Advanced Higher

Modern Studies

DURATION

1 year /360 Hours

COURSEWORK

Dissertation 36% of award

EXAM

Question Paper 64% of award

COST

no cost

What will you learn?

Law and order and research methods:

Understanding the criminal justice system
- Judicial frameworks
- Human rights, civil liberties and the criminal justice system
- Criminal Justice Issues
Understanding criminal behaviour
- Definitions, measurements and perceptions of crime
- Contemporary relevance of theories of criminal behaviour including physiological, psychological and sociological theories
- Social and economic impact of criminal behaviour on victims, perpetrators, families and wider society
Responses by society to crime
- Contemporary relevance of theories of punishment, including deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation, retributivism and denunciation
- Preventative responses to crime, including policing strategies, multi-agency approaches and early interventions
- Criminal justice responses to crime, including custodial and non-custodial sentences
Social science research methods and issues
- Analysis, evaluation and comparison of a variety of research methods

Why do this course?

Candidates acquire depth in their knowledge and understanding of sociological themes, and further develop the skills of analysing complex social issues, evaluating sources, and drawing conclusions. The depth of study enables candidates to engage in sociological debate and thereby develop a deeper appreciation of the forces which have shaped society.

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. At this level 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 90 marks

This is 64% of the overall marks for the course assessment. The question paper draws on the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired during this course.

Part A - Social Issues (30 marks)

Candidates complete two essays from a choice of three

Part B - Research and Sources (30 marks)

Candidates complete two 15-mark questions on research methods and the trustworthiness of a source

Dissertation 50 marks

The project-dissertation has a total mark allocation of 50 marks. This is 36% of the overall marks for the course assessment. The project-dissertation enables candidates to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and understanding by undertaking independent research into a complex social issue.

Candidates choose an appropriate complex social issue and:

research the issue
analyse perspectives from theorists

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 Advanced Higher, a pass at Higher.

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

Any job or university course with a focus on politics, sociology, criminology or English language in line with the employment links in the next box

Employment

Jobs directly related to Modern Studies include:

Police - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/police-officer
Law - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector/
Social Work - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/social-worker
Human Resources - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/human-resources-officer
Secondary School Teacher - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/secondary-school-teacher
Politics - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/politics
Journalism - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/media-and-internet/journalism-courses/

Learner Experiences

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