The Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) qualification, offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), allows learners to explore some of the biggest questions in life about belief, morality, and human existence.
It encourages young people to think deeply, develop their own views, and understand the perspectives of others.
The course covers three main areas: World Religion: Christianity, Morality and Belief: Justice, and the Philosophy of Religion: Origins.
At Higher level, RMPS helps students develop a range of valuable skills, including critical thinking, analysis, essay writing, and reasoned debate. These are not only useful for academic study but are also highly regarded by employers, as they show the ability to evaluate arguments and communicate ideas clearly. RMPS also encourages empathy and ethical awareness; qualities that are important in many professions and in everyday life.
In terms of progression, Higher RMPS can support entry into university and college courses in areas such as philosophy, theology, law, politics, social sciences, education, journalism, and public services. The subject’s focus on critical thinking, ethical awareness, and communication also makes it highly relevant for a wide range of careers, including police work, social care, youth work, community development, retail management, or the hospitality sector, where understanding people and handling ethical situations are key skills.
Overall, it is a subject that helps young people become thoughtful, informed, and reflective individuals, preparing them well for both further learning and the wider world.
Our Higher RMPS Candidates can use the online resources in the Google Classroom to support their in class learning.
Course Specification, Past Papers and more are available on the SQA Website.