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Why study Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies?
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.
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:
What will I study?
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 has three compulsory units. The units are similar to those for National 4 but you will be expected to produce a higher standard of work.
World Religion (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop your ability to explain and comment on the meaning of sources relating to the religion you are studying
- develop factual and abstract knowledge and understanding of the impact and significance of religion today through studying some key beliefs, practices and sources found within one of the world’s six major religions.
Morality and Belief (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop skills to explain and express reasoned views about contemporary moral questions and responses
- develop detailed factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding of contemporary moral questions and religious and non-religious responses.
Religious and Philosophical Questions (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop skills to analyse religious and philosophical questions and responses.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
Units will be assessed internally by your teacher or lecturer as 'pass' or 'fail'. Your work will be assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- written work - research, reports and case studies
- projects
- question papers/tests.
Units do not contribute to your overall grade but to achieve the course qualification, you must pass all units plus a course assessment.
The course assessment for this course consists of two components:
- question paper (60 marks)
- assignment (20 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 marked externally by the SQA.
The course assessment is graded A–D.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
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)