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SQA Higher Graphic Communication: complete guide to the course content, the question paper and the assignment

A complete guide to SQA Higher Graphic Communication, an SCQF level 6 qualification. Covers the course content (2D graphic communication, 3D and pictorial graphic communication, graphic design and layout, and graphic communication in context), how the assessment splits between the 90-mark question paper and the 50-mark assignment, and how to study each area for an A.

Browse guides β†’Syllabus dot points (19)

SQA Higher Graphic Communication is a one-year course at SCQF level 6 (course code C835 76), building on National 5 Graphic Communication and preparing learners for Advanced Higher or related study. It develops advanced skill with drawing equipment, materials and software, and an understanding of graphic standards, conventions and the role of graphics in society and industry. It is graded A to D from two assessment components: a question paper and an assignment (the practical coursework). This page is the index: below is a map of the course content, the assessment structure, and how to study each part.

The course content

The course develops skills and knowledge across two main strands plus graphic design and a contextual strand. Practical skills are developed alongside knowledge and understanding throughout, and at Higher the work involves complex features and commercial or industrial practice.

2D graphic communication
The technical, production side: third-angle orthographic projection (the front elevation, plan and end elevation, how they project and line up, and auxiliary views for sloping faces), British Standards line types and conventions, dimensioning and tolerances (datum versus chain dimensioning and stating limits), sectional drawings, assembly and production drawings, and building drawings with standard symbols.
3D and pictorial graphic communication
Showing a product in three dimensions: isometric, planometric and oblique pictorial drawing, one- and two-point perspective, freehand sketching and rendering, 3D CAD modelling techniques (extrude, revolve, sweep, loft and editing features), and CAD assembly and realistic rendering.
Graphic design and layout
The presentation side: the design elements (line, shape, form, texture, colour, value, space), the design principles (alignment, balance, contrast, proximity, emphasis, rhythm, proportion, unity), colour theory (the colour wheel, harmonies, colour psychology, and RGB versus CMYK), DTP features and multi-page layout, and the design process across the preliminary, production and promotional graphic contexts.
Graphic communication in context
The wider issues plus assessment: the impact of graphics on society, the economy and the environment, the technologies, hardware, software and file formats used to create and share graphics, and an overview of the course assessment.

Course assessment

The Higher Graphic Communication award is graded A to D and is made up of two components, both set and marked by the SQA.

  • Question paper - 90 marks (about 64%), sat under exam conditions for two hours and thirty minutes. It assesses knowledge and skills across the course content through written and graphical answers, including applying them to unfamiliar problems.
  • Assignment - 50 marks (about 36%), the practical coursework completed under controlled conditions. Candidates respond to a brief by producing preliminary, production and promotional graphics, using both manual techniques and computer-aided methods (CAD modelling and DTP layout).

The two components combine to a total of 140 marks. (Always confirm the current marks against the SQA course specification, as totals can be revised.)

The skills the course develops

Across both components, the SQA tests advanced graphic skill, not just recall:

  1. Drawing to standard. Producing complex orthographic, sectional, assembly and building drawings to British Standards conventions, including auxiliary views.
  2. Working in 3D. Drawing pictorially and perspectively, and modelling, assembling and rendering in CAD to commercial standards.
  3. Designing layouts. Applying DTP features, the design elements and principles, and colour to multi-page promotional graphics.
  4. Communicating clearly. Choosing the right drawing, graphic or file format for the audience and purpose.
  5. Understanding context. Weighing the social, economic and environmental impact of graphics and choosing suitable technologies.

How to study SQA Higher Graphic Communication

Higher Graphic Communication rewards precise conventions and confident, justified design.

  1. Work from the course content. Each part of the SQA course specification is a checklist; question-paper items are written from it.
  2. Drill the conventions. Practise third-angle projection and auxiliary views, line types, dimensioning and tolerances, sections, and the pictorial and CAD methods until they are automatic.
  3. Learn the design vocabulary. Know the design elements, the principles (with their effect), colour theory, RGB versus CMYK and DTP features exactly, with a use for each.
  4. Apply to unfamiliar tasks. Many marks come from reading or improving a drawing or layout you have not seen before, and from justifying your choices.
  5. Practise past papers and produce graphics. Use SQA past papers and marking instructions for the question paper, and produce complete preliminary, production and promotional graphics for the assignment.

The modules, area by area

Each area has key-area answer pages with worked questions and cross-links, plus an overview guide and a quiz. Browse the full set from this hub:

  • 2D graphic communication - orthographic projection, British Standards line types, dimensioning and tolerances, sectional drawings, assembly drawings, building drawings and symbols.
  • 3D and pictorial graphic communication - pictorial drawing methods, perspective drawing, sketching and rendering, 3D CAD modelling techniques, CAD assembly and rendering.
  • Graphic design and layout - the design elements, the design principles, colour theory, DTP features and layout, and the design process and contexts.
  • Graphic communication in context - the impact of graphic communication, graphics technologies and file formats, and the course assessment overview.

The assignment

The 50-mark assignment applies these skills in practical tasks across three areas (preliminary, production and promotional graphics). See the course assessment overview for how it is structured and marked.

For the official course specification

The SQA (now Qualifications Scotland) publishes the full Higher Graphic Communication course specification, specimen question paper and coursework task at sqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and SQA past papers, because question style, conventions and terminology are board-specific.

Graphic Communication guides

In-depth written guides with paired practice quizzes.

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Graphic Communication practice quizzes

Multiple-choice drills with worked answer explanations. Your scores stay on this device.

The SQA-HIGHER system, explained

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Common questions about Graphic Communication

How is SQA Higher Graphic Communication structured?
Higher Graphic Communication is an SCQF level 6 course (course code C835 76) that develops advanced graphic communication skills using equipment, materials and software, and an understanding of standards, conventions and the role of graphics. Its content spans two main strands, 2D graphic communication (technical, production drawing to British Standards) and 3D and pictorial graphic communication (pictorial, perspective, sketching and CAD), together with graphic design and layout (DTP, the design elements and principles, colour and the design process) and graphic communication in context (impact and technologies). At Higher the work involves complex features and commercial or industrial practice, building on National 5 towards Advanced Higher or further study.
How is SQA Higher Graphic Communication assessed?
The award is graded A to D and has two components, both set and marked by the SQA. The question paper is worth 90 marks (about 64%) and is sat under exam conditions for two hours and thirty minutes, assessing knowledge and skills across the whole course. The assignment is worth 50 marks (about 36%) and is the practical coursework, completed under controlled conditions, with three areas: preliminary, production and promotional graphics. Together they total 140 marks. Always confirm the current marks against the SQA course specification, as totals can be revised.
What is the Higher Graphic Communication assignment?
The assignment is the practical coursework, completed under controlled conditions and marked by the SQA, worth 50 marks. It responds to a brief across three areas, which may or may not be thematically related: preliminary graphics (developing and refining ideas), production graphics (accurate technical drawings and CAD models to British Standards) and promotional graphics (a finished layout such as a poster, leaflet or display, designed with the design elements, principles, colour and DTP for a target audience). It assesses the practical skills of the course applied in context.
What does SCQF level 6 mean for Higher Graphic Communication?
SCQF is the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. Higher sits at level 6, the same level as other Highers and the access point most Scottish universities use for entry. It is more demanding than National 5 (level 5) and below Advanced Higher (level 7). Higher Graphic Communication signals advanced skill in producing and reading complex 2D, 3D, pictorial and CAD graphics, applying drawing standards and conventions, and designing graphics for an audience, expected before moving on to Advanced Higher Graphic Communication or related study.
How should I revise for SQA Higher Graphic Communication?
Work through the course content against the SQA course specification, because question-paper items are written from it. Drill the conventions hardest: third-angle orthographic projection and auxiliary views, British Standards line types, dimensioning and tolerances (datum versus chain, and limits), sectional and assembly drawings, and the pictorial and perspective methods. Learn the CAD modelling commands (extrude, revolve, sweep, loft) and assembly constraints, the design elements and principles, colour theory and RGB versus CMYK, the DTP features, and the impact and file-format content precisely. Practise SQA past papers and marking instructions, and produce complete preliminary, production and promotional graphics for the assignment.
How does SQA Higher Graphic Communication differ from an A-Level in graphic or product design?
Higher Graphic Communication is a one-year SCQF level 6 Scottish qualification set by the SQA (now Qualifications Scotland), while A-Levels are set by English, Welsh and Northern Irish boards. The Higher is assessed by one 90-mark question paper plus a 50-mark practical assignment, uses Scottish terminology and the SQA course specification, and balances technical production drawing to British Standards (orthographic, sectional, assembly, pictorial and CAD work) with graphic design and layout and a contextual strand on impact and technology. Always revise from the current SQA specification and SQA past papers, because question style and terminology are board-specific.