Media
The courses give learners opportunities to use different media. Learners will express themselves in different ways. Learners will synthesise ideas and arguments through the use of critical thinking.
Changes to course assessments from 2026-27 (03/06/26)
We’ve reduced the marks and duration of the National 5 Media exam and we’ve removed the key aspects list from section 2 of the Higher Media exam (question paper 1).
We’ve also reduced the requirements for tasks 2a and 2b in the Higher Media assignment.
Please see the National 5 and Higher Media pages for details and to access the updated course documents.
These changes are part of ongoing improvements to assessment in some of our current National Courses, based on feedback from educators and learners. Our high-level summary table gives an overview of these changes.
Content may reference SQA but remains valid (02/02/26)
On 1 February 2026, Qualifications Scotland replaced SQA and became Scotland’s new national awarding body. The documents on this page remain current and you can continue to use them. We’ll update them in the style of Qualifications Scotland when they’re next due for review.
Survey on improvements to assessment in National 5 Media (25/09/26)
In June, as part of the ongoing maintenance and review of National Courses, we asked learners and educators to give feedback on some straightforward changes that we could make to the National 5 Media course assessment. Following this feedback, we reduced the marks and duration of the National 5 Media exam for session 2026-27.
We're now running a follow-up survey to gather feedback on some more complex changes that we could make to the National 5 Media course assessment. We want to hear from educators and learners who have experience of teaching or studying these courses.
The survey closes on Friday 2 October at 5pm.
Higher Media event on 30 October (25/09/26)
Event: Higher Media Understanding Standards
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: 9.30 am to 3.30 pm
Location: Glasgow or online
We're running an Understanding Standards event for educators delivering the Higher Media course. This event will focus on the Higher Media assignment and question paper 1 (analysis of media content). You'll have the opportunity to review and discuss examples of assessment evidence with other teaching colleagues during workshop activities.
Book a place
To book on to this event, please use our online events booking system. You'll need to log in or register.
Higher Media webinar on 20 January 2027 (25/09/26)
Date: Wednesday 20 January 2027
Time: 4 to 5 pm
Location: online
This webinar is for educators delivering the Higher Media course. It will explain the assessment standards for Higher Media question paper 2 (the role of media). You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification about the assessment.
Book a place
To book on to this webinar, please use our online events booking system. You'll need to log in or register.
Common questions (30/09/26)
See also: