SQA Advanced Higher Economics Course and Assessment: a complete overview of the structure, the question paper and the project

What this area actually demands

Course and Assessment is not extra content to learn so much as the map of how SQA Advanced Higher Economics fits together and where the marks are won. Knowing the structure (three areas of study), the level (SCQF 7), and the two components (an 80-mark question paper and a 40-mark project) tells you how to plan your year, how much weight to give the project, and what depth the exam expects. This overview ties the three dot-point pages together.

The structure and level

Advanced Higher Economics (course code C822 77) is an SCQF level 7 course worth 32 SCQF credit points, one level above Higher and at the level of the first year of many degrees. Its content sits in three areas of study: Economic Markets: Structures and Intervention (microeconomics), National and Global Economic Issues (macroeconomics and the global economy), and Researching an Economic Issue (research skills). The first two are tested in the question paper; the third is assessed through the project. The level signals the evaluation and independent research the course demands beyond Higher.

The two assessment components

The award totals 120 marks from two externally marked components:

• Question paper, 80 marks (two-thirds), sat over 2 hours 30 minutes: data-response and extended-response questions across the first two areas, testing knowledge, application, data handling, analysis and judgement. Command words (describe, explain, analyse, evaluate, discuss) set the depth.
• Project, 40 marks (one-third): an independent research report on a chosen economic issue, assessing the research-skills area through a focused aim, primary and secondary research, analysis, referencing, a supported conclusion and self-evaluation.

The award is graded A to D on the combined total, so both components matter.

How to plan your year

Because the marks combine and the project is a third of the award, plan accordingly:

1. Learn the content of the first two areas thoroughly for the question paper, with diagrams and evaluation.
2. Start the project early: choose a focused, data-rich issue, set a sharp aim, and gather referenced evidence over time rather than at the end.
3. Drill data handling and command words, since both feed the exam (and the data skills feed the project).
4. Use past papers, the specimen paper and the coursework task to learn the exact format and expectations.

How this area is examined

• The question paper tests the first two areas under exam conditions.
• The project assesses the research-skills area as an independent report.
• This area itself is mostly about understanding and planning, but knowing command words and the mark split directly improves performance in both components.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall and explanation questions covering this area. Attempt them, then check against the solutions.

1. State the SCQF level of Advanced Higher and how it compares with Higher. (2 marks)
2. Name the three areas of study. (3 marks)
3. State the marks and duration of the question paper. (2 marks)
4. State the marks for the project and its share of the award. (2 marks)
5. What depth does the command word "evaluate" require? (1 mark)
6. How is the final award graded? (1 mark)