This course gives you the opportunity to investigate the nature and scope of religion and morality and to consider philosophical viewpoints on religious and other stances for living in the modern world. It helps you to reflect on your own life experiences and develop your personal beliefs and values. In addition you will gain knowledge and understanding of the different beliefs and values of others and the ability to express your opinions and give informed comment.
The skills you learn in this course are valuable in a wide range of careers, and provide a valuable contribution to your personal, social and intellectual development.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Arts, Social Sciences and Languages
Information, Culture and Heritage
Social, Caring and Advisory Services
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:
Studying Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies develops your imagination and your thinking skills. You will learn about at least two of the world’s major religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism). You will examine some contemporary moral issues and religious and philosophical questions. Throughout, you will learn to express viewpoints and talk about your own faith or values.
The course comprises three areas of study.
World Religion
You will:
Morality and Belief
You will:
Religious and Philosophical Questions
You will:
develop skills to analyse religious and philosophical questions and responses.
Please note - for the 2022-23 session there is no assignment, only the question paper worth 80 marks.
The course assessment has two components totalling 100 marks:
For the assignment component, you will be asked to choose and research an issue or topic drawn from a religious, moral or philosophical context, and produce evidence on your findings. The assignment component will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The question paper will be set and externally marked by SQA.
The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.
The course assessment is graded A-D.
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (National 5)
