Physics · Higher
Higher Physics has three units — our dynamic universe, particles and waves, and electricity — and two papers. Expect more algebra, more graphs, and questions that combine topics rather than testing them one at a time.
What it offers you
Physics leads on to engineering, astronomy, electronics, energy and research careers, and its problem-solving approach is prized well beyond science.
What Higher actually asks of you
Paper 1 — multiple choice
Fast objective questions across all three units.
Paper 2 — extended answer
Calculations and explanations: kinematics and relativity, forces and energy, waves and interference, spectra, current, voltage, resistance and electrical sources. Relationships sheets are provided.
Assignment — a practical investigation you research, carry out and evaluate.
Exact timings and mark allocations are printed on the front cover of each paper below.
Topics that come up
Papers & marking schemes
2026
7 files2025
7 files2024
7 files2023
7 filesSQA publishes the most recent five years of papers. Older papers and specimen papers live on their site — open Physics Higher on sqa.org.uk.