The Course gives pupils the opportunity to study important relevant periods of the past in the UK, in Europe and in the World. 

The Higher Course consists of three units.

1 Britain 1851-1951 - A study of the development of the United Kingdom into a modern democracy and the development of the role of the state in the welfare of its citizens, illustrating the themes of authority, ideology and rights.

2 Germany 1815-1939 - A study of the growth of nationalism in nineteenth century Germany leading to the overcoming of obstacles to unification of the nation by 1871, and the development of extreme nationalism after 1918 in the form of Hitler and the Nazi Party, illustrating the themes of nationalism, authority and conflict.

3 Migration and Empire 1830-1939 - A study of population movement and social and economic change in Scotland and abroad between 1830 and 1939, illustrating the themes of empire, migration and identity.

Successful students can progress to Advanced Higher in S6.