellectual curiosity and respectful dialogue.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: cosmological, teleological, ontological
- Nature of God: omnipotence, omniscience, omnibenevolence, timelessness
- Religious experience: types and value
- Problem of evil: logical and evidential problems, responses and theodicies
- Religious language: via negativa, analogy, symbol, language games
Component 2: Religion and ethics
- Normative theories: natural law, situation ethics, Kantian ethics, utilitarianism
- Ethical application: euthanasia, business ethics
- Ethical language: meta-ethics (naturalism, intuitionism, emotivism)
- Conscience: theological and psychological perspectives (Aquinas, Freud)
- Sexual ethics: premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality
Component 3: Developments in religious thought (Choose one religion – e.g. Christianity)
- Religious beliefs, values and teachings: sources of wisdom, authority, God, death and afterlife
- Religious identity: practices and their expression
- Religion and society: gender, secularism, pluralism, interfaith dialogue
- Key themes: human nature, purpose of life, responses to modernity and globalisation
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion
- 2-hour written paper
- 120 marks (33⅓% of A-level)
- Four structured essay questions (choose three)
Paper 2: Religion and Ethics
- 2-hour written paper
- 120 marks (33⅓% of A-level)
- Four structured essay questions (choose three)
Paper 3: Developments in Religious Thought
- 2-hour written paper
- 120 marks (33⅓% of A-level)
- Four structured essay questions (choose three)
Question Types
- Essay questions assessing analysis, evaluation and argument
- Structured to develop critical discussion
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief
- AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence
Weightings
- AO1: 40%
- AO2: 60%
- Equal contribution from all three components
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR 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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