Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology (9990)
Study psychological approaches and research methods, progressing from core studies to specialist applications.
2024–2026 examinations
Course structure and assessment routes
- AS: Papers 1 and 2, studying biological, cognitive, learning and social approaches through the 12 core studies.
- A Level: all four papers; study two specialist options. Take all papers together or carry forward an eligible AS result.
Main syllabus content
- Biological, cognitive, learning and social approaches
- Research methods, issues and debates
- Two A Level options: Clinical, Consumer, Health or Organisational Psychology
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
9990 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
Approaches, Issues and Debates
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 50% AS / 25% A Level
Paper 2
Research Methods
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 50% AS / 25% A Level
Paper 3
Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 25% A Level
Paper 4
Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks
- 60
- Weighting
- 25% A Level
Key assessment information
- All papers are externally assessed. Papers 3 and 4 assess two specialist options, not all four. AS grades a–e; A Level A*–E; Cambridge carry-forward rules apply.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 9990 syllabus/specification (PDF). 2024–2026 examinations.
Source PDF pages: 9, 10, 11. 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.