GCSE Religious Studies

About This Course

Develop your understanding of two of the world’s most influential religions, Islam and Christianity, and gain an internationally recognised GCSE qualification.

Under the guidance of our personal tutors, who will offer you feedback and valuable exam advice, you’ll explore the theology of both religions. You’ll have access to our study guides and self-assessment exercises, specially designed to help you achieve the highest possible exam score for you.

The curriculum of this GCSE Religious Studies online course is the same as the current GCSE studied in traditional UK schools, meaning you can rest assured you’re earning the same qualification as your peers.

When it comes time to book your exams, we’ll help find a convenient centre for you.

Please note: You are able to complete this course without sitting exams; however, in order to achieve a full GCSE Religious Studies qualification, exams are mandatory.

Course Benefits

Over the course of 3 units, you’ll learn the key ideas, questions, and challenges of the world’s most popular religions: Islam and Christianity. This course will offer you:

• An internationally recognised GCSE qualification.
• A deeper understanding of religion that you can bring into your further studies.
• Personal tutor guidance and support, to help you pass your exams.

Course Units

Qualification Number: 601/8594/6

Unit 1 (J625/01): Christianity – Beliefs and teachings & Practices

• Nature of God
• Concept of God as a Trinity of persons
• Biblical accounts of Creation
• The problem of evil and suffering and a loving and righteous God
• Jesus Christ
• Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension
• The concept of salvation
• Eschatological beliefs and teachings
• Worship
• Sacraments
• Prayer
• The role and importance of pilgrimage and celebrations to Christians
• The role of the church in the local community and living practices
• Mission
• The role of the church in the wider world

Unit 2 (J625/02): Islam – Beliefs and teachings & Practices

• Core beliefs
• Nature of Allah
• Prophethood (Risalah)
• Books (Kutub)
• Angels (Malaikah)
• Eschatological beliefs and teachings
• Life after death (Akhirah)
• The importance of practices
• Public acts of worship
• Private acts of worship
• Hajj
• Zakat/Zakah
• Sawm
• Festivals/special days
• Jihad

Unit 3 (J625/06): Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world from a Christian perspective

• Relationships and families
• The existence of God
• Religion, peace and conflict
• Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs

Assessment

To achieve the GCSE Religious Studies qualification, you will need to sit and pass three written exams under the supervision of an examiner at an exam centre. There is a separate fee for the examinations, which are paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll help you book your exams when you’re ready (to ensure your place, we recommend booking well in advance). Exams take place in May & June, and all three papers must be taken in the same exam series.

Paper 1

This is a written exam, and will take 1 hour. It’s worth 25% of your total GCSE mark. The exam assesses Unit 1 (Christianity – Beliefs and teachings & Practices).

Paper 2

This is a written exam, and will take 1 hour. It’s worth 25% of your total GCSE mark. The exam assesses Unit 2 (Islam – Beliefs and teachings & Practices).

Paper 3

This is a written exam, and will take 2 hours. It’s worth 50% of your total GCSE mark. The exam assesses Unit 3 (Religion, philosophy and ethics in the modern world from a Christian perspective).

Required Knowledge

There are no entry requirements on this GCSE course.

Awarding Body

Support

From the moment you enrol, you’ll have access to the latest e-learning study materials and exam expert personal tutors. We understand exam revision can be daunting, but we believe it shouldn’t have to be. Now you can study from home at your own pace, receiving personalised feedback and advice to help you pass your exams.

Our specialised student support team will always be on-hand to offer their guidance on any queries you may have, big or small. You can rest assured that help will only ever be a click away.