OCR AS Religious Studies specification (H173)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR AS 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 AS 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 AS Religious Studies (H173) 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
The OCR AS Level in Religious Studies enables learners to explore fundamental religious, philosophical and ethical questions through academic study. It encourages analytical and critical thinking, engaging students in debates about belief, value, meaning and purpose. The specification is designed to stimulate curiosity about religion and its influence on individuals and society. Students develop their understanding through the study of key concepts, thinkers and texts within selected world religions and philosophical traditions, building foundations for further study in humanities and social sciences.Subject content breakdown
3a: Philosophy of religion
- Ancient philosophical influences: Plato and Aristotle on reality, soul, knowledge
- Soul, mind and body: dualism, materialism, identity theories
- Arguments for the existence of God: cosmological, teleological, ontological
- Religious experience: types, interpretation, challenges, value
- Problem of evil: logical and evidential problems, theodicies, free will defence
3b: Religion and ethics
- Normative ethical theories: natural law, situation ethics, Kantian ethics, utilitarianism
- Application of ethical theories to:
- Euthanasia
- Business ethics
- Ethical language and thought: meta-ethics, naturalism, intuitionism, emotivism
- Conscience: theories from Aquinas, Freud, theological and secular views
- Sexual ethics: issues including homosexuality, premarital and extramarital sex
3c: Developments in religious thought (Christianity)
- Sources of wisdom and authority: Bible, Church, Jesus
- God: trinity, omnipotence, omnibenevolence, attributes
- Self, death and afterlife: resurrection, judgement, heaven and hell
- Moral conduct and key principles: sanctity of life, love, stewardship
- Expressions of identity: baptism, Eucharist, Church mission
- Religion and society: gender, pluralism, secularism
Assessment structure
Philosophy of religion (H173/01)
- Written paper: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 60 marks
- Structured questions including essay
- 33.3% of total AS Level
Religion and ethics (H173/02)
- Written paper: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 60 marks
- Structured questions including essay
- 33.3% of total AS Level
Developments in religious thought (H173/03–07)
- Written paper: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 60 marks
- Choose one religion (e.g. Christianity)
- Structured questions including essay
- 33.3% of total AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR AS 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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