Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
Course information
The course encourages active learning in the process of investigating religious, moral and philosophical topics or issues. Through the course as a whole, candidates take a broad overview of the beliefs, values or viewpoints of more than one religion. Candidates develop and apply a range of cognitive skills over a range of religious, moral and philosophical contexts in three areas of study: world religion, morality and belief, and religious and philosophical questions. Each area offers opportunities for candidates to focus on particular skills and has flexibility in the topics which candidates can study.
Units of study
Candidates study one of the world’s six major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism or Sikhism.
World religion
Morality and belief
Religious and philosophical questions
Candidates develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of religion today. They study key beliefs and practices of one of the world’s six major religions and the contribution these make to the lives of followers.
Candidates develop skills to evaluate and express detailed, reasoned and well-structured views about contemporary moral questions and responses. They develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of contemporary moral questions, and religious and non-religious responses to these. Candidates study religious viewpoints from one of the world’s six major religions.
Candidates develop skills to critically analyse religious and philosophical questions and responses. They study religious viewpoints from one of the world’s six major religions.
Assessment methods
Paper 1- The question paper assesses the skills of applying in-depth knowledge and understanding, analysing and evaluating religious, moral and philosophical questions and presenting reasoned and well-structured views. This question paper has 60 marks out of a total of 110 marks for the course assessment. This question paper has two sections.
Paper 2 -This question paper assesses the skills of applying in-depth knowledge and understanding, analysing and evaluating religious, moral and philosophical questions and presenting reasoned and well-structured views. This question paper has 20 marks out of a total of 110 marks for the course assessment.
Assignment overview – Candidates identify an issue of religious, moral or philosophical significance on which there are a range of viewpoints. They choose a question based on this issue, research the issue and gather sources relevant to their question. Candidates then draw upon the skills of knowledge and understanding, analysis and evaluation to produce an extended piece of writing in response to their question. The assignment has 30 marks out of a total of 110 marks for the course assessment.
Entry requirements
Candidates should have achieved the National 5 Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies course or equivalent qualifications (English or Social Subjects).
Additional information
For further information, visit the SQA course overview and resources website.
