Religious, moral and philosophical studies (rMPS)
Progression Pathways
The diagram below shows the progression pathways in this subject area.
SCQF Level 4/5
Subject: national 4/5 Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
Aims of the Course
The main aims of the course are to enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding of the main beliefs and values of religion, philosophy and moral debates. In doing so students should gain the ability to reflect, investigate, analyse and express their own beliefs and views in a reasonable manner.
Course Content
Unit 1: Morality and Belief: this unit aims to help students understand moral issues such as capital punishment and through discussion and debate they will be able to form their own religious and non-religious views.
Unit 2: Religious and Philosophical Questions: throughout this unit learners will be trying to comprehend big religious issues such as the existence of God and the nature of God through religious and non-religious views.
Unit 3: World Religion: the last of the three units looks at the major world religions such as Buddhism, the impact they have and why they are so important to so many people.
course assessment
As well as completing unit assessments throughout the year National 4 learners may be required to research on a religious, moral or philosophical topic of their choice. National 5 students will also be required to complete research for their assignment which is worth 20% of their overall mark as well as sitting a final SQA exam at the end of the course.
SCQF Level 6
Course: higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
Recommended previous experience: this course is a natural progression from National 5 History, but it is not essential to have National 5 to complete this course. Students are, however, required to have a National 5 qualification in either History, Modern Studies, Geography or English.
Aims of the Course
The course allows candidates to develop an understanding and respect for different beliefs, values and viewpoints, learn how to express their values and beliefs, put their values or beliefs into action in ways which benefit others, and make informed moral decisions.
Course Content
Unit 1: Morality and Belief: through this unit discussion and debate will be used to form students’ views on moral issues such as capital punishment and whether it is still relevant today. Religious and non-religious views on this issue will be analysed to help form opinions.
Unit 2: World Religion: students will be given the opportunity to have an in-depth understanding of Buddhism, and their beliefs and practices. In addition, they will analyse the relationship between different Buddhist beliefs, their relevance and impact, and the purpose of living according to beliefs and practices.
Unit 3: Existence of God: Why do people believe in God? What arguments do religious people use to prove the existence of God? What theories do non-religious people use to challenge the existence of God? These are just some of the questions which are deliberated by students in this unit to help decide if there is conclusive proof about the existence of God.
Course Assessment
In addition to the final exam which is worth 80 marks, learners may be required to complete an independent piece of research which is worth 30 marks of the overall grade.