SQA National 5 History specification (X837 75)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA National 5 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 National 5 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 National 5 History (X837 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 History exam aims to assess learners’ ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical events, evaluate sources, and develop reasoned conclusions based on evidence. The course encourages students to engage with Scottish, British, European, and World contexts, fostering analytical skills and historical awareness. Through the study of key historical periods and events, learners explore cause and effect, continuity and change, and evaluate differing interpretations of the past. The exam supports the development of critical thinking and communication skills by requiring structured, supported arguments based on historical evidence.
Subject content breakdown
Section 1 — Scottish Contexts (Attempt ONE part)
The Wars of Independence, 1286–1328
- Succession crisis after Alexander III
- Edward I’s authority and treatment of Balliol
- Scottish response to Anglo-French War
- Reasons for Wallace’s defeat at Falkirk
- Events of Bannockburn
Mary Queen of Scots and the Reformation, 1542–1587
- Role of the Catholic Church in the 1540s
- Impact of Andrew Melville on Presbyterianism
- Treaty of Edinburgh and its terms
- Difficulties faced by Mary ruling Scotland
- Mary’s imprisonment in England
The Treaty of Union, 1689–1715
- Relationship between Scotland and England before 1707
- Reasons for opposition to the Union
- Support for Union with England
- Passage of the Treaty of Union
- Economic effects of the Union
Migration and Empire, 1830–1939
- Settlement patterns of immigrants in Scotland
- Impact of Italian immigrants
- Living conditions of Irish immigrants
- Reasons for Scottish emigration
- Impact of Scots on countries they emigrated to
The Era of the Great War, 1900–1928
- Use of poison gas on the Western Front
- Impact of the Defence of the Realm Act
- Treatment of conscientious objectors
- Reasons for decline in heavy industry post-war
- Rent strikes in wartime Glasgow
Assessment structure
Section 1 — Scottish Contexts
- Answer ONE part from five options
- Each part contains five questions:
- Describe (4 marks)
- Explain reasons (6 marks)
- Compare sources (4 marks)
- How fully questions (6 marks)
- 9-mark evaluative question
Section 2 — British Contexts
- Answer ONE part from five options
- Each part contains:
- Three short questions (4 or 6 marks each)
- One How fully or Explain question (6 marks)
- One Evaluate usefulness question (5 marks)
Section 3 — European and World Contexts
- Answer ONE part from ten options
- Each part contains:
- One How fully or Explain question (6 marks)
- One Evaluate usefulness question (5 marks)
- One Explain question (6 marks)
- One 9-mark evaluative question (choice of two)
Total Marks: 80
- Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- All answers written in a provided answer booklet
- Structured answers using evidence and source evaluation required
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA National 5 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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