SQA Higher Geography specification (X833 76)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Higher Geography 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 Higher Geography 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 Higher Geography (X833 76) 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 Higher Geography course develops candidates’ understanding of the world by examining the interactions between people and the environment. Through the study of physical, human and global issues, candidates learn to view the world with a geographical perspective, considering sustainability, global citizenship, and environmental stewardship. The course builds a framework for interpreting geographical data, promoting critical thinking and independent enquiry through fieldwork and other investigative activities. Candidates are encouraged to engage with their environment, understand spatial relationships, and reflect on their role within a global context.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Physical environments
- Understand processes and interactions on local to global scales.
- Study key topics: atmosphere (global heat budget, energy redistribution, ITCZ), hydrosphere (river features, hydrographs), lithosphere (glacial/coastal features), biosphere (soil formation: podzols, brown earth, gley).
3.2 Human environments
- Examine urban and rural environments in developed/developing contexts.
- Topics include: population (data collection, migration), rural (land degradation, land use conflicts), urban (management of housing and transport changes).
3.3 Global issues
- Investigate two of: river basin management, development and health, global climate change, energy.
- Assess physical and human interactions and evaluate management strategies.
3.4 Geographical skills
- Apply skills across all contexts: mapping (OS maps, sketches), research (gathering, evaluating), numerical/graphical data handling.
- Develop the ability to interpret, explain and analyse geographical information using varied techniques.
Assessment structure
Question Paper 1: Physical and Human Environments
- 100 marks, scaled to 50.
- Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Two sections: Physical (50 marks), Human (50 marks).
- Extended-response questions. All questions mandatory.
- Assesses knowledge, explanation, evaluation, and analysis of processes and interactions.
Question Paper 2: Global Issues and Geographical Skills
- 60 marks, scaled to 30.
- Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Section 1: Global Issues (40 marks). Choose two from four extended-response questions.
- Section 2: Application of Geographical Skills (20 marks). One mandatory extended-response.
- Focus on mapping and interpretation of data.
Assignment
- 30 marks (not scaled).
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes in one sitting, preceded by up to 8 hours of research.
- Topic chosen by candidate. Must include research (including fieldwork if appropriate), analysis, conclusion.
- Marked externally. Assesses skills application, source evaluation, and communication of findings.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA Higher Geography 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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