Who is this course for?

Pupils who have successfully passed Higher Modern Studies with a A/B grade. Pupils with a C pass will considered on a case by case basis and discussion with Faculty Head. This course is very demanding and involves a significant amount of self study. Pupils should be highly motivated if they wish to do well.

Course Content

In Advanced Higher you study one of three contexts. Pupils will study "Political Issues and Research Methods". This is split into 4 main areas of study.

Unit 1: Power and Influence

Unit 2: Political Ideology

Unit 3: Political Structures

Unit 4: Social Science Research Methods and Issues

In addition to these topics, pupils will also have to complete a 5000 word dissertation on a political issue of their choosing.

Topic Content

influences on the political process, including interest groups and the media

power and influence of political parties

electoral systems and theories of voting behaviour

Topic Content

political ideologies, including Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism

contemporary relevance of ideology to political parties, including Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism

influence of ideology on contemporary political issues

Topic Content

constitutions and political systems

relationships between branches of government

relationships between levels of government

Topic Content

analysis, evaluation and comparison of research methods, including:

• official statistics

• surveys — postal, telephone and online

• interviews — structured, semi-structured and unstructured

• focus groups

• observation — covert and overt case studies

• longitudinal studies

Assessment

Exam - 3hr single paper. Pupils answer two 30 mark essays and two 15 mark social research questions

Dissertation - 5000 words, worth 50 marks. Completed over the course of the year and marked by SQA externally.

Pupils will also have regular timed assessments as well as continuous homework and self study

Progression

Advanced Higher prepares pupils well further for their next steps in education, usually at university level