A-level Religious Studies: philosophy, ethics and religion
A-level Religious Studies covers philosophy of religion, ethics and the study of a religion. What you study and how AQA, OCR and Edexcel examine it.
A-level Religious Studies is as much philosophy and ethics as it is religion. You debate arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil and how we decide right from wrong, and study at least one religion in depth. You do not need to be religious to take it, and it is well regarded for law, philosophy and theology.
What you study
- Philosophy of religion: arguments for God’s existence, the problem of evil, religious experience and religious language.
- Ethics: ethical theories, and issues such as euthanasia, business ethics and sexual ethics.
- The study of a religion, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism or Sikhism.
- Developments in religious thought, and the dialogue between religion, philosophy and ethics.
The exact topics depend on the exam board your school or college uses, so check its specification.
How it is examined
Like all reformed A-levels, it is a linear two-year course: you sit all the exams at the end of Year 13, and an AS taken along the way does not count towards the A-level.
| Exam board | Code | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| AQA | 7062 | Two 3-hour papers, each 50% of the A-level. |
| OCR | H573 | Three 2-hour papers: philosophy of religion, religion and ethics, and developments in religious thought. |
| Pearson Edexcel | 9RS0 | Three papers plus a choice of options. |
| Eduqas | – | Components on a religion, philosophy and ethics. |
Coursework: None. Calculator: Not needed.
Grades and how hard it is
About 28% of all A-level entries in England were graded A* or A in 2026. See how subjects compare in the hardest and easiest A-levels.
Entry requirements: Usually a grade 6 in English; GCSE Religious Studies helps but is not required.
Where it can lead
A-level Religious Studies is useful for theology, philosophy, law, teaching, social work, journalism and the civil service.
Goes well with: Philosophy, English Literature, History, Sociology, Psychology.
Work out what your predicted grades are worth with our UCAS points calculator.
Tips for doing well
- Learn the key scholars and their arguments precisely.
- Practise evaluating arguments, not just describing them.
- Read around the topics: philosophy podcasts and articles help a lot.
Questions people ask
Do I have to be religious to take Religious Studies?
No. The course is academic, and students of all beliefs and none take it.
Is Religious Studies the same as Philosophy?
There is a lot of overlap, but Religious Studies also includes the study of a religion. A separate A-level in Philosophy exists too.
Is A-level Religious Studies respected?
Yes. It is accepted by universities for most courses and is good preparation for law, philosophy and humanities degrees.
