Higher Media

From session 2025-26, we’re removing options B and C ('magazine covers' and 'advertisements') from section 2 of the National 5 Media question paper and the Higher ‘Analysis of media content’ question paper. 

Section 2 of the National 5 question paper will now feature a single film poster, while section 2 of the Higher question paper will feature a pair of film posters.

We’ve updated the National 5 and Higher Media course specifications and specimen question papers to reflect these changes. The updated documents are dated June 2025.

The ‘history of changes’ section of the course specifications provides information on the changes, and outlines what you need to do differently from session 2025-26.

We’ve also made some minor administrative changes to the Higher Media - The role of media specimen question paper, which is also dated June 2025, however there are no changes to the content. 

Why we’re making these changes 

There has always been very low uptake of options B and C in section 2 of the question papers, and there is also evidence to suggest that some learners who have attempted these options have not been prepared for them. 

Removing the optionality in this task will allow you and your learners to focus on film posters when preparing for the National 5 Media exam and the Higher 'Analysis of media' exam. 

It won’t have any impact on the application of skills, knowledge and understanding assessed by the course. Learners can still study magazine covers and advertisements for other areas of the course assessment.

Feedback from practitioners 

We discussed these changes with members of our National Qualifications Support Team (NQST) for Media, who supported them.

We’re running an Understanding Standards event for Higher Media on Friday 7 November 2025 from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. This event will focus on the Higher Media assignment and question paper 1 – Analysis of Media Content.

The event will take place at our Glasgow office, with an option to join online for those unable to travel.

We’re also running a separate online webinar for Higher Media on Monday 19 January 2026 from 4pm – 5pm. The webinar will focus on question paper 2 – The Role of Media.

Book a place

Bookings for each date are limited to one representative from each school, college or training provider.

To book a place, please use our online booking system at athena.sqameet.net. You’ll need a username and password to access the booking system.

If you book on to the event in November, our Events team will contact you to confirm if you’re planning to attend in person or online.

You can view our full programme of Understanding Standards events and webinars at www.understandingstandards.org.uk