SQA Higher History specification (X837 76)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA 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 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 Higher History (X837 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 History course provides candidates with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of historical events, developments, and perspectives by studying a broad range of British, European and world, and Scottish contexts. It develops independent critical thinking and analytical skills through the evaluation of historical sources and interpretations. Candidates build knowledge of political, social, cultural and economic change across different time periods and regions, encouraging informed citizenship, open-mindedness, and global awareness. The course promotes investigative learning and supports progression into further historical study or related fields.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 British History Options
- Part A: Church, state and feudal society, 1066–1406 — feudal structure, the role of monarchy and church, royal authority in Scotland and England, decline of feudalism.
- Part B: The century of revolutions, 1603–1702 — political-religious conflict, civil war, Cromwell’s rule, Revolution Settlement and constitutional change.
- Part C: The Atlantic slave trade — origins and economic impact, resistance, abolition obstacles and successes.
- Part D: Britain, 1851–1951 — development of democracy, welfare reforms, women’s suffrage, Liberal and Labour policies.
- Part E: Britain and Ireland, 1900–1985 — Home Rule, World War I, civil war, Northern Ireland crisis and peace process.
3.2 European and World History Options
- Part A: The Crusades, 1071–1204 — religious and political motivations, military events, decline of the crusading ideal.
- Part B: The American Revolution, 1763–1787 — colonial grievances, independence, war and political outcomes.
- Part C: The French Revolution, to 1799 — challenges to absolutism, Revolutionary government, Reign of Terror, rise of Napoleon.
- Part D: Germany, 1815–1939 — unification, nationalism, Nazi rise and consolidation of power.
- Part E: Italy, 1815–1939 — nationalist movements, unification, Fascism under Mussolini.
- Part F: Russia, 1881–1921 — Tsarist collapse, revolutions, Bolshevik victory.
- Part G: USA, 1918–1968 — immigration, civil rights, Great Depression, New Deal, racial tensions.
- Part H: Appeasement and the road to war, to 1939 — Fascist aggression, British foreign policy, Munich and outbreak of war.
- Part I: The Cold War, 1945–1989 — causes, crises, Vietnam War, detente, Cold War end.
3.3 Scottish History Options
- Part A: Wars of Independence, 1249–1328 — succession, English intervention, Wallace and Bruce.
- Part B: Age of the Reformation, 1542–1603 — religious and political conflict, Mary and James VI.
- Part C: Treaty of Union, 1689–1740 — causes, debates, economic/political effects.
- Part D: Migration and empire, 1830–1939 — emigration, immigrant experiences, imperial impact.
- Part E: Impact of the Great War, 1914–1928 — war experience, social/economic/political effects in Scotland.
Assessment structure
Question Paper 1: British, European and World History
- 44 marks; 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Two sections: British and European/world (22 marks each).
- Extended-response questions.
- Tests knowledge, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of historical developments and factors.
Question Paper 2: Scottish History
- 36 marks; 1 hour 30 minutes.
- One section; includes:
- Extended and restricted-response questions.
- Source-based tasks: usefulness, context, differing interpretations, explanations.
- Tests source evaluation and contextual knowledge in Scottish history.
Assignment
- 30 marks; 1 hour 30 minutes under controlled conditions.
- Open-choice historical issue.
- Assesses:
- Research and referencing.
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Source analysis and evaluation.
- Argument structure and conclusion.
- Supported by a 250-word resource sheet (non-assessed but required).
- Completed in two stages: research (approx. 8 hours) and write-up (timed).
- Marked externally by SQA.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA 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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