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  • Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699)

Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699)

Syllabus overview

In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology offers learners the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past. 

The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.

Syllabuses

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

  • 2021 -2023 Syllabus (PDF, 770KB)
  • 2024 - 2026 Syllabus (PDF, 725KB)

Syllabus support

  • Support for Sociology (PDF, 703KB)

Syllabus updates

  • Summary of the changes
    • We have updated this syllabus for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023 in line with a wider review of Cambridge International AS & A Level to make sure it meets the needs of learners, schools and and higher education institutions around the world.

      How has the syllabus changed?

      • Following feedback from teachers, the syllabus content has been updated and reorganised.
      • A new component has been added (Paper 4), and the topics from current Paper 3 have been divided between Paper 3 and Paper 4.
      • Unit 4 Global development has been removed and replaced by a new topic: Globalisation.

      How has the assessment changed?

      • We have changed the order of Papers 1 and 2.
      • The question structure for Papers 1 and 2 and the number of marks has changed slightly.
      • A new component has been added: Paper 4 Globalisation, Media and Religion. This paper has essay questions only.
      • Paper 3 now assesses only one topic: Education.

      When do these changes take place?

      This updated syllabus will be assessed in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. It is also available in March 2021, 2022 and 2023 (India only). Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

  • Teaching and learning resources
    • Coming soon

      We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus.

      Support

      Look out for a range of support including a Scheme of work, Example candidate responses, Teacher and Learner guides. These materials will be available before first teaching from April 2019 onwards through our School Support Hub.

      Endorsed resources

      View the latest resources that are being developed for the Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology syllabus (9699).

      A Level Sociology (Collins)Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (Collins)

      This course provides truly international coverage of the Cambridge International syllabus, written by best-selling Sociology authors. It encompasses a range of different societies helping students to apply sociological ideas to the world today.

      Read more on the Collins website

      ASAL Computer ScienceCambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (Cambridge University Press)

      Develop global citizens and critical thinkers as they explore the processes shaping current trends – from social media, to the role of the family and religion. ‘Think like a sociologist’ features, exam-style questions and example answers.

      Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Subscribe to syllabus updates

Important notices

  • Grade descriptions
    • For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.

      Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.

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).

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