Higher RMPS

The Higher Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS) course encourages young people to explore some of life’s most important questions. Students learn about world religions, examine moral issues that affect society today, and develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and respectful debate. The course helps learners understand different beliefs and values, make informed ethical decisions, and express their own views clearly and confidently.

Throughout the course, pupils study three key areas:

World Religion – exploring beliefs, practices and the role of religion in modern life (we study Buddhism).

Religious and Philosophical Questions – examining religious and non-religious responses to a philosophical question (we study arguments for and against the existence of God).

Contemporary Moral Issues – exploring how people decide what is right and wrong (we study religious and non-religious responses surrounding issues to do with Justice - the causes of crime, the purposes of punishment and responses to crime).

Progression From Higher RMPS  

Further Study Options:  

Advanced Higher RMPS – for learners who want to deepen their understanding of philosophy, religion and ethics, and develop higher-level analytical skills.  

Higher or Advanced Higher in related subjects, such as:  Philosophy  Psychology  Sociology  History  Modern Studies  English  

College courses in social sciences, humanities, community work or care-related areas.  

University degrees, including:  Religious Studies / Theology  Philosophy  Law  Psychology  Social Work  Education / Teaching  Criminology  Journalism / Media  Social Sciences  Politics / International Relations  Counselling / Mental Health support  

Career Pathways:  Higher RMPS develops critical thinking, empathy and communication skills that apply to many fields. 

Possible career routes include:  

• Education and Teaching (Primary or Secondary)  

• Law, 

• Legal Services and Criminology,  

• Police, 

• Armed Forces 

• Emergency Services  

• Social Work and Social Care  

• Youth Work, 

• Community Work, 

• Charity and Voluntary Sector Roles  

• Counselling, 

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support  

• Healthcare Professions (nursing, midwifery, support roles)  

• Civil Service and Public Policy  

• Journalism, 

• Media and Communications  

• Human Resources and People-Focused Roles  

• Interfaith, Equality and Diversity Work