Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology (9990)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology is designed to give students an understanding of psychological concepts, theories and research methodology.

The syllabus:

is suitable for students who have no prior learning in psychology
engages with four core areas of psychology: biological, cognitive, social and learning
allows students to deepen their knowledge through a choice of two options at Cambridge International A Level from clinical psychology, consumer psychology, health psychology or organisational psychology
encourages students to consider the relationships between psychological findings and everyday life.

Syllabuses

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

Syllabus updates

Summary of the changes
- We have updated this syllabus to make it clearer what students need to know and help teachers create an engaging course which prepares students for higher education.
  
  What are the main changes to the syllabus?
  
  The assessment objectives have been updated and the weighting in each paper has been adjusted slightly.
  - In Cambridge International AS Level, we have swapped five of the core studies for new studies which support the issues, debates and research methodology content.
  - In the research methodology section we have reviewed the content for clarity.
  - In Cambridge International A Level, we have changed the titles of the specialist options and reviewed all the content.
  - We have taken a new approach to the use of studies. Overall we have reduced the number of studies which need to be taught and have clarified what candidates need to know.
  What are the main changes to the assessment?
  
  The number of papers, duration and number of marks have not changed.
  - At Cambridge International AS Level there are some formatting updates to Paper 1 and Paper 2, but no substantial changes.
  - There are more substantial changes to the Cambridge International A Level assessment.
  - The title of Paper 3 is now Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates. The focus of the paper has changed and there will now be questions testing AO2 Application in Paper 3.
  - We have changed the title of Paper 4 to Specialist Options: Application and Research methods. The focus of the paper has changed and the essay section has been removed.
  When do these changes take place?
  
  The updated syllabus is for examination from March 2024 onwards. Examinations are available in June and November and in March 2021 for India only. Please see the 2024-2026 syllabus above for full details.
Teaching and learning resources
- Coming soon
  
  We are developing a comprehensive range of resources to help teachers deliver this updated syllabus.
  
  We aim to provide a scheme of work and other relevant classroom resources. Example Candidate Responses will be available following the first examination in 2024. Visit the School Support Hub from June 2022 onwards for details.
  
  Endorsed resources
  View the latest endorsed resources that are being developed by our endorsement partners for this syllabus.
  
  Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology (Second edition) (Cambridge University Press)
  
  The coursebook offers full syllabus coverage. Students apply skills of analysis, interpretation, application and evaluation for the AS Level approaches and the key studies at A Level. A workbook and teacher’s resource are also available.
  
  Read more on the Cambridge University Press website
  
  Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology (First edition) (Hodder Education)
  
  Ensure students develop key knowledge and understanding with a clear pathway through the psychological theories, perspectives, and real-world applications at the heart of the updated Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology syllabus.
  
  Read more on the Hodder Education website

Important notices

Front covers
- From 2020, we have made some changes to the wording and layout of the front covers of our question papers to reflect the new Cambridge International branding and to make instructions clearer for candidates - learn more.

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).

Main navigation

Cambridge Primary

Cambridge Lower Secondary

Cambridge Upper Secondary

Cambridge Advanced

Other

Cambridge Exams Officers' Guide

Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology (9990)

Syllabus overview

Syllabuses

Syllabus updates

What are the main changes to the syllabus?

What are the main changes to the assessment?

When do these changes take place?

Coming soon

Endorsed resources

Important notices

School Support Hub