National 5 Media

Course Specification (03/06/2026)

Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

Session 2026-27 onwards

Session 2025-26

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level


Additional question papers resources

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

Session 2026-27 onwards

Session 2025-26

2021

There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21

Coursework (03/06/2026)

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

Session 2026-27 onwards

Assignment template

Optional template to download for the submission of the Coursework Assessment Task for National 5 Media. The template sets out the criteria for the assignment in separate boxes. Please note that the size of each box can be amended to suit candidate needs.

Session 2025-26

Guidance on conditions of assessment

Understanding Standards (09/02/2026)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Further Understanding Standards materials for this subject can be found on SQA’s secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.

Webinar (recording)

A recording of the National 5 Webinar 13 January 2025 can be found on the SQA Secure site (access via your SQA Coordinator) 

Course assessment from session 2022-2023 (17 January 2022)

Course assesment from session 2020-21 (13 January 2020)

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Course reports (11/09/2025)

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

Course Reports

Ushare open learning resources