OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies specification (J270)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Citizenship 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE Citizenship 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 GCSE Citizenship Studies (J270) 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 GCSE Citizenship Studies specification enables learners to explore the relationship between citizens, government and society in the UK and beyond. It equips students with knowledge of rights, democracy, law and politics, while developing critical thinking and the ability to construct reasoned arguments. Practical citizenship action is central to the course, encouraging learners to investigate real-world issues, engage with others and reflect on their role in a democratic society. The specification promotes informed participation and prepares students for further study or civic engagement:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
1. Rights, the law and the legal system in England and Wales
- Importance of rights and responsibilities in diverse societies
- UK legal system: criminal and civil law
- Role of law in protecting rights and balancing conflicting rights
- Legal procedures, courts, police, and youth justice system
- Access to justice and legal representation
2. Democracy and government
- Principles of democracy and constitutional arrangements in the UK
- Role of government, Parliament and devolved administrations
- Political parties, elections and electoral systems
- Role of MPs, peers and pressure groups
- Role of media in democratic engagement and scrutiny
3. The UK and the wider world
- UK’s role in international organisations (UN, EU, Commonwealth)
- Human rights protection globally
- International law, conflict, development and foreign aid
- The impact of globalisation and UK’s global relationships
4. Citizenship in action
- Planning and undertaking an investigation into a real citizenship issue
- Researching, campaigning and evaluating a citizenship action
- Use of primary and secondary sources, communication and critical reflection
5. Politics and participation
- Role of citizens in democracy, including voting and activism
- Role of elections and referendums
- Influence of individuals and groups in decision-making processes
- Ways to challenge injustice and bring about change
Assessment structure
Component 1: Citizenship in perspective (J270/01)
- Written paper: 1 hour
- 50 marks, 25% of total GCSE
- Covers rights, law, democracy, international relations and politics
- Includes multiple choice, short and extended response questions
Component 2: Citizenship in action (J270/02)
- Written paper: 1 hour
- 30 marks, 15% of total GCSE
- Based on learners’ own citizenship investigation
- Assesses planning, research, action and evaluation
Component 3: Our rights, our society, our world (J270/03)
- Written paper: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks, 60% of total GCSE
Includes scenario-based, evaluative and synoptic questions
- All exams taken at end of course (linear)
- Citizenship action is planned and carried out by students and assessed in Component 2
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Citizenship 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.
Share this article