SCQF Level 5 · Qualifications Scotland
National 5 Physics
Taken by most Scottish pupils in S4, Physics leads to Higher Physics in S5. Here is how the course works, what the assessment involves, and what to expect in the exam.
2 hours 30 minutes
Exam duration
20%
Coursework
125
Total marks
S4
Typical year
How Assessment Works
National 5 Physics is assessed across 2 components, totalling 125 marks.
Question Paper
ExamCovers all six course areas. Mix of multiple choice and extended answer questions. A relationship sheet is provided. Set and marked by Qualifications Scotland. Note: raw mark total is 135, scaled to 100 for grading.
Assignment
CourseworkResearch-based investigation on a physics topic. Includes practical work and a written report completed under timed conditions. 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 Physics is organised into 6 course areas.
Dynamics
- Vectors and scalars
- Velocity-time graphs and equations of motion
- Newton's laws of motion
- Work, energy and power
- Projectile motion
Space
- Space exploration (satellites, rockets)
- Cosmology (Big Bang, stars, galaxies)
Electricity
- Charge carriers and current
- Ohm's law and resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Electrical power and energy
Properties of Matter
- Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
- Gas laws (pressure, volume, temperature)
- The kinetic model of matter
Waves
- Wave parameters (frequency, wavelength, amplitude, speed)
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- Refraction
Radiation
- Types of nuclear radiation (alpha, beta, gamma)
- Ionisation and half-life
- Uses and hazards of radiation
Important Assessment Notes
Practical / Lab Component
National 5 Physics includes a practical or laboratory component as part of the coursework assessment. This may involve carrying out experiments, writing up practical reports, or completing hands-on tasks under teacher supervision.
Assignment Note
Research investigation with practical component. Written report under timed conditions (up to 1hr 30min). Relationship sheet provided in the exam.
After National 5 Physics
Most pupils who achieve a grade C or above in National 5 Physics progress to Higher Physics in S5. Higher Physics.
Next step
Higher Physics guide →
Course structure, assessment and grade boundaries for Higher Physics.
Editor’s note
Physics is the only N5 where the question paper has 135 raw marks scaled to 100 — this means losing a few marks matters less than it appears. The relationship sheet provided in the exam covers all formulae, so understanding how to apply them is what counts.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about National 5 Physics
How is National 5 Physics assessed?
National 5 Physics is assessed through the following components: Question Paper (135 raw marks (scaled to 100), 2 hours 30 minutes); Assignment (20 raw marks (scaled to 25), 8 hours total; written report up to 1 hour 30 minutes). The total is 125 marks, with 20% coming from coursework.
How long is the National 5 Physics exam?
The National 5 Physics exam is 2 hours 30 minutes. There is also a coursework component worth 20% of the total grade.
What grade do you need to pass National 5 Physics?
You need a grade C or above (50% or more) to pass National 5 Physics. Grade C is the minimum required for progression to Higher Physics in S5. Grade A requires 70%+, grade B requires 60–69%, and grade C requires 50–59%.
Does National 5 Physics have coursework?
Yes — coursework makes up 20% of the total grade in National 5 Physics. Research investigation with practical component. Written report under timed conditions (up to 1hr 30min). Relationship sheet provided in the exam.
What do you study in National 5 Physics?
National 5 Physics covers the following course areas: Dynamics, Space, Electricity, Properties of Matter, Waves, Radiation. Together these give a broad foundation at SCQF Level 5, leading to Higher Physics in S5.
What comes after National 5 Physics?
After National 5 Physics, most pupils progress to Higher Physics in S5. See our detailed guide to Higher Physics for course structure and assessment information.
Course data sourced from Qualifications Scotland course specifications. Assessment details correct for the 4.0 (September 2019) specification.
Full course documentation available at qualifications.scot.