AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) specification (8061)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) 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 AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) 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 AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) (8061) 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 AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) offers learners the opportunity to explore religious beliefs, teachings, and practices alongside key ethical and philosophical themes. It encourages critical reflection on faith, morality, and society, drawing on two world religions and contemporary debates.
This qualification enables learners to: • examine the core beliefs and teachings of two religions • explore contrasting religious and non-religious views on key moral issues • develop analytical, evaluative, and extended writing skills • reflect on values, meaning, purpose and truth in a pluralistic context • engage with scriptural and authoritative texts to understand religious influence on individuals and society
The course is suitable as a standalone qualification or as a foundation for further religious, philosophical, or social study:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Section A: The study of religions – Beliefs and teachings Students study the beliefs and teachings of two religions from:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Buddhism
Examples of content (varies by religion):
- Nature of God and problem of evil (Christianity)
- Tawhid, angels, and life after death (Islam)
- The Messiah and covenants (Judaism)
- Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path (Buddhism)
Students must understand the basis of these beliefs in sacred texts, their application in society, and internal diversity across denominations or sects:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Section B: Thematic studies – Religious, philosophical and ethical studies Compulsory Themes:
- Theme A: Relationships and families
- Human sexuality, marriage, divorce
- Gender roles and equality
- Family structure and parenting
- Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict
- Terrorism, war, pacifism, just war
- Religious views on violence and reconciliation
- Nuclear weapons and peace-making
Students must examine both religious and non-religious perspectives (e.g., humanism, atheism), with particular reference to Christianity and one other religion:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Assessment structure
Written Exam
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 96 marks + 6 marks for SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)
- 100% of the GCSE Short Course
Paper Structure
- Section A: Two 5-part questions on chosen religions (1, 2, 4, 5, 12 mark format)
- Section B: Two 5-part questions on Themes A & B (same format)
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 50%
- AO2: Analysis and evaluation – 50%
Grading
- Awarded on a 9–1 scale
- Available options include combinations such as:
- Christianity and Islam (8061D)
- Buddhism and Judaism (8061C)
- Christianity and Judaism (8061E)
Additional Details
- No coursework or NEA
- All assessments must be taken in the same series
- At least 15% of marks assess extended response (12-mark evaluative questions):contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) 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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