Modern Studies

Why choose Modern studies?

​National Modern Studies
Students can take National Modern Studies in S4 – S6.  The course is offered at National 3, 4 and 5 level to suit all ages and stages.

At all levels there are 3 core topics: Democracy in Scotland and the UK; Social Issues in the UK (Crime and the Law); and World Powers (USA).
The National course offers progression to another National level; to Higher Modern Studies; or to employment or training.

Through studying Modern Studies you will develop the following subject skills and knowledge:
·         developing and applying detailed skills, knowledge and understanding in political, social or international contexts
·         researching and using information collected from a range of sources about contemporary issues
·         using a range of sources of information to support and oppose views
·         giving detailed justifications for decisions
·         giving detailed support for valid conclusions
·         demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the main democratic processes, institutions and organisations in Scotland and the UK
·         demonstrating knowledge and understanding of a major social issue in Scotland and the UK
·         demonstrating knowledge and understanding of an international issue

There are two parts to the course: a question paper exam worth 80 marks; and an assignment worth 20 marks.  The assignment is completed during class time.
 
Higher Modern Studies
Students can take Higher Modern Studies in S5 or S6.
In Higher Modern Studies there are 3 core topics: Democracy in Scotland and the UK; Social Inequality; and Poverty.
The Higher course offers progression to the Advanced Higher History course or to further study, employment and/or training.
Through studying Modern Studies you will develop the following subject skills and knowledge:
·         developing and applying factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding, and giving detailed explanations and analysis of:
         —    the democratic processes, institutions and organisations which make up political life in Scotland and the UK
         —    social inequality
         —    poverty

·         analysing, evaluating and synthesising a wide range of evidence which may be written, numerical and graphical to:
         —    detect and explain the degree of objectivity
         —    draw and support conclusions
         —    explain the degree of reliability

·         researching, analysing, evaluating and synthesising a wide range of evidence which may be written, numerical and graphical to make and justify decisions

There are three parts to the course: an essays paper worth 52 marks; a sources paper worth 28 marks; an assignment worth 30 marks.  The assignment is completed during class time.
 
Advanced Higher Modern Studies
Students can take Advanced Higher Modern Studies in S6.
Students complete one topic from a choice of three: Political Issues with research methods; Law and Order with research methods; or Social Inequality with research methods.

Advanced Higher Modern Studies promotes the following skills:
·         applying knowledge and understanding of complex political or social issues in the United Kingdom and adopting an international comparative approach
·         analysing complex political/social issues
·         evaluating, analysing and synthesising a wide range of evidence
·         structuring and sustaining detailed lines of argument, leading to reasoned conclusions
·         evaluating the trustworthiness of sources of information
·         critically evaluating research methods
·         justifying appropriate complex, contemporary political/social issue research issues
·         planning a programme of research
·         researching, collecting and recording information
·         explaining approaches to organising, presenting and referencing findings
·         using an appropriate referencing system
·         evaluating research methodology
·         using a wide range of sources of information
·         analysing the issue

For more information on courses in S4/5/6 see: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45629.html

​For careers information you can begin here:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/politics