WJEC Eduqas A Level Religious Studies specification (A120)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas A Level Religious Studies (A120) 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 WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A-level Religious Studies course (Eduqas) provides learners with a critical and comprehensive understanding of religion, philosophy, and ethics. It encourages analytical and evaluative engagement with religious belief, moral issues, and philosophical arguments. The specification promotes independent thought and the respectful consideration of diverse perspectives. Students explore both historical and contemporary aspects of religious thought, enabling them to apply insights to current ethical and philosophical debates, while also developing coherent and well-supported arguments.Subject content breakdown
Component 1: A Study of Religion (choose one religion)
- Religious figures and sacred texts
- Religious concepts and religious life
- Significant social and historical developments in religious thought
- Religious practices that shape religious identity
Component 2: Philosophy of Religion
- Arguments for the existence of God: ontological, cosmological, teleological
- Challenges to religious belief: problem of evil and suffering
- Religious experience
- Religious language
- Miracles
- Self, death and afterlife
Component 3: Religion and Ethics
- Ethical thought: divine command theory, virtue ethics, ethical egoism
- Aquinas’ Natural Law, Fletcher’s Situation Ethics, Utilitarianism
- Application of ethical theory to issues of:
- Embryo research
- Cloning
- Abortion
- Euthanasia
- Capital punishment
- Animal experimentation
- Use of animals for organ transplants
- Ethical language and thought
- Free will and moral responsibility
- Conscience
- Bentham and Kant
Assessment structure
Component 1: A Study of Religion
- 2-hour written exam
- 33⅓% of qualification
- Four structured questions, including one compulsory
Component 2: Philosophy of Religion
- 2-hour written exam
- 33⅓% of qualification
- Four structured questions, including one compulsory
Component 3: Religion and Ethics
- 2-hour written exam
- 33⅓% of qualification
- Four structured questions, including one compulsory
Question Types
- Structured essay-style questions
- Critical and analytical evaluation required
- Questions assess both knowledge and argument
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 all three components
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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