It may once have been marginalised as the preserve of those seeking a career in the clergy but religious education in Scottish schools is making a comeback.

The number of pupils sitting Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies at Higher has seen a dramatic increase in the past year with the number of candidates taking the exam increasing by one-third, from 1323 in 2006 to 1751 this year.

The sharp rise follows a revamp of the course in 2005 by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which made it more relevant to current affairs and emphasised the contribution of philosophy to the course, which involves the study of world religions and beliefs.

Teachers and academics believe the growing numbers reflect a desire by pupils to think critically about their own beliefs and those of others in what can be a confusing world to grow up. Elements of the course which deal with euthanasia, creationism and genetics have proved particularly popular.

The rise may also reflect the growing interest in the part religion has played in recent world conflicts and a parallel rise in atheism, led by philosopher Anthony Grayling and arch-Darwinist Richard Dawkins.

The new-found popularity of the course was welcomed by academics, teachers and church representatives. Stephen McKinney, a religious education lecturer at Glasgow University, said the increased popularity of the Higher course proved the idea that religion was dead was wildly inaccurate.

"It is clear that there is a greatly increasing interest in philosophical debate and an increasing interest in religion and the current discourse about the rise of the secular state may not be as cut and dried as people think," he said.

"Although churches may not be as well attended as they used to be, it seems that those who are not affiliated with a particular religion still have a great interest."

Tommy Hughes, former principal teacher of religious education at Holyrood RC Secondary School in Glasgow, who is now depute head at Turnbull High in Bishopbriggs, said pupils were increasingly interested in the content of the new Higher.

"Many of our young people are confused by the world we live in and the rapid development of science and the issue of the dignity of human beings in early and later life," he said. "This qualification gives pupils the chance to debate these issues for themselves rather than relying on the soundbites and that often characterise public debate in these areas."

Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, said the rise mirrored the greater uptake of courses in philosophy and religion at university.

"The rise highlights a greater interest in religious beliefs and philosophical enquiry," he said. "The notion that somehow God is dead is not born out by the high levels of interest in religion both amongst young people and in society in general."

Dr Gill Stewart, depute director of qualifications for the SQA, also welcomed the growing popularity of the course. "The change in content is attractive to both teachers and candidates," she said.

"The qualification has been revised to make it more relevant and to take account of the fact that Scotland is more multi-cultural.

"We are delighted to see the growing uptake because we believe the course helps young people develop the ability to think independently."