SQA Higher Physics specification (X857 76)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA Higher Physics 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 Physics 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 Physics (X857 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 Physics course deepens candidates’ understanding of the physical world through theoretical and experimental study. It fosters curiosity, analytical thinking and problem-solving, equipping learners to interpret and explore scientific issues relevant to society and technology. Candidates develop skills in scientific inquiry, investigation and communication while applying knowledge in new and interdisciplinary contexts. The course prepares learners for further study in physics and related fields, and nurtures a critical appreciation of the role of physics in the wider world.
Subject content breakdown
Our dynamic Universe
- Apply equations of motion; interpret motion-time graphs.
- Understand Newton’s laws; analyse forces, energy, momentum, and impulse.
- Explore gravitation, projectiles, satellite motion, and Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
- Apply principles of special relativity: time dilation, length contraction.
- Investigate redshift, Hubble’s Law, expansion of the Universe, dark matter/energy, and Big Bang evidence.
Particles and waves
- Study forces on charged particles; electric/magnetic fields; particle accelerators.
- Understand the Standard Model: quarks, leptons, bosons, beta decay, antimatter.
- Analyse nuclear reactions: decay, fission, fusion, E=mc².
- Use the inverse square law; define irradiance.
- Apply photoelectric effect; explore photon energy and work function.
- Examine wave interference, diffraction gratings and conditions for maxima/minima.
- Use emission and absorption spectra; apply Bohr model and energy transitions.
- Solve problems involving refraction, total internal reflection, critical angles.
Electricity
- Monitor AC; calculate rms and peak values; interpret AC graphs.
- Analyse potential difference, current, resistance, power; apply to series/parallel and potential dividers.
- Explore EMF, internal resistance, terminal voltage; use graphical methods.
- Investigate capacitors: charge, energy, current/voltage variation over time.
- Understand semiconductors and p-n junctions; explain LEDs, solar cells, doping.
Units, prefixes and uncertainties
- Use SI units, prefixes, and scientific notation.
- Identify and quantify uncertainties (scale reading, random, systematic).
- Apply appropriate methods to minimise and interpret uncertainty in experiments.
Assessment structure
Question Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 25 marks; 45 minutes.
- Assesses breadth of knowledge and understanding through structured, discrete questions.
Question Paper 2
- 130 marks, scaled to 95; 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Includes extended- and restricted-response questions.
- Covers application, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and experimental design.
- Use of relationship and data sheets permitted.
Assignment
- 20 marks, scaled to 30; approx. 8 hours (up to 2 hours for report).
- Involves:
- Selecting and conducting an experiment.
- Collecting and processing data (from experiment and literature).
- Presenting in a structured report with analysis, uncertainty handling, and evaluation.
- Marked externally by SQA.
Grading
- Grades A–D based on combined total of all assessment components.
- Assignment: 20% of total; Question Papers combined: 80%.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA Higher Physics 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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