Why study History?

Studying History provides us with an insight into our own lives and of the society and the wider world in which we live. Through an understanding of the concept of continuity, you can better appreciate change and its significance, both in your own times and in the past. It is also intended to enable you to develop skills in explaining historical developments and events, evaluating sources and drawing conclusions.

The skills you learn in History are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including public administration, business management, law, museum work, teaching and journalism.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Arts, Social Sciences and Languages

Information, Culture and Heritage

Teaching and Classroom Support

What do I need to get in?

The school or college will decide on the entry requirements for the course. You would normally have achieved:

• National 2 Social Subjects

What will I study?

History helps you to understand the world. You will learn how the past affects the present and future by studying topics from Scottish, British, European and world history. You will learn how to use historical sources. You will learn how to talk about and present information on historical developments.

The course has three compulsory units.

Historical Study: Scottish (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• learn how to comment on historical sources
• learn about themes and events within an area of Scottish history from the Medieval, Early Modern or Later Modern period.

Historical Study: British (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• learn how to comment on the impact of historical developments
• learn about events and themes of British history from the Medieval, Early Modern or Later Modern period.

Historical Study: European and World (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• learn how to comment on factors that contribute to historical developments
• learn about events and themes of European and world history from the Medieval, Early Modern or Later Modern period.

How will I be assessed?

Your work will be assessed by your teacher or tutor on an ongoing basis throughout the course. You must pass all three units to gain the course qualification.

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• National 4 History

Further study, training or employment in:

• Arts, Social Sciences and Languages
• History
• Information, Culture and Heritage
• Teaching and Classroom Support

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• History - Related Careers

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - (National 3)