Study of Religion 2025 v1.4 General senior syllabus
The external assessment contributes 25% of the subject result. It allows 15 minutes planning and 120 minutes working time, with one short-response section based on unseen stimulus. This hub uses 60 marks as a practice benchmark; actual totals vary. Its multiple-choice practice questions are recall drills, not replicas of the external-exam format.
Past papers on this subject span more than one syllabus. Papers written under an older one still work as practice, but the units and topics they test have changed — the index labels every paper with the syllabus it was set under.
Study of Religion 2019 syllabus · 2020–2025Study of Religion 2025 syllabus (v1.4) · 2026–present
The units and topics, one by one
Each area below lists the concepts named in the syllabus, what the QCAA exam asks of them, and the mistake that most often costs marks.
- Unit 3 Topic 1 — Social ethics
- Unit 3 Topic 2 — Personal ethics
- Unit 4 Topic 1 — Religion and the nation–state
- Unit 4 Topic 2 — Human existence and rights
Area 1 of 4
Unit 3 Topic 1 — Social ethics
Religious ethics connects beliefs, sources of authority and practical judgement. Compare how Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism frame responsibilities, then apply relevant teachings to a prescribed social issue. Distinguish a tradition’s stated ideals from evidence about the conduct of individuals or organisations. A justified conclusion explains the extent of influence rather than assumes that affiliation determines every decision.
What the exam asks
This topic is internally assessed. Use the assessment requirements set by the school and the current syllabus; it is not part of the external paper’s content scope.
Where marks go missing
Listing ethical teachings without showing how a specific teaching informs reasoning about the chosen social issue.
Area 2 of 4
Unit 3 Topic 2 — Personal ethics
Personal ethical inquiry examines how a tradition informs decisions in a particular situation. Select one permitted issue and tradition, identify the relevant teachings and authorities, and consider why adherents may reach different conclusions. Context, interpretation and the weight given to sources can matter. Support conclusions with a recognised referencing system and distinguish explanation of a religious position from personal endorsement.
What the exam asks
This topic is internally assessed. Use the assessment requirements set by the school and the current syllabus; it is not part of the external paper’s content scope.
Where marks go missing
Treating adherents within a tradition as a single voice, or replacing source-based inquiry with a personal opinion.
Area 3 of 4
Unit 4 Topic 1 — Religion and the nation–state
Religion–state relationships can involve separation, establishment, religious government, pluralism and other arrangements. Use one prescribed context to investigate how institutions, rules and religious actors interact over time. A label is a starting point for inquiry, not proof that every member of a society has the same experience. Evaluate differing perspectives within the tradition using a clear chronology and sources relevant to the claims being made.
What the exam asks
This topic is internally assessed. Use the assessment requirements set by the school and the current syllabus; it is not part of the external paper’s content scope.
Where marks go missing
Using a broad state label as a substitute for evidence about institutions, context and differing religious perspectives.
Area 4 of 4
Unit 4 Topic 2 — Human existence and rights
Human existence and rights examines religious accounts of humanity, ultimate questions and responsibility. Compare the distinct teachings of the five traditions, including linear and cyclical accounts of life, while avoiding the assumption that similar actions imply identical beliefs. Use human-rights documents, sacred writings and evidence about religious organisations to analyse responses to social justice and rights issues. Conclusions should show how evidence supports the extent of a tradition’s influence and acknowledge its limits.
What the exam asks
This is the external-assessment topic. Questions require short responses in full sentences using unseen stimulus. Identify supplied sources and connect teachings with analysis, comparison and justified judgement.
Where marks go missing
Confusing atman with anatta, assuming karma means indifference to suffering, or describing an organisation’s activity without evidence of its effect.
Common questions
Which content is externally assessed?
Unit 4 Topic 2, Human existence and rights, is the external-assessment scope. Unit 3 and Unit 4 Topic 1 are internally assessed.
Does the real paper contain multiple choice?
No. The external paper uses short responses written in full sentences. Multiple-choice activities in this hub are revision drills.
What changed for 2026?
Unit 4 Topic 2 was renamed Human existence and rights, expanding the earlier human-rights framing to include ultimate questions and social justice. Earlier papers remain useful but do not cover every current emphasis.
How should sources be referenced in the external paper?
Identify the supplied source, such as Source 1, and explain how its content supports your reasoning. Internal research tasks use a recognised referencing system rather than only source numbers.
Is 60 a fixed official mark total?
No. The published papers have varied in total marks. The 60-mark allocation is the benchmark used for this hub’s original practice papers.