Higher Modern Studies

DURATION

1 year /240 Hours

COURSEWORK

Assignment 30% of award

EXAM

Question Papers 70% of award

COST

no cost

What will you learn?

To develop knowledge and understanding of political, social and international issues and to promote the development of the critical skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluating and decision making.

Unit Details:

1. Democracy in the United Kingdom

  • The role of representatives

  • The functions of the Houses of Parliament

  • Voting behaviour

  • Voting systems

2. Social Issues - Social Inequalities in the United Kingdom.

  • The nature of social inequalities

  • Impact of inequalities on different social groups

  • Measures taken to tackle inequalities

  • Collectivist versus individualist theories

3. International Issues - Politics of Development

  • Background to issues in sub–Saharan Africa

  • Political, Social and economic causes of underdevelopment in Africa

  • Consequences on individuals and countries

  • Attempts made by international organisations to resolve underdevelopment

Why do this course?

The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to develop candidates’ knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom (UK) and international contexts. Candidates develop the skills to interpret and participate in the social and political processes they encounter in their lives.

What will you experience?

A wide range of teaching strategies are used with classes, such as thinking skills, direct teaching, paired and/or group work. Work in class is supported through the use of work guides, text books, study notes, ICT and other digital media. Pupils are expected to take on responsibility for their learning.

A group or student-centred approach will be used but students will also work independently on self-supported tasks.

Key Facts

Everything you need to know before selecting this course

Assessment

  • Question Paper 1

Section 1 Democracy – 20 marks

Section 2 Social Issues – 20 marks

Section 3 International Issues - 12 marks

  • Question Paper 2 - Source Based Questions – 28 marks

  • Assignment: Applying research and decision making skills to produce a report on a relevant modern studies issue. 30 marks.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Humanities. However, as a guide:

  • A pass a the previous NQ level. i.e. for Higher, a pass at National 5.

Homework

Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs.

Progression and Employment

Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course

Progression

Advanced Higher Modern Studies

Employment

Modern Studies can provide the basis for a university degree in Politics/International Relations and a Modern Studies related career such as Teaching.

However more often the study of Modern Studies develops vocationally valuable skills which can help keep career opportunities open.

Students of Modern Studies can be found working in a wide range of careers such as:

  • Law

  • Journalism

  • The police service

  • Communication and the media



Learner Experiences

I enjoy doing timed questions as it allows me to improve my timing for other subjects as well. It also helps you with other exam skills.


I enjoy modern studies because you get to learn about law, police and politics and it helps you understand more about what is going on in the world.