National 5 RMPS

The National 5 Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) course helps young people explore big questions about beliefs, values and the world around them. Learners develop skills in understanding different viewpoints, thinking critically and discussing ideas respectfully. The course encourages pupils to reflect on their own beliefs while gaining insight into the beliefs and practices of others.

Pupils study three main areas:

World Religion – learning about a major world religion and how its teachings influence the lives of believers (we study Buddhism).

Morality and Belief – exploring how people make moral decisions (we study issues to do with Justice looking at the purposes of punishment, the causes of crime and responses to crime looking at both religious and non-religious viewpoints).

Religious and Philosophical Questions – learning about a philosophical question and both religious and non-religious responses to it (we study the debate surrounding the existence of God).

This course helps build strong skills in communication, evaluation and analysis, which supports learning across many subjects.

Typical Entry Requirements

Most learners are expected to have:

An interest in discussion, ethics and understanding different viewpoints,

Experience of Level 3/Level 4 Social Subjects/RME (e.g., from S2–S3),

National 4 RMPS or another relevant National 4 qualification may be helpful but is not usually required.

Progression From National 5 RMPS  

Further Study Options:  Higher RMPS – the natural next step, building deeper knowledge of morality, world religions and philosophy.  

Other relevant Higher subjects, such as:  Philosophy  Psychology  Sociology  History  Modern Studies  English  College courses in social sciences, humanities or community-based subjects.  

Long-Term Progression Skills developed in RMPS—critical thinking, communication, empathy and ethical awareness—support a wide range of pathways at college, university or into employment. 

Possible areas of further study include:  Religious Studies / Theology  Philosophy  Law  Psychology  Social Sciences  Education  Social Work  Criminology  Journalism or Media  Counselling and Mental Health Support  Career Pathways RMPS supports learners in developing people-focused, analytical and communication skills valued in many workplaces. 

Potential career routes include:  

• Teaching and Education  

• Law, 

• Legal Services and Criminology  

• Police, 

• Armed Forces 

• Emergency Services  

• Social Work and Social Care  

• Youth Work and Community Development  

• Counselling, 

• Mental Health and Support Work 

• Healthcare roles (e.g., nursing support, patient care)  

• Public Service 

• Civil Service roles  

• Journalism, 

• Media and Communications  

• Human Resources and 

• Diversity & Inclusion roles