What Is IGCSE Religious Studies?

Are you curious about how people decide what’s right and wrong, why different religions believe what they do, or what happens after we die? If so, IGCSE Religious Studies could be the perfect subject for you.

IGCSE RS allows you to explore a range of worldviews, ask some of life’s biggest questions, and learn how to develop clear, well-reasoned arguments. You’ll study a mix of religious beliefs, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical ideas, and see how they apply to real-world situations in different cultures around the world. 

If you’re not religious, don’t worry – there’s no need to follow a faith to succeed in IGCSE RS. It’s an academic subject where your knowledge, understanding and evaluation skills will be tested, not your personal beliefs. 

I’ve been teaching Religious Studies for many years, and in this guide I’ll explain exactly what you can expect from your course: what you’ll study, how it’s assessed, what lessons are like, and the skills you’ll develop along the way. 

You’ll also find advice on whether IGCSE RS is a good fit for your learning style, and what you can do with it after your course.

What Does the IGCSE Religious Studies Course Cover?

IGCSE Religious Studies is a fascinating subject that explores world religions, moral philosophy, and the big questions that shape human life. It helps you understand how people’s beliefs influence their actions, values, and decisions and allows you to consider how those beliefs fit into broader social and cultural contexts.

Most IGCSE RS courses combine two main strands:

1. The study of specific religions: You’ll learn about the beliefs, teachings, and practices of at least one major world religion. You may take a comparative approach and look at two religions. Your course leader will select the religions covered, and everyone will study the same faiths. 

2. Thematic or philosophical topics: These cover broader moral and philosophical issues such as good and evil, life after death, human rights, or the relationship between religion and science.

By the end of the course, you’ll deepen your understanding of different worldviews and strengthen your ability to think critically about moral and philosophical issues in a global context.

For a more detailed list of RS topics, check out our IGCSE Religious Studies Topics Guide.

What Topics Are Included in the IGCSE RS Syllabus?

The exact topics you will study in IGCSE RS depend on your exam board. The most popular course providers are Cambridge CIE and Edexcel International. Their syllabuses differ slightly. Here’s an overview:

Cambridge CIE (0490)
You study two religions (chosen from Christianity, Islam, Judaism) across these six sections:

• Worship

• Beliefs & Scriptures

• Sacred Places

• Festivals & Fasts

• Rites of Passage & Family Life

• Religion & Social Action

Edexcel International (4RS1)
You study at least one religion (from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism) across these seven sections:

• The Universe, Creation and the Place of Human Beings

• Life and Death

• Peace and Conflict

• Rights, Equality and Social Justice

• Origins and Impact of Religion on the Community

• Celebration and Pilgrimage

• Worship and Practice

Your school will confirm the exact course outline for you.

How Is IGCSE Religious Studies Assessed?

IGCSE Religious Studies is 100% exam-based – there’s no coursework or practical element. Everything is assessed through written papers at the end of the course.

Exam Format

Your exact assessment depends on your exam board:

Cambridge CIE (0490)

• Two exam papers

• Each paper is one hour and 15 minutes

• You answer questions on your chosen religions (Paper 1) and thematic/ethical issues (Paper 2).

• Questions range from short explanations to structured essays worth up to 12 marks.

Edexcel International (4RS1)

• Two exam papers

• Each paper is 1 hour and 45 minutes

• Both papers cover your chosen religion(s) and related ethical/philosophical topics.

• Questions include knowledge, application, and extended evaluation essays.

Question Types

While the wording varies by board, you can expect:

• Short-answer questions which require you to recall key beliefs, teachings, or definitions

• Explanation questions where you’ll show your understanding of concepts or practices

• Extended essays in which you’ll analyse, compare, and evaluate different viewpoints

Top marks come from showing you:

• Understand the topic in depth

• Use specific religious teachings or sources

• Compare perspectives

• Reach a clear, reasoned conclusion under timed conditions

What Are Lessons Like in IGCSE Religious Studies?

IGCSE RS lessons are designed to help you think, discuss, and apply ideas, not just memorise them. You’ll explore key beliefs and ethical questions through a mix of teacher-led explanations, group work, and independent tasks.

A typical lesson might include

• Teacher-led explanation of key beliefs and ethical theories

• Group discussions and debates about real-world moral issues

• Source analysis: looking at religious texts and applying them to modern scenarios

• Essay planning and practice using past paper questions and mark schemes

There’s plenty of scope for discussion and independent thinking, and many students say IGCSE RS lessons are some of the most engaging on their timetable. The very nature of the subject means that we’re often responding directly to issues in the world today. 

As an RS teacher who has led many such debates, I’ve lost count of the number of times students have remarked that the lesson has ‘flown by’. 

At the same time, you’ll also have the chance to hone your writing skills and develop your ability to articulate your reasoning clearly.

What Skills Will You Develop in This Course?

Religious Studies helps you become a better thinker, writer, and communicator. You’ll build transferable skills that will support many other subjects and careers.

Key skills include:

• Critical thinking: spotting strengths and weaknesses in arguments and weighing up different viewpoints.

• Essay writing and structuring arguments: writing clearly, logically, and persuasively under timed conditions.

• Understanding cultural and religious diversity: explaining beliefs you may not share and recognising their impact on society.

• Ethical decision-making: applying moral theories and religious teachings to real-world issues.

• Source analysis: interpreting religious texts and key scholars’ ideas, then using them to support your points.

These skills are highly valued in subjects like History, English, Sociology, and Politics, and in careers such as law, journalism, education, medicine, and public service.

Who Is IGCSE Religious Studies Suitable For?

IGCSE Religious Studies can suit a wide range of students. You don’t have to follow a religion or even have studied RS before. I’ve taught successful RS students from all backgrounds - committed believers, firm atheists, and those still deciding what they believe. The course is all about understanding and evaluating ideas.

You might enjoy IGCSE RS if you:

• Like asking big questions about life, morality, and belief

• Are curious about how religion influences society and culture

• Enjoy discussion and debate

• Prefer essay-based subjects where you can explain and justify your views

• Are open to exploring perspectives that may differ from your own

• Want to improve your critical thinking and writing skills

Is Religious Studies a good fit for you? Here are some questions to help you decide.

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy debate and exploring different viewpoints?

• Am I confident writing essays and explaining ideas clearly?

• Do I like thinking about real-world issues and what’s right or wrong?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, there’s a good chance IGCSE RS could be a great fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be religious to take IGCSE Religious Studies?

No. You don’t have to follow any religion to study IGCSE Religious Studies. It’s suitable for all worldviews.

The course is about understanding and evaluating religious and non-religious perspectives, not promoting personal faith. What matters is your willingness to explore different views respectfully and critically.

Is IGCSE Religious Studies hard?

It can be challenging because it involves essay writing, source analysis, and abstract thinking. 

However, if you engage with the material, practise writing balanced answers, and revise key teachings, it’s very manageable.

What careers or subjects link well with IGCSE RS?

IGCSE RS prepares you well for subjects like Philosophy, Law, Sociology, Politics, and History. 

It’s also useful for careers in education, journalism, social work, medicine, and any role involving people, communication or ethical decision-making.

Is there any coursework?

Typically, no. 

The IGCSE RS course is assessed through written exams at the end of the course, with no coursework component.

How long are the exams?

Most boards set two papers, each lasting between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour and 45 minutes, though exact timings can vary slightly depending on the exam board.

Final Thoughts

IGCSE Religious Studies is a fascinating subject that challenges you to think deeply about belief systems, morality, and the big questions that shape human life. Whether you’re religious or not, it gives you the tools to explore different perspectives, analyse complex ideas, and express your views clearly and respectfully.

If you enjoy discussion, debate, and writing, RS could be a great fit. It also builds valuable skills such as critical thinking and strong written communication that are respected by universities and employers alike.

To explore the IGCSE RS courses in more detail and prepare effectively, you can use Save My Exams’ IGCSE Religious Studies resources. You’ll find topic summaries, revision notes, and practice questions that make it easier to understand concepts, remember key teachings, and get confident with exam technique.

Still unsure? Review your school’s syllabus, talk to your teacher, or try some past paper questions. If you approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore different views, IGCSE Religious Studies can be one of the most rewarding subjects you take.