Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies specification (0490)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies (0490) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Religious Studies enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of religion within a social context. The course encourages sensitivity, enquiry, and an appreciation for the contribution of religion to individuals, communities and societies. Learners explore religious, moral and cultural questions and examine how beliefs are reflected in practices and applied in the lives of believers. They engage critically with key issues, considering diverse views and drawing reasoned conclusions. The course aims to foster enthusiasm for studying religion and builds a strong foundation for further academic work in theology, humanities and social sciences.
Subject content breakdown
1. Worship
- Centres of worship and community: church, mosque, synagogue
- Key features of religious buildings and artefacts used in worship
- Public/communal and private/individual worship practices
- Roles and significance of religious leaders
2. Beliefs and scriptures
- Christianity: Trinity, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible
- Islam: Articles of Faith, Five Pillars, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Qur’an
- Judaism: Nature of G-d, Covenants, Torah
3. Sacred places
- Christianity: Lourdes, Rome, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem
- Islam: Hajj rituals, Makkah, Madinah, Umrah
- Judaism: Western Wall, Yad Vashem, memory of the Temple
4. Festivals and fasts
- Christianity: Easter, Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, Pentecost, Lent, Advent
- Islam: ʿId al-Adha, Ramadan, ʿId al-Fitr
- Judaism: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach, Sukkot
5. Rites of passage; religion and the family
- Birth, marriage, funerals, coming of age ceremonies
- Religious beliefs about family roles, relationships, and responsibilities
- Tradition and change in family life and roles
6. Religion and social action
- Teachings on love, charity, compassion and concern for others
- Stewardship of the environment
- Religious organisations addressing poverty and social justice
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Worship, Beliefs, Scriptures and Sacred Places
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks
- Topics 1–3
- Three sections: Christianity, Islam, Judaism
- Candidates answer two questions in two selected sections (four questions total)
- Each question: Part (a) 6 marks (short factual), Part (b) 6 marks (detailed explanation), Part (c) 8 marks (evaluation)
- Externally assessed
- 50% of total grade
Paper 2 – Festivals, Fasts, Family Life and Social Action
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks
- Topics 4–6
- Same format as Paper 1
- Externally assessed
50% of total grade
- Candidates must study two religions (from Christianity, Islam and Judaism) across both papers
- Evaluation (AO2) carries a higher weighting (40%) than before
- Clear structure: 6+6+8 mark format per question
- Strong emphasis on well-reasoned judgements in evaluative responses
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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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