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Advanced Higher History vs Modern Studies

I've just gone into S5 and have started studying for my Highers (English, history, modern studies, classical studies, and business management).

I know I want to study Advanced Higher English (non-negotiable) and Business Management in S6, but I'm struggling to decide between Advanced Higher Modern Studies and History.

For context, I want to study Literature at uni and go into journalism or publishing.

I really enjoy both Modern studies and History (I'd say about equally), and I'm struggling to decide between them. I feel like Modern Studies would be more useful for what I want to do, but I don't like the thought of not taking History. And if I consider taking History, I don't like the thought of not taking Modern Studies.

Does anyone have any advice/pros and cons that might help me decide?

Also, I know that I've still got a while until I need to decide on my S6 subjects, but I like to have a plan, and it's currently frustrating me that I feel so indecisive.

Reply 1

RM-UK

Original post

by jasmineva3128

I've just gone into S5 and have started studying for my Highers (English, history, modern studies, classical studies, and business management).
I know I want to study Advanced Higher English (non-negotiable) and Business Management in S6, but I'm struggling to decide between Advanced Higher Modern Studies and History.
For context, I want to study Literature at uni and go into journalism or publishing.
I really enjoy both Modern studies and History (I'd say about equally), and I'm struggling to decide between them. I feel like Modern Studies would be more useful for what I want to do, but I don't like the thought of not taking History. And if I consider taking History, I don't like the thought of not taking Modern Studies.
Does anyone have any advice/pros and cons that might help me decide?
Also, I know that I've still got a while until I need to decide on my S6 subjects, but I like to have a plan, and it's currently frustrating me that I feel so indecisive.

This is my opinion but I would study History, it is the father/mother of the present. Understanding the events and political decisions of the past will help you understand the context in which we operate and those same analytical skills will allow you to evaluate current events (assuming you keep updated with the news and current affairs). I believe it will help with the journalism side of things. You may also have an understanding of the historical context in which the works you study in English were written.

Good luck!

Reply 2

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by jasmineva3128

I've just gone into S5 and have started studying for my Highers (English, history, modern studies, classical studies, and business management).
I know I want to study Advanced Higher English (non-negotiable) and Business Management in S6, but I'm struggling to decide between Advanced Higher Modern Studies and History.
For context, I want to study Literature at uni and go into journalism or publishing.
I really enjoy both Modern studies and History (I'd say about equally), and I'm struggling to decide between them. I feel like Modern Studies would be more useful for what I want to do, but I don't like the thought of not taking History. And if I consider taking History, I don't like the thought of not taking Modern Studies.
Does anyone have any advice/pros and cons that might help me decide?
Also, I know that I've still got a while until I need to decide on my S6 subjects, but I like to have a plan, and it's currently frustrating me that I feel so indecisive.

Hi Jasmine (:

Both sound like great options and will have pretty similar skills invloved which would help with essay writing and analysis! (:, id suggest having a look on the SQA websitie in the course spec area to see a bit more about what you would be studying and see which one sounds more interesting! - I know with higher modern studies there was some flexibility in what my school chose for us to focus on (unsure if the same with the adv & history) but if thats the case its also worth asking your teachers and seeing what likely would be covered!

So long as you dont require one or the other for entry requirements its really just up to what you would enjoy more! - so best just asking around and seeing which sounds most appealing to you! 😊 - if your still unsure i'd then be thinking of which you usually do better in but the one you would enjoy the most is definitly the priority!!

Hope this helps, goodluck with your highers! (:

Emily
Year 3, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep