National 5 Modern Studies helps learners develop an understanding of political and social issues that affect people in Scotland and around the world. The course encourages students to become informed and responsible citizens by studying real-life events, systems and issues. 

Students study Democracy in Scotland, where they learn how the Scottish political system works, including the role of the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and how citizens can take part in elections and decision-making. 

They also study Crime and the Law, where they examine different types of crime in Scotland, the causes and consequences of crime, and how the legal system responds. This includes looking at ways to reduce crime and the effectiveness of punishments. 

The international section focuses on World Power: Brazil, where learners explore Brazil's role in the world. They study social and economic issues in Brazil, such as inequality and poverty, and evaluate the government's attempts to deal with these problems. 

Throughout the course, students develop knowledge-based skills, including answering knowledge questions, using skills of support and oppose, making conclusions, and considering different options. These skills support success in school and future careers. 

In National Geography, students broaden their understanding of how people interact with the environment through a range of new physical and human geography topics. Learners will explore Urban Development in Scotland and Brazil, comparing how cities grow, change and face challenges. They will also study Rural Development in India and Scotland, examining how rural communities adapt, diversify and respond to economic and environmental pressures. 

Students will investigate land‑use conflicts, analysing how different groups compete for space and how these conflicts can be managed. They will also develop their knowledge of physical landscapes by studying limestone features, learning how they form and how they are used. In addition, learners will examine the causes and consequences of climate change, considering both global impacts and Scotland's role in tackling the crisis. 

Throughout the course, students will strengthen key geographical skills — including mapping, data interpretation and decision‑making. 

National 5 History involves the study of three units: the Scottish unit Migration and Empire, the British unit The trade in enslaved Africans, and the European and World unit Free at last?. Students cover the course content while developing skills such as evaluating, interpretation and analysing. Pupils will also complete an assignment worth 20% of their overall mark. 

Higher Modern Studies helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the political and social issues shaping the modern world. The course encourages students to become informed and active citizens by analysing real-world events, systems and inequalities. 

Students study Democracy in the UK, exploring how the political system works, the role of government and participation in elections and decision-making. They also examine Social Inequality in the UK, looking at the causes and consequences of issues such as poverty and inequality, and how these affect different groups in society. Pupils will also evaluate the government's responses to inequality.  

The international section of the course focuses on the USA as a world power, where learners investigate its political system, social issues in the USA and the evaluate the government's responses to social issues.  

Throughout the course, students develop a range of valuable skills. There is a strong emphasis on essay writing, as well as the ability to assess the reliability of sources, make evidence-based conclusions, and evaluate the accuracy of statements. These skills support success across a wide range of subjects and future pathways. 

Higher Sociology explores how society shapes our lives and how individuals, groups and institutions interact. Throughout the course, learners develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour, social structures and the key theories sociologists use to explain the world around us. 

Students are introduced to the foundations of sociology, including different sociological theories, key concepts and a range of research methods used to study society. This builds important skills in analysing evidence, thinking critically and evaluating different perspectives. 

Learners will look at key social Issues, learners examine important topics such as social mobility and educational disadvantage, exploring how factors like class, income and opportunity can influence life chances. 

The course also looks at Culture and Identity, helping students understand how individuals develop a sense of self and belonging within society, and how culture varies across different groups. 

Overall, Higher Sociology encourages students to question assumptions, engage with current social issues and develop valuable analytical skills that support further study and future careers. 

The course is split into three main areas of study: 

• Physical Environments: Dive into the Earth's natural systems. You'll explore the atmosphere (weather and climate), the hydrosphere (rivers and water cycles), the lithosphere (glaciation and coastal landscapes), and the biosphere (soils and ecosystems). 

• Human Environments: Learn about the people who inhabit our planet. Key topics include population trends, how rural land is managed, and the rapid urban changes happening in both developed and developing countries. 

• Global Issues: Take on the big questions. You'll investigate topics like , and river basin management and  how global health and development affects countries around the world.

In the Higher course, senior pupils will explore and will be assessed on 3 different units: world religion, morality and philosophy. Higher candidates will be expected to develop their skills in knowledge and understanding, analysis and evaluation while navigating a range of sources from religion, science and philosophy. Higher classes will build their knowledge on creation of Buddhism, its beliefs and practices. Higher candidates will analyse the impacts that these beliefs and practices have Buddhists and will evaluate whether they are still significant in a 21st Century world. Pupils will then develop their understanding and their analysis and evaluation skills through studying relationships where they will answer questions on the purposes of marriage, relationships and gender inequality. The final unit that pupils will study will be philosophy where they will explore religious and scientific answers to the creation of the universe and life. They will use a range of sources from Genesis 1 and 2 to the Big Bang and Evolution to analyse and evaluate on whether science and religion can be compatible.   

Higher Politics involves the study of three units: Political Theory; Political Systems (a comparison between the UK's and USA's political systems); Elections and Political Parties. Students cover the course content while developing skills including extended essay writing skills; debating political issues; source comparison and the interpretation of electoral data. Higher Politics is a natural progression from the study of Modern Studies and Humanities subjects. 

Higher History involves the study of three units: the Scottish unit Migration and Empire, the British unit Britain 1851-1951, and the European and World unit Germany 1815-1939. Students cover the course content while developing skills such as extended essay writing and source‑handling skills, including analysis and interpretation of sources. Pupils will also complete an assignment worth 27% of their overall mark. 

The course is packed with real-world topics, split into four exciting units: 

• Employability: Discover the different types of jobs available in travel and tourism. You'll learn what makes a great employee, and find out what career paths are open to you. You will complete a cabin crew role play and learn how to demonstrate emergency procedures.  

• Customer Service: Learn the golden rules of keeping holidaymakers happy. You'll develop excellent communication skills, learn how to handle difficult situations, and understand why great service keeps businesses thriving. You will work on role plays and telephone call handling skills 

• Scotland: Become an expert on your own doorstep! You'll research famous Scottish landmarks, culture, and events to learn how we attract millions of international visitors to Scotland every year. 

• UK and Worldwide: Expand your horizons by exploring top travel destinations across the UK and the globe. You'll learn about different cultures, climates, and travel trends, and practice planning epic itineraries for different types of tourists.