Cambridge International AS & A Level History (9489)
Develop historical explanation, source evaluation and interpretation through selected periods and depth studies.
2026 examinations
Course structure and assessment routes
- AS: Papers 1 and 2 within one European, American or International option.
- A Level: all four papers, adding one Paper 3 interpretation topic and one Paper 4 depth study. Take all papers together or carry forward an eligible AS result.
Main syllabus content
- AS options: Modern Europe 1750–1921; USA 1820–1941; International history 1870–1945
- Interpretations: First World War origins; Holocaust; or Cold War origins and development
- Depth studies: interwar Europe; USA 1944–1992; or International history 1945–1992
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
9489 assessment structure
Use the route above to identify which components you take. Marks below are raw marks; the stated weightings determine their contribution to the award.
Paper 1
Document Question
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks
- 40
- Weighting
- 40% AS / 20% A Level
Paper 2
Outline Study
- Duration
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 60% AS / 30% A Level
Paper 3
Interpretations Question
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks
- 40
- Weighting
- 20% A Level
Paper 4
Depth Study
- Duration
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 30% A Level
Key assessment information
- AS topics rotate between Papers 1 and 2 by exam year; consult the 2026 prescriptions. All papers are externally assessed. AS grades a–e; A Level A*–E; Cambridge carry-forward rules apply.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 9489 syllabus/specification (PDF). 2026 examinations.
Source PDF pages: 9, 10, 11, 12. PDF page positions may differ from printed page numbers.
IGCSEfy is an independent study aid. Check the full official document and your exam-paper instructions, especially exam-year options, equipment and centre arrangements. Older archive papers may follow an earlier syllabus.