WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies specification (C120)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE 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 GCSE 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 GCSE Religious Studies (C120) 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
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Religious Studies encourages learners to explore key moral, ethical and philosophical questions through the study of at least two religions, supported by non-religious perspectives. The course is designed to develop well-informed, reflective and evaluative thinking on religious belief and practice and their influence on individuals, communities and wider society.
This qualification aims to: • Develop learners’ understanding of religious and non-religious beliefs, teachings and practices • Enable students to express informed views using evidence and argument • Explore belief and meaning in human existence, including ethical and philosophical issues • Deepen learners’ understanding of relationships between religions and the wider world • Provide a basis for further academic and personal development through ethical enquiry and spiritual reflection:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World (Route A)
- Theme 1: Issues of Relationships
- Roles in family and marriage, sexuality, divorce, gender equality, religious teachings on relationships
- Theme 2: Issues of Life and Death
- Origins and value of life, abortion, euthanasia, afterlife, creation, sanctity of life
- Theme 3: Issues of Good and Evil
- Morality, forgiveness, punishment, death penalty, suffering, causes of crime
- Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights
- Social justice, human dignity, prejudice, poverty, wealth, freedom of religion
Component 2: Study of Christianity (Route A)
- Beliefs: Trinity, incarnation, atonement, salvation, afterlife
- Practices: Worship, sacraments, pilgrimage, festivals, Church role in community, evangelism
Component 3: Study of a World Faith (Route A)
- One chosen faith (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, or Sikhism)
- Beliefs: nature of God/divine, afterlife, key doctrines, prophets, scripture
- Practices: worship, rites of passage, festivals, places of worship, social action
Route B (Catholic Focus)
- Component 1: Foundational Catholic Theology
- Origins and Meaning, Good and Evil (e.g. creation, revelation, suffering)
- Component 2: Applied Catholic Theology
- Life and Death, Sin and Forgiveness (e.g. eschatology, salvation, Magisterium)
- Component 3: Study of Judaism
- Beliefs and practices, including festivals, covenants, mitzvot, synagogue worship:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Route A
Component 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50% of total qualification
- All questions compulsory across four themes
Component 2: Study of Christianity
- Written exam: 1 hour
- 25% of qualification
- Assesses beliefs, teachings, practices
Component 3: Study of a World Faith (chosen from 5 options)
- Written exam: 1 hour
- 25% of qualification
- All questions compulsory
Route B
Component 1: Foundational Catholic Theology
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins
- 37.5% of qualification
Component 2: Applied Catholic Theology
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins
- 37.5% of qualification
Component 3: Study of Judaism
- Written exam: 1 hour
- 25% of qualification
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Knowledge & understanding): 50%
- AO2 (Analysis & evaluation): 50%
- SPaG: 5% of total, assessed in Components 1 and 2
- Linear assessment, available in summer series only
- Grading: 9–1 scale; U = unclassified:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE 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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