Advanced Higher Modern Studies
This course is suitable for a range of candidates, from those who wish to achieve a greater understanding of contemporary society and their place in it, to those who wish to progress to more specialised training, further education or employment.
Deliverer
Harlaw Academy
Course Outline
The overall theme of the course is ‘Law and Order and Research Methods’ and comprises two units, one of 80 hours and one of 40 hours as outlined below:
Unit 1: Social Issues: Law and Order and Social Research Methods
- Context A: Understanding criminal behaviour: A) Definitions, measurements and perceptions of crime. B) Contemporary relevance of theories of criminal. C) Social and economic impact of criminal behaviour.
- Context B: Responses by society to crime: A) Contemporary relevance of theories of punishment. B) Preventative responses to crime. C) Criminal justice responses to crime.
- Research Methods: A) Qualitative and quantitative social scientific research methodology. B) Source evaluation.
Unit 2: Researching Contemporary Issues
Pupils conduct independent primary and secondary research on a law and order topic, developing the investigative skills of planning, researching, analysing, and presenting through the production of a 5000-word dissertation.
Course Assessment
To gain a full award for this course, pupils must achieve all the component units of the course (internally assessed) as well as an external assessment.
The external assessment comprises an externally set and assessed question paper and the dissertation. In addition, pupils must pass internal assessments throughout the course relating to the content of Units 1 and 2.
Links to further information
Potential Pathways beyond this course:
Robert Gordon University Law School
University of Aberdeen Politics & International Relations
University of Aberdeen School of Law