SCQF Level 5 · Qualifications Scotland
National 5 Modern Studies
Taken by most Scottish pupils in S4, Modern Studies leads to Higher Modern Studies in S5. Here is how the course works, what the assessment involves, and what to expect in the exam.
2 hours 20 minutes
Exam duration
20%
Coursework
100
Total marks
S4
Typical year
How Assessment Works
National 5 Modern Studies is assessed across 2 components, totalling 100 marks.
Question Paper
ExamQuestions on all three course areas. Mix of source analysis (detecting exaggeration, selectivity) and extended response. Set and marked by Qualifications Scotland.
Assignment
CourseworkResearch a contemporary issue then write the assignment in 1 hour using a prepared resource sheet (single A4 page). Submitted to Qualifications Scotland for external marking.
Grade Boundaries
| Grade | Percentage | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A | 70% or above | Excellent |
| B | 60–69% | Very good |
| C (Pass) | 50–59% | Pass — required for entry to Higher |
| D | 40–49% | Award (does not count as a pass for Higher progression) |
| No Award | Below 40% | Not awarded |
Grade thresholds are the published Qualifications Scotland standard. Actual cut scores are set by post-marking standardisation and are not published.
What You Study
National 5 Modern Studies is organised into 3 course areas.
Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom
- The Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government
- The UK Parliament and Westminster system
- Participation in democracy (voting, political parties, pressure groups)
- Rights and responsibilities of citizens
Social Issues in the United Kingdom
- Either: Social inequality (causes, impact, government responses) — health, wealth, education inequalities
- Or: Crime and the law (causes of crime, criminal justice system, rehabilitation vs punishment)
International Issues
- Either: A significant world power (e.g. the USA or China — political system, economy, international relations)
- Or: A contemporary world issue (e.g. world poverty, terrorism, nuclear proliferation)
Important Assessment Notes
Assignment Note
Written under exam conditions (1 hour) using a self-prepared A4 resource sheet. Covers a contemporary political or social issue from your course.
After National 5 Modern Studies
Most pupils who achieve a grade C or above in National 5 Modern Studies progress to Higher Modern Studies in S5. Higher Modern Studies.
Next step
Higher Modern Studies guide →
Course structure, assessment and grade boundaries for Higher Modern Studies.
Editor’s note
Modern Studies is unique in that source analysis is a key exam skill — spotting selectivity and exaggeration in statistics and quotes is practised throughout the course. Students who read news regularly have a natural advantage.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about National 5 Modern Studies
How is National 5 Modern Studies assessed?
National 5 Modern Studies is assessed through the following components: Question Paper (80 marks, 2 hours 20 minutes); Assignment (20 marks, 1 hour (under exam conditions)). The total is 100 marks, with 20% coming from coursework.
How long is the National 5 Modern Studies exam?
The National 5 Modern Studies exam is 2 hours 20 minutes. There is also a coursework component worth 20% of the total grade.
What grade do you need to pass National 5 Modern Studies?
You need a grade C or above (50% or more) to pass National 5 Modern Studies. Grade C is the minimum required for progression to Higher Modern Studies in S5. Grade A requires 70%+, grade B requires 60–69%, and grade C requires 50–59%.
Does National 5 Modern Studies have coursework?
Yes — coursework makes up 20% of the total grade in National 5 Modern Studies. Written under exam conditions (1 hour) using a self-prepared A4 resource sheet. Covers a contemporary political or social issue from your course.
What do you study in National 5 Modern Studies?
National 5 Modern Studies covers the following course areas: Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom, Social Issues in the United Kingdom, International Issues. Together these give a broad foundation at SCQF Level 5, leading to Higher Modern Studies in S5.
What comes after National 5 Modern Studies?
After National 5 Modern Studies, most pupils progress to Higher Modern Studies in S5. See our detailed guide to Higher Modern Studies for course structure and assessment information.
Course data sourced from Qualifications Scotland course specifications. Assessment details correct for the 3.0 (July 2019) specification.
Full course documentation available at qualifications.scot.