Higher Modern Studies
Course Specification
Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- Higher Modern Studies Specimen Question Paper 1
August 2018 - Higher Modern Studies Specimen Question Paper 1 (Gaelic Medium)
June 2019 - Higher Modern Studies Specimen Question Paper 2
August 2018 - Higher Modern Studies Specimen Question Paper 2 (Gaelic Medium)
June 2019
Coursework
This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.
- Coursework assessment task for Higher Modern Studies
August 2019 - Research Evidence for Higher Modern Studies
July 2018 - Research Evidence for Higher Modern Studies
July 2018
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Understanding Standards (17/03/2021)
Additional resources session 2021-22
New – new materials not previously published
Updated – published in 2020/21 but amended for 2021/22
Carried forward – published in 2020/21 carried forward to 2021/22
- Carried forward - Overview of standards, question papers and Marking instructions audio presentation (35.48 MB)
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Please note: For session 2021-22 there are modifications to this course. Understanding Standards materials should therefore be viewed along with the National Course modification summary available in the Course information 2021-22 section.
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Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio Presentation
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports
Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
Course Reports
- 2016 Higher Modern Studies Course Report
September 2016 - 2017 Higher Modern Studies Course Report
October 2017 - 2019 Higher Modern Studies Course Report September 2019
- 2018 Higher Modern Studies Course Report August 2018
- Modern Studies: Quality Assurance - external verification
2021 Key Messages
The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021.
This report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted.
Verification Reports
- Modern Studies Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2017 - 2019 Higher Modern Studies Course Report September 2019
- 2018 Higher Modern Studies Course Report August 2018
CPD
Additional CPD support
Where any particular areas of concern are identified, which are not addressed by our Understanding Standards events or support materials, we will offer free continuing professional development (CPD) training, subject to request. CPD support is subject-specific and can be tailored to cover one or more qualification level. To find out more about this service visit our CPD page.
Ushare open learning resources
Related Information
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330