Higher Psychology
Higher Psychology is out of 120: a 2-hour question paper scaled to 80 marks and a 40-mark research assignment. The 2027 exam is on Thursday 27 May, from 1pm to 3pm.
- Question paper13:00 to 15:00
What grade is my mark?
Type a total mark to see the grade it would have got.
How the A and C boundaries have moved
Boundaries as a share of the total marks. A lower line means the papers were judged harder that year. Qualifications Scotland publishes boundaries from 2022 in this format.
| Year | Out of | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 120 | 80 | 67 | 55 | 42 |
| 2025 | 120 | 88 | 74 | 61 | 47 |
| 2024 | 120 | 84 | 70 | 57 | 43 |
| 2023 | 120 | 84 | 72 | 60 | 48 |
| 2022 | 120 | 84 | 71 | 59 | 46 |
Exam and assignment
Higher Psychology has two parts. The question paper lasts 2 hours and is marked out of 60, then scaled to 80. The assignment is worth 40. Together they make 120 marks.
The paper has three sections worth 20 marks each:
- Individual behaviour: the mandatory topic of sleep and dreams
- Social behaviour: the mandatory topic of conformity and obedience
- One additional topic, chosen from depression, memory, stress, prejudice, social relationships or aggression
In 2027 the paper is on Thursday 27 May, from 1pm to 3pm.
The assignment
You plan and carry out your own small piece of primary research. It must follow British Psychological Society ethical guidelines. You write it up as a research report of about 2,000 to 2,500 words using the set template.
For 2026/27, the coursework task wording was updated. It now makes clear that marks are given for two related background research studies in the introduction. Choose two studies that link closely to your own aim.
What the 2025 course report said
On the paper, most candidates applied knowledge well, such as the effect of light on sleep. Many evaluated conformity studies with developed points.
Analysis was the weak spot. Some answers to analysis questions were purely descriptive. The optional topic questions also needed sharper analysis.
In the assignment, introductions were often strong. Common problems were:
- hypotheses that were not fully operationalised
- not justifying the choice of research method
- statistical tests chosen correctly but not justified
About 8% of assignments had ethical problems. Examples included changing participants' pre-sleep routines and collecting sensitive personal data. Avoid anything that could harm or distress participants.
In 2025 an A needed 88 out of 120, a B 74 and a C 61.
Analysis versus description
Description says what a theory or study found. Analysis explains why it matters, how ideas connect, or what follows from a finding. Markers look for that second step.
A simple test helps. After each point, ask what it shows or why it matters. Write the answer down.
Using past papers
Questions follow a pattern of describe, explain, analyse and evaluate. Sort past questions by command word and practise each type. The marking instructions show how many developed points earn full marks.
Revision checklist
Tick topics as you revise. Ticks are saved on this device only.
- Learn the key theories and studies for sleep and dreams
- Learn the key studies on conformity and obedience, with evaluation points
- Master one optional topic in depth, with theories, studies and applications
- Practise analysis by explaining why each point matters, not just what it is
- Write a fully operationalised hypothesis with measurable variables
- Justify your research method and sampling choice in the assignment
- Pick two background studies that link directly to your research aim
- Check your study design against BPS ethical guidelines before collecting data
- Practise calculating mean, median, mode and range on sample data
- Sort past paper questions by command word and practise each type
Quick answers
- What are the mandatory topics in Higher Psychology?
Sleep and dreams from individual behaviour, and conformity and obedience from social behaviour. You also answer on one optional topic.
- How long is the Higher Psychology assignment?
About 2,000 to 2,500 words, written as a research report on the set template. A penalty applies if you go more than 10% over.
- What changed in Higher Psychology for 2026/27?
The coursework task wording was clarified. Marks are awarded for two related background research studies in the introduction.
- When is the Higher Psychology exam in 2027?
Thursday 27 May 2027, from 1pm to 3pm.