SQA National 5 Geography specification (X833 75)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA National 5 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 National 5 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 National 5 Geography (X833 75) 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 National 5 Geography course aims to develop learners’ understanding of the interaction between people and the environment on local, national, and global scales. It promotes environmental stewardship, global citizenship and sustainability through the study of physical and human geography and global issues. Learners build mapping, research, fieldwork, and data interpretation skills and engage with real-world issues, contributing to their development as informed, responsible citizens.
Subject content breakdown
Physical environments
- Understand the formation and characteristics of landscape types: glaciated uplands, upland limestone, coastal landscapes, rivers and their valleys.
- Study weather elements: air masses, relief, depressions, anticyclones and their effects.
- Explore land uses such as farming, forestry, tourism, energy and water, including conflict and management strategies.
Human environments
- Analyse development contrasts using social and economic indicators.
- Study global population distribution, birth/death rates, and influencing factors.
- Examine urban zones, changes in CBDs, shanty town developments.
- Understand rural change from modern farming in both developed and developing countries.
Global issues
- Choose two topics from: climate change, natural regions, environmental hazards, trade and globalisation, tourism, health.
- Topics cover causes, effects, management strategies, and relevant case studies.
Geographical skills
- Map skills: 4- and 6-figure grid references, relief, patterns, use with photographs/diagrams.
- Data handling: interpreting graphs, tables, diagrams, and maps.
- Research and fieldwork: planning, gathering, processing and interpreting information.
Assessment structure
Question Paper
- 2 hours 20 minutes, 80 marks (80% of total)
- Section 1: Physical Environments – 30 marks, includes a choice on landscape type
- Section 2: Human Environments – 30 marks, all questions answered
- Section 3: Global Issues – 20 marks, choose two from six options
- Assesses knowledge, understanding, and geographical skills through restricted/extended responses
Assignment
- 1 hour, 20 marks (20% of total)
- Choose a geographical topic or issue
- Research with minimal support, using a range of sources
- Process and interpret findings using geographical skills
- Present evidence using up to two A4 or one A3 processed information sheet(s)
- Carried out under high supervision, marked externally by SQA
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA National 5 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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