Hundreds of Aberdeen and Shire school pupils are sharpening their social science skills at the University of Aberdeen this week.
Two Higher Modern Studies conferences are being held to help secondary students fine-tune their exam technique and learn from University experts in Politics, International Relations and Sociology.
Around 400 teenagers from Turriff to Torry Academy will visit King's College Conference Centre on Wednesday and Thursday – Aberdeenshire pupils on the 9th and City pupils on the 10th.
The conferences, which involve 20 of the region's schools, have been organised by Aberdeen City Council Modern Studies Network and the University of Aberdeen's School of Social Science.
Tom Ferguson, Dyce Academy Principal Teacher of Modern Studies, said: "Feedback from pupils attending previous conferences at the University has always been very positive. The pupils get a lot out of the event at a time when they're studying hard for their forthcoming exams.
"The advice they receive from the University experts is a great help and may be one reason behind the successful results our schools have been producing in recent years."
Topics covered at the conferences will include UK electoral systems, American politics, voting patterns and health and wealth issues. A presentation on how to pass the Higher Modern Studies exam will also be given to both groups.
The schools participating at the conferences are as follows:
Aberdeenshire – Peterhead Academy, Meldrum Academy, Mearns Academy, Mackie Academy, Banff Academy, Portlethen Academy, Ellon Academy, Aboyne Academy, Kemnay Academy, Turriff Academy.
City: Aberdeen College, Kincorth Academy, St Machar Academy, St. Margaret's School, Torry Academy, Aberdeen Grammar School, Albyn School, Bankhead Academy, Dyce Academy, Hazlehead Academy.