Edexcel IGCSE Religious Studies specification (4RS1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel IGCSE Religious Studies (4RS1) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Edexcel International GCSE in Religious Studies aims to develop students’ understanding of religious beliefs, values, traditions, and practices through the study of one or more of six major world religions. It challenges learners to reflect on their own values while exploring religion’s influence on individuals and societies. The course encourages well-informed, balanced arguments and nurtures skills in interpretation, evaluation, and analysis. It is designed to be inclusive and relevant in a pluralistic, global context, preparing students for further academic study and adult life:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Paper 1: Beliefs and Values
Section 1: The Universe, Creation and the Place of Human Beings
- Origins and purpose of the universe; human responsibility; animal rights.
- Human nature; soul; physicalism.
- Causes of wrongdoing: selfishness, greed, ignorance, sin.
- Free will, determinism, predestination, moral responsibility.
- Ultimate reality: God, monotheism, polytheism, atheism.
- Belief and unbelief: design and causation arguments; agnosticism; science vs religion.
- Problem of evil and suffering; religious and non-religious responses.
Section 2: Life and Death
- Afterlife: immortality, resurrection, rebirth, judgement.
- Meaning and purpose of life; salvation, liberation.
- Sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia; value of life and suffering.
- Human relationships: sexuality, gender, changing social norms.
- Marriage and partnership; sex outside marriage; cohabitation.
- Divorce and remarriage; family roles and consequences.
- Family structures, responsibilities, and support.
- Childlessness, contraception, genetic engineering, celibacy, adoption.
Section 3: Peace and Conflict
- Causes of conflict: politics, religion, resources; war theories; terrorism.
- Peace, reconciliation, forgiveness; pacifism; UN and faith organisations.
- Bullying: causes, solutions, religious views on inclusion.
- Sin and crime; religious and societal attitudes.
- Punishment: aims, types, justice, reform.
- Capital punishment: religious, secular, and legal perspectives.
Section 4: Rights, Equality and Social Justice
- Human rights: liberty, freedom, religious views on limits.
- Equal rights and opportunities: gender and disability equality.
- Racial harmony in multi-ethnic societies.
- Interfaith relationships; proselytisation and pluralism.
- Relationships between rich and poor; justice, charity, generosity.
Paper 2: The Religious Community
Section 1: Origins and Their Impact
- Religious texts and sources of authority; role in worship and teaching.
- Founders and leaders: life, teachings, significance, and role models.
Section 2: Celebration and Pilgrimage
- Festivals: history, rituals, significance to the faith community.
- Pilgrimage: reasons, practices, spiritual and communal value.
Section 3: Worship and Practice
- Places of worship: design, symbolism, community role.
- Forms of worship: public/private, rites of passage, rituals, festivals:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Beliefs and Values (4RS1/01)
- 1 hour 45 minutes; 100 marks; 60% of total.
- Four extended questions based on a chosen religion.
- Questions include 3-, 4-, 6-, and 12-mark responses.
- Assesses understanding of religious beliefs, synoptic links, and argumentation.
Paper 2: The Religious Community (4RS1/02)
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 60 marks; 40% of total.
- Three extended questions from a single chosen section (origins, celebrations, worship).
- Question structure: 4-mark short answer, 6-mark explanation, 10-mark synoptic question.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding – 50%
- AO2: Analyse and evaluate religious beliefs and values – 50%
Grading
- 9–1 scale.
- First examined June 2019.
- Assessment is linear and externally marked:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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