The uptake for RMPS in Scotland has been increasing steadily for a number of years. A Course award in the qualification is well-received by universities and a number of employers. One of the key attributes of the course is its philosophy content.
National 5
Students will study the following three course units:
- World Religion – Buddhism. This involves a detailed study of the Buddhist religion.
- Morality and Belief – Morality and Justice. This involves the study of the relationship between religious, and secular, beliefs and the moral issue of crime and punishment, including capital punishment.
- Religion and Philosophical Questions – The Existence of God. This unit is concerned with religious, scientific and philosophical enquiries into the existence of God, and whether this can be proved or not.
National 5 Course Assessment will follow the pattern set out by SQA:
One assignment to be completed in school under controlled conditions.
There is one final exam which last for 2h 20 minutes. This paper will assess knowledge, analysis and evaluation skills honed during the course.
Higher
Students will follow the same course content as Nationals 5 but course materials and assessments will be differentiated, and appropriate, to Higher level.
Entry Requirements:
There is a clear line of progression within Religious, Moral and Philosophical studies. If successful in the course then the possible line of progression is as follows:
a pass at National 5 RMPS, or another Social Subject, can allow entry to Higher RMPS.
Higher Course Assessment will follow the pattern set out by SQA:
One assignment to be completed in school under controlled conditions.
There are two final exam papers amounting to 3 hours in total. These papers will assess knowledge, analysis and evaluation skills honed during the course.
Progression –Candidates who gain a Course award will be in an ideal position to continue their studies of religious, moral and/or philosophical issues in further or higher education institutions. Those who choose to study alternative subjects in the future will also benefit as they will have developed, and honed, the skills of analysis and evaluation. These transferable skills are an important part of Higher RMPS and are of relevance in a wide variety of subject areas, particularly the humanities.
