Scottish Studies Award SCQF level 1-6

The Scottish Studies Award provides opportunities for learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of Scotland - its people, languages (such as Scots and Gaelic), society, culture, natural environment and heritage - and to make connections across the curriculum.

The Award also provides recognition for learners who choose to make these connections by studying aspects of three subject areas in a Scottish context.

The Scottish Studies Award is available at SCQF levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The Award has a broad and flexible framework, providing scope for personalisation and choice, which reflects the range of subject areas that can be studied in a Scottish context.

The Award may interest learners living and studying in Scotland, as it provides opportunities to broaden their understanding and appreciation of the society in which they live. This, in turn, may provide opportunities for learners to reflect on, and build, their own sense of identity as residents of Scotland and the wider world.

UCAS Points

The Scottish Studies Award at SCQF level 6 attracts 21 UCAS points.

Assessment Support Packs for optional Scottish context units

Assessment Support Packs have not been produced for the optional Scottish context units but you may find the ASPs produced for the non-Scottish context units helpful. These can be found on the subject webpage (eg English, Modern Studies) and can be adapted for the Scottish context.

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Who does this qualification suit

The Award may appeal to a wide range of learners who wish to broaden their understanding of Scotland, including:

S3 - S6 pupils in secondary schools
students in Further Education establishments
adult learners

Progression

The Scottish Studies Award may provide progression to further study:

in Scottish Studies at the next SCQF level
a variety of Courses, Awards or Units at the next SCQF level, depending on the specific subject areas that have been studied as part of the Award
other Awards, Courses or Units at the same SCQF level

It could also lead to vocational training or employment in a variety of sectors including tourism, hospitality and the creative, cultural and heritage industries.

Approval

Centres with devolved authority are eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance in completing the combined Qualification Approval Application.

Guidance on applying for approval and entering candidates for the Scottish Studies Award can be viewed in the document below.

Approval and Entry guidance

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

Scottish Studies Award level 1 Specification (182 KB)

Scottish Studies Award level 5 Specification (520 KB)
Scottish Studies Award level 6 Specification (449 KB)

The following Award Specifications are being updated.

Scottish Studies Award level 5 Specification (Gaelic Medium)
Scottish Studies Award level 6 Specification (Gaelic Medium)

Update Letters

September 2019 (159 KB)

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

Qualification Verification Summary Reports

2024 QVSR NQ Scottish Studies Scotland in Focus (152 KB)
2023 QVSR NQ Scottish Studies Scotland in Focus (153 KB)
2022 QVSR NQ Scottish Studies Scotland in Focus (120 KB)

Unit Specifications

The following unit specifications are for units in a Scottish context. Other units in the Scottish Studies frameworks can be found using the NQ Unit Search.

N2

N3

N4

N5

Higher

Award and Unit Support Notes

Understanding Standards

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

examples of candidate evidence and commentaries can be found on SQA’s secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.

Webinar (recordings):

Download webinar
Webinar recording - a further webinar for the Scotland in Focus unit including candidate evidence can be found on SQA Secure (access through your SQA Coordinator).

Changes to understanding standards materials

Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Scottish Studies and Scots Language blog

Visit our Scottish Studies and Scots Language blog

Keep up to date with issues, developments and events relating to the Scottish Studies and Scots Language Award

Case studies

Craigie High School

Crieff High School

Dalkeith High School

Scottish Studies Award Case Study - Dalkeith High School (43 KB)

Forfar Academy

Grange Academy

Scottish Studies Award Case Study - Grange Academy (42 KB)

Materials from Support Network Events

Event 11 September 2019

Agenda (189 KB)
Education Scotland presentation (2.27 MB)
Scots at Banff Academy presentation (2.95 MB)
National Library of Scotland presentation (4.35 MB)
Scotland in Focus film studies presentation (6.66 MB)
Scottish Studies Workshop 1B responses (335 KB)