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?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:

• National 4 History

What will I study?

History helps you to understand the world. You will study topics from Scottish, British, European and world history, including aspects of political, social, economic and cultural history. You will learn how to investigate, analyse and evaluate sources in order to understand and explain historical events. You will learn how to research and present information on historical developments.

The course comprises three areas of study.

Historical Study: Scottish

You will:

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

Historical Study: British

You will:

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

Historical Study: European and World

You will:

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

How will I be assessed?

Course Assessment

The course assessment has two components totalling 100 marks:

• Component 1: question paper – worth 80 marks
• Component 2: assignment – worth 20 marks.

For the assignment, you will be asked to research and evaluate a historical issue.

The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA.

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

The course assessment is graded A-D. 

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers History National 5
• SQA Specimen Paper History National 5
• SQA Understanding Standards History
• BBC Bitesize National 5 History
• Ushare Study Resources

What can I go on to next?

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

• Higher 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 - History (National 5)