SQA Advanced Higher History specification (X837 77)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Advanced Higher History exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official SQA Advanced Higher History specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official SQA Advanced Higher History (X837 77) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Advanced Higher History course develops learners’ understanding of complex historical issues and historiography through the in-depth study of one field. Candidates acquire a critical understanding of historical themes and debates, developing the skills to analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from diverse sources. The course fosters independent thinking and supports academic progression in history by encouraging learners to construct well-structured, reasoned arguments based on evidence. Through investigating and researching historical questions, learners develop analytical and literacy skills, as well as a deeper appreciation of the past and its shaping of the modern world.
Subject content breakdown
Historical study
- Choose one field from ten options (e.g. Russia: from Tsarism to Stalinism, USA: ‘a house divided’, etc.)
- Study in depth a range of historical issues within the selected period
- Evaluate historical sources with attention to provenance, content and historical/historiographical context
- Engage with historians’ interpretations and historiographical debates
- Sustain coherent arguments supported by detailed evidence
Researching historical issues
- Identify and justify a suitable complex historical issue
- Plan and manage an independent research project
- Source, collect and evaluate primary and secondary evidence
- Analyse and synthesise material to develop arguments
- Present findings using structured format and referencing conventions
Assessment structure
Question Paper
- 90 marks, 3 hours
- Choose one of ten field study sections (e.g. Britain 1938–51, Spain 1923–45, etc.)
- Part A: Historical Issues (50 marks)
- Answer two 25-mark extended-response questions from a choice of five
- Assess historical understanding, argument, analysis, and historiographical awareness
- Part B: Historical Sources (40 marks)
- Three questions based on unseen sources:
- Usefulness evaluation (12 marks)
- Contextualisation and interpretation (12 marks)
- Two-source comparison and interpretation (16 marks)
- Three questions based on unseen sources:
Project–Dissertation
- 50 marks, up to 4,000 words
- Independent investigation of a complex historical issue (not limited to studied field)
- Must include: abstract, primary and secondary sources, historiographical analysis
- Demonstrates research planning, critical evaluation and sustained argument
- Internally supervised, externally marked
Grading
- Based on total score from question paper (64%) and project–dissertation (36%)
- Grades awarded A–D
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA Advanced Higher History isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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