SCQF Level 5 · Qualifications Scotland
National 5 Psychology
Taken by most Scottish pupils in S4, Psychology leads to Higher Psychology in S5. Here is how the course works, what the assessment involves, and what to expect in the exam.
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2 hours
Exam duration
30%
Coursework
100
Total marks
S4
Typical year
How Assessment Works
National 5 Psychology is assessed across 2 components, totalling 100 marks.
Question Paper
ExamFour sections: two of 20 marks and two of 15 marks. 70 marks out of a total of 100 for the course assessment. Set and marked by Qualifications Scotland.
Assignment
Coursework30 marks out of a total of 100 for the course assessment. Candidates carry out and write up a piece of psychological research.
Grade boundaries, 2026 and before
The minimum mark for each grade, as published by Qualifications Scotland after each diet. The notional design points are 70% for an A, 60% for a B, 50% for a C (the pass) and 40% for a D, and the actual lines are moved after marking so a grade means the same whether the paper ran hard or easy — which is why the C sits where it does below rather than at exactly half marks.
| Year | Out of | A | B | C | D | C as % of marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 100 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 50% |
| 2025 | 100 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 50% |
| 2024 | 100 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 50% |
| 2023 | 100 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 50% |
| 2022 | 100 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 50% |
Marks, not percentages — the paper is graded out of the “out of” column, which can change when a course is revised. Source: Qualifications Scotland — Grade boundaries 2026 workbook (ref 26GB), read 2026-09-14. Boundaries are set after marking each year and the next set appears on results day.
What You Study
National 5 Psychology is organised into 3 course areas.
Psychological Concepts and Theories
- Explaining psychological concepts, theories and terminology
- Applying knowledge to explain human behaviour
- Using research evidence to explain behaviour
Research Methods
- The basic research process in psychology
- Strengths and weaknesses of methods
- Ethical and scientific standards
Handling Data
- Basic investigation skills — selecting, organising and interpreting information
- Interpreting descriptive statistics
- Calculating the mean, median and mode
Important Assessment Notes
Assignment Note
A research assignment rather than an essay — candidates plan and run a small study, then write it up against the scientific and ethical standards the course teaches.
After National 5 Psychology
Most pupils who achieve a grade C or above in National 5 Psychology progress to Higher Psychology in S5. Higher Psychology.
Next step
Higher Psychology guide →
Course structure, assessment and grade boundaries for Higher Psychology.
Editor’s note
Psychology is not offered in every school, so availability is the first thing to check. It carries no entry requirement beyond the centre’s discretion — the specification suggests fourth curriculum level, National 4 People and Society, or National 4 Biology. The statistics element surprises people: you need the mean, median and mode, not just essay writing.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about National 5 Psychology
How is National 5 Psychology assessed?
National 5 Psychology is assessed through the following components: Question Paper (70 marks, 2 hours); Assignment (30 marks, Internally managed). The total is 100 marks, with 30% coming from coursework.
How long is the National 5 Psychology exam?
The National 5 Psychology exam is 2 hours. There is also a coursework component worth 30% of the total grade.
What grade do you need to pass National 5 Psychology?
You need a grade C or above (50% or more) to pass National 5 Psychology. Grade C is the minimum required for progression to Higher Psychology in S5. Grade A requires 70%+, grade B requires 60–69%, and grade C requires 50–59%.
Does National 5 Psychology have coursework?
Yes — coursework makes up 30% of the total grade in National 5 Psychology. A research assignment rather than an essay — candidates plan and run a small study, then write it up against the scientific and ethical standards the course teaches.
What do you study in National 5 Psychology?
National 5 Psychology covers the following course areas: Psychological Concepts and Theories, Research Methods, Handling Data. Together these give a broad foundation at SCQF Level 5, leading to Higher Psychology in S5.
What comes after National 5 Psychology?
After National 5 Psychology, most pupils progress to Higher Psychology in S5. See our detailed guide to Higher Psychology for course structure and assessment information.
Course data sourced from Qualifications Scotland course specifications. Assessment details correct for the 2.0 (September 2017) specification.
Full course documentation available at qualifications.scot.