Higher History
Course Specification (05/08/2024)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
Session 2024-25 onwards
- Higher History course specification May 2024
- Higher History course specification (gaelic translation) August 2024
Session 2023-24
- Higher History course specification May 2023
- Higher History course specification (gaelic translation) January 2019
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Additional question papers resources
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- Higher British, European and World History specimen question paper August 2024
- Higher British, European and World History specimen question paper (gaelic medium) August 2024
- Higher Scottish History specimen question paper September 2023
- Higher Scottish History specimen question paper (gaelic medium) June 2019
2021
There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21
Coursework (28/05/2024)
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 History July 2019
- Coursework assessment task for Higher History (Gaelic Translation) May 2024
- Resource sheet for Higher History Assignment September 2018
- Resource sheet for Higher History Assignment September 2018
- Resource sheet for Higher History Assignment (Gaelic translation) July 2018
- Resource sheet for Higher History Assignment (Gaelic translation) 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 (12/12/2023)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Webinar (recording)
Course assessment from session 2020-2021
Audio Presentation
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (14/09/2023)
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
- 2023 Higher History Course Report September 2023
- 2022 Higher History Course Report September 2022
- 2019 Higher History Course Report September 2019
Verification Reports
Course support
Guidance on creating assessments for Higher (148 KB) August 2022