Course overview
As well as providing an excellent knowledge base in religious studies, this GCSE course is ideal for students who are planning to study Religious Studies at A-Level, for those wanting to explore their own faith and know more about it and anyone aspiring to achieve a career involving religion, as a teacher, advice worker or counsellor.
This new GCSE Religious Studies specification is equivalent to a UK GCSE studied in traditional schools and colleges.
Please note, you can take this course without completing exams but you will not receive the GCSE accreditation.
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
You will have up to 1 year to complete the full GCSE in Religious Studies course from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and your only deadlines are the GCSE examinations, which you will be able to take in May/June.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Course features
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Accreditation
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free XO Student Discounts card
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
- Comprehensive study guide*
- Open Study College pen and Highlighter*
- Student study planner*
- Student notebook*
- Document wallet*
* Not included with the online study option
Assessment
To achieve a GCSE in Religious Studies you will be assessed across the 2 components. Both components will be assessed by 3 paper-based examinations. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.
Although you are assessed formally by examination, you will also be required to submit tutor-marked assignments. These are designed to help you and monitor your progress.
If you add on the exams, the examinations for this course will be taken at a centre in either our Birmingham, Bolton, Doncaster, London or Macclesfield centre; we will book these for you when you feel you are ready.
Course outcome
Upon successful completion of the exams, you will receive your GCSE in Religious Studies.
The GCSE is recognised by universities, schools and employers around the world. It is awarded by OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA).
Available grades for this qualification will be awarded in a new 9-1 scale, where 9 is the highest (equivalent to A* under the old system).
Exam details
Paper: Beliefs, Teachings and Practices – Christianity (J625/01)
Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 Hour
Weighing: 25% of the GCSE
Total Marks: 63
Assessed: Component one – Christianity
Paper: Beliefs, Teachings and Practices – Islam (J625/02)
Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 Hour
Weighing: 25% of the GCSE
Total Marks: 63
Assessed: Component one – Islam
Paper: Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the Modern World from a Religious Perspective – Christianity (J625/06)
Type: Written examination
Duration: 2 Hours
Weighing: 50%
Total Marks: 126
Assessed: Component two
Delivery
This course enables you to study for GCSE Religious Studies by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent by post or online, so receiving your materials is easy and hassle-free. Full tutor support will be available via email, so help is only a click away!
Subjects
Specification: OCR J625
Please note, OCR does offer the chance to learn about other religions, however, due to tutors expertise, you must study Christianity and Islam.
- Existence and importance of common and divergent views
- Sources of authority and wisdom that underpin and connect teachings
- Influencing individuals, communities and societies
- Offer reasoned and supported arguments
- Relationships and families
- Men and women
- The question of God
- The nature of reality
- Experiencing God
- Religion, peace and conflict
- Violence and conflict
- Peace and peacemaking
- Forgiveness and reconciliation
- Challenges for religion
- Dialogue within and between religious groups
- Dialogue between religious and non-religious groups
About Open Study College
At Open Study College we have helped more than 90,000 students over the last 13 years to enrol on courses that have helped them to achieve their goals.
Offering over 650 courses ranging from childcare to beauty therapy, we have something for everybody. All of our qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations to provide courses such as A-Levels, GCSEs, and CACHE.
We have a fantastic team of expert tutors, knowledgeable and friendly student advisors and a caring student support team. We’re dedicated to supporting our students and pride ourselves on our service and care. We’re also proud to be rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from over 1,500 reviews.
Family, respect and compassion are just some of the core values our company is built upon. Everyone’s lives are different and we want to ensure that no matter what your situation is, you’re able to get to where you need to. Whether that’s developing your current job, embarking on a brand new career, or fuelling a hobby, we have the course for you.
