specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990) is a two-year linear qualification covering the approaches, issues and debates in psychology, research methods, and specialist options. Papers 1 and 2 form the AS Level; Papers 3 and 4 add the A Level with two chosen specialist options from Clinical, Consumer, Health and Organisational Psychology.
subject content
1. Approaches, issues and debates (AS)
Paper 1- Four approaches: biological, cognitive, learning, social
- 12 core studies (three per approach) illustrating each approach
2. Research methods (AS)
Paper 2- Experimental and non-experimental methods
- Sampling, ethics, data analysis, evaluating research
3. Specialist options 1 (A Level)
Paper 3- Two options from: clinical, consumer, health, organisational
- Application of the four AS approaches
4. Specialist options 2 (A Level)
Paper 4- Same two options studied for Paper 3
- Focus on debates, applied theories and research
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Approaches, Issues and Debates) | AS approaches, core studies, and issues and debates in psychology | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Short-answer and extended-response questions |
| Paper 2 (Research Methods) | AS research methods and study design | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level / 50% of AS Level | Structured questions on research methods and study analysis |
| Paper 3 (Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates) | Two chosen specialist options: approaches, issues and debates | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level | Essays and structured questions on chosen options |
| Paper 4 (Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods) | Same two options as Paper 3 (application and research methods) | 1h 30m | 60 | 25% of A Level | Applied questions, case-study analysis and a planning question on chosen options |
Students choose two specialist options at the start of the A Level year, from clinical, consumer, health or organisational psychology. Papers 3 and 4 both cover the same two chosen options.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of psychological approaches, concepts and studies. | 35% AS / 30% A Level |
| AO2 | Application of knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts and studies to unfamiliar contexts. | 35% AS / 35% A Level |
| AO3 | Analysis, interpretation and evaluation of psychological arguments, evidence and issues. | 30% AS / 35% A Level |
key tips for success
Master the four approaches
Biological, cognitive, learning, social. Every question on Paper 1 rewards knowing which approach a study fits into and its strengths/weaknesses.
Learn core studies cold
CIE prescribes 12 core studies (three per approach across four approaches) that appear on Paper 1. Learn each: aim, method, findings, evaluation, ethics.
Choose options carefully
Paper 3 and 4 both use the same two chosen options (from clinical, consumer, health or organisational). Your school picks the pairing.
Practise research methods thoroughly
Paper 2 rewards detailed knowledge of experimental design, sampling, ethics and data analysis. Practise designing studies and evaluating them.
Applied thinking for Paper 4
Paper 4 is applied, case studies where you apply theory to real situations. Practise linking theory to scenarios (workplace, healthcare, consumer contexts).
Know which route you're on
AS only (Papers 1-2), staged A Level, or all four papers in one series. Confirm with your school.
Where to next
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