Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design (9481)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design allows learners to explore a range of processes and techniques in digital media through flexible course design covering digital photography, moving image, games design and mobile and multimedia applications.

The syllabus:

develops an awareness of the world of digital media and design
develops learners’ creative processes and their ability to critically evaluate their work
encourages learners to combine innovative approaches and techniques to solve problems creatively
expands learners’ knowledge of digital media by exploring different designers, processes and concepts
prepares learners for further study and to work in a collaborative industry.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- For clarity and to reflect feedback from schools, we have updated the assessment objectives and themes listed for Component 1 (Portfolio).
  
  We have updated component descriptions and requirements to make them more accessible to learners and teachers and to reflect up to date best assessment practice and feedback from teachers and Higher Education institutions.
  
  For full details of the changes, please see the 2026-2028 syllabus above.
Teaching and learning resources
- Support
  
  Visit the School Support Hub for a wide range of teaching and learning resources to support this syllabus.
  
  Training
  
  To book a place on any of our face-to-face or online training courses, visit our Events and training calendar.
  
  Endorsed resources
  
  View the latest resources from our Endorsement Partners for the Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design syllabus (9481).
  
  Collins Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design (2nd Edition)
  
  The only endorsed resource written specifically for this syllabus (9481), it introduces students to the history of digital media, changes in the digital landscape and the use of industry tools and technologies through project-based activities.
  
  Read more on the Collins website

Subscribe to syllabus updates

Important notices

Grade descriptions
- For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.
  
  We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
  
  As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.
Submit for Assessment
- Check the Submit for Assessment page and the samples database for information and guidance on submitting moderated and examined work using Submit for Assessment.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

Cambridge Early Years

Cambridge Primary

Cambridge Lower Secondary

Cambridge Upper Secondary

Cambridge Advanced

Other

Cambridge Exams Officers' Guide

Information for schools about Covid-19

Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design (9481)

Syllabus overview

Syllabuses

Syllabus updates

Support

Training

Endorsed resources

Important notices

School Support Hub

Stay up to date