SQA Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies specification (X864 76)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical 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 SQA Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical 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 SQA Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (X864 76) 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 SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies course encourages candidates to understand, evaluate and reflect on a wide range of beliefs, values and viewpoints, both religious and non-religious. Through exploring world religions, contemporary moral issues, and philosophical questions, candidates develop the ability to analyse, debate, and present well-reasoned conclusions on complex issues. The course promotes critical thinking, responsible citizenship and personal reflection, while fostering respect for diverse beliefs and worldviews in a global society.
Subject content breakdown
World religion
- Study one world religion: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism or Sikhism.
- Explore core beliefs (e.g. God, human nature, life after death) and practices (e.g. worship, community action, rituals).
- Analyse interconnections between beliefs and practices.
- Evaluate the relevance, significance, and impact on the lives of followers.
Morality and belief
- Study one of five topics:
- Morality and justice (e.g. causes of crime, punishment, capital punishment)
- Morality and relationships (e.g. marriage, divorce, gender inequality)
- Morality, environment and global issues (e.g. climate change, poverty, trade)
- Morality, medicine and the human body (e.g. organ donation, euthanasia)
- Morality and conflict (e.g. war, weapons, consequences of conflict)
- Analyse and evaluate religious and non-religious responses to moral issues.
- Present personal, well-structured viewpoints.
Religious and philosophical questions
- Study one of four questions:
- Origins of life and the universe
- Existence of God
- The problem of suffering and evil
- Miracles
- Compare and assess religious and non-religious explanations.
- Analyse evidence, sources and arguments; make reasoned judgements.
Assessment structure
Question Paper 1: World Religion and Morality and Belief
- 60 marks; 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Section 1: World Religion (30 marks) — answer both questions from one religion.
- Section 2: Morality and Belief (30 marks) — answer both questions from one topic.
- Mix of analysis and evaluation skills, knowledge and understanding.
Question Paper 2: Religious and Philosophical Questions
- 20 marks; 45 minutes.
- Choose one topic; respond with a well-structured, evaluative answer.
- Requires synthesis of religious and non-religious perspectives.
Assignment
- 30 marks; written under 1 hour 30 minutes with RMPS resource sheet (max 250 words).
- Choose a religious, moral or philosophical issue with multiple viewpoints.
- Research, analyse, and evaluate arguments; produce an extended response.
- Conducted under supervision; marked externally.
Grading
- Total mark (110) determines grade A–D.
- All three components contribute: Question Paper 1 (60), Paper 2 (20), Assignment (30).
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical 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