Which religion options are available for the WJEC Study of Religion?

WJEC allows centres to choose one of six religions for the in-depth study: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism or Sikhism. Each option covers the same four themes (figures and texts, concepts, religious life, and practices) applied to that religion. Christianity is the most widely taught option in Wales and is used as the example throughout these pages.

How is the Study of Religion assessed at WJEC A level?

It is assessed by extended-answer examination questions across two papers, AS Unit 1 and A2 Unit 3, testing two assessment objectives: AO1, accurate and detailed knowledge and understanding of religion, and AO2, analysis and evaluation leading to a justified judgement. Questions typically ask you to examine a belief or practice (AO1) or to evaluate a claim about it (AO2).

How should I revise the WJEC Study of Religion?

Work theme by theme: figures and texts, concepts, religious life, practices, and developments. For each, learn precise knowledge (key beliefs, terms, scholars and texts) for AO1 and build arguments with a clear judgement for AO2. Above all, learn the diversity within the religion, since WJEC rewards awareness that traditions differ. Practise both examine and evaluate questions to time.

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A Study of Religion (Christianity) overview: how to study the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies component

Q: What is the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies Study of Religion component?

It is the in-depth study of one major world religion across two years (AS Unit 1 and A2 Unit 3). Centres choose one of six religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism or Sikhism. The study covers four areas: religious figures and sacred texts, religious concepts, religious life, and religious practices that shape identity, plus significant social and historical developments. This guide takes Christianity as the worked example.

A complete overview of the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies Study of Religion component, taken here as Christianity: the themes of figures and texts, concepts, religious life, practices, and significant developments, the assessment objectives, and how to study for top grades.

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What the Study of Religion tests
The themes
How to study the Study of Religion
Where this fits in the exam

This overview maps the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies Study of Religion component, the in-depth study of one major world religion across two years. Centres choose one of six religions; these pages take Christianity, the most widely taught option in Wales, as the worked example. The component is examined across AS Unit 1 and A2 Unit 3.

What the Study of Religion tests

The component asks for detailed knowledge of a single religion and the ability to analyse and evaluate its beliefs and practices. The two assessment objectives are AO1 (accurate, detailed knowledge and understanding) and AO2 (analysis, evaluation and a justified judgement). Crucially, WJEC rewards awareness of the diversity within the religion, so treating Christianity as one undifferentiated position loses marks.

The themes

This module covers the examinable areas, each with its own page.

Religious figures and sacred texts. The person and significance of Jesus, and the Bible as a source of wisdom and authority.
Religious concepts. The nature of God, the Trinity, creation, and beliefs about human nature, sin and salvation.
Religious life. Faith and works in salvation, key moral principles, discipleship, vocation and community.
Religious practices. Worship, the sacraments (baptism and the Eucharist), prayer, festivals and pilgrimage.
Significant developments. Liberation theology and feminist theology.
Responses to challenges. Secularisation, religious pluralism and the relationship with science.

How to study the Study of Religion

Learn the diversity. Distinguish Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, liberal and conservative views.
Master the technical terms. Use words like incarnation, Trinity, transubstantiation and creatio ex nihilo accurately.
Ground claims in texts. Support points with scripture and creed for AO1 credit.
Build arguments for AO2. Practise weighing both sides and reaching a clear, supported judgement.
Rehearse both question types. Drill examine (AO1) and evaluate (AO2) questions to time.

Where this fits in the exam

The Study of Religion connects to the Philosophy of Religion paper (the coherence of God, the problem of evil) and the Religion and Ethics paper (faith, love and moral principles). For the official specification, past papers and mark schemes, see wjec.co.uk, and always revise from the current specification because question style is board-specific.

Sources & how we know this

WJEC GCE AS/A level Religious Studies specification — WJEC (2016)