Modern Studies: Higher

Entry Requirements:

  • National 5 Modern Studies or any National 5 or Higher Social Subject. 

Course Content:

The course is divided into three units:

1. Democracy in Scotland and the UK:

In this unit you will study the following areas: 

  • constitutional arrangements  ongoing debates
  • about the nature of the political system in the United Kingdom 
  • representative democracy the the United Kingdom 
  • the impact of voting systems and a range of factors which affect voting behaviour 
  • the ways in which citizens are informed about, participate in, and influence the political process  
  • implications of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU)

2. Social Issues (Crime & Law):

In this unit you will explore the following issues:

  • legal rights and responsibilities of UK citizens 
  • causes and theories of crime 
  • impact of crime on victims, offenders and their families
  • social and economic impact of crime on wider society
  • effectiveness of custodial and non-custodial responses to crime

3. International Issues:

This unit will focus on The USA as a major world power. You will examine the following areas: 

  • the American political system 
  • recent socio-economic issues
  • the effectiveness of the government in tackling socio-economic issues
  •   the role played by The USA in international relations 

There is also an opportunity for you to personalise your learning by carrying out a piece of independent research into a contemporary issue of your own choice. This independent research will form the basis of the Higher Assignment.

Assessment:

  • Assignment – This is a piece of independent coursework (an extended report). Your assignment is externally assessed and counts towards your overall grade. It is worth 30 marks.  
  • Question paper – This is the final exam at the end of the course. It consists of two papers. Paper 1 requires candidates to answer a series of extended responses on each of the three units (see above). It is 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 52 marks. Paper 2 assesses a candidate’s skills in handling sources. It is 1 hour 15 minutes and is worth 28 marks. 
  • For more information about a wide range of higher education and career options, see Ms. Day.
  • Advanced Higher Modern Studies
  • Higher Politics
  • Modern Studies has transferable skills to the other Social Subjects such as Geography, History and RMPS.