Cambridge (CIE) A Level Computer Science specification (9618)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Computer Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Computer Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Computer Science (9618) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Cambridge International A Level Computer Science course equips learners with a strong understanding of computational thinking, problem-solving, and system design. It fosters analytical and logical reasoning while applying theoretical and practical knowledge of computing. Learners explore software and hardware concepts, programming, data structures, and algorithms alongside ethical and societal implications. The syllabus supports progression to further education and careers in computer science and related fields. It emphasises innovation and the ability to work independently or collaboratively in technological contexts.
Subject content breakdown
1 Information representation
- Number systems: binary, hexadecimal, twos complement
- Data representation: characters, images, sound
- Data storage formats and compression
2 Communication and Internet technologies
- Data transmission, error detection
- Networking concepts, protocols and standards
- Internet structure, packet switching, IP addressing
3 Hardware
- Logic gates, Boolean algebra, circuits
- Structure and function of processor components
- Memory types, input/output devices
4 Processor fundamentals
- Fetch-execute cycle, instruction sets
- Assembly language and addressing modes
5 System software
- Operating system functions
- Utility software, translators, and compilers vs interpreters
6 Security, privacy and data integrity
- Threats to data, protection methods
- Legal and ethical considerations
7 Ethics and ownership
- Intellectual property, licensing
- Environmental and social impact
8 Databases
- Relational databases, normalisation (1NF to 3NF)
- SQL and query design
9 Algorithm design and problem-solving
- Abstraction, decomposition, algorithm trace tables
- Pseudocode and flowcharts
10 Data types and structures
- Primitive data types
- Arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees
11 Programming
- Constructs: sequence, selection, iteration
- Procedures, functions, recursion
- File handling and modular programming
12 Software development
- Life cycle models, testing strategies
- Program documentation and maintenance
13 Computational thinking and problem-solving
- Identifying and solving problems through algorithms
- Evaluating solutions and efficiency
14 Further programming
- Object-oriented programming principles
- Class design, inheritance, and encapsulation
15 Abstract data types
- Advanced structures: binary trees, graphs, hash tables
- Operations and applications
16 Boolean algebra
- Laws of Boolean algebra
- Karnaugh maps, simplification of logic expressions
17 Computer architecture
- Register architecture, control unit, buses
- Von Neumann and Harvard architectures
18 Assembly language programming
- Use of registers and instructions
- Simple low-level programming constructs
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Theory Fundamentals
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks
- Structured and short-answer questions
- Based on content from sections 1–7, 13 and 16
- 25% of A Level (also Paper 1 of AS)
Paper 2: Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills
- 2 hours, 75 marks
- Short and structured questions with programming and pseudocode
- Based on sections 9–13
- 25% of A Level (also Paper 2 of AS)
Paper 3: Advanced Theory
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks
- Structured and extended-response questions
- Based on sections 8 and 14–18
- 25% of A Level only
Paper 4: Practical
- 2 hours 30 minutes, 75 marks
- Programming task using pre-release material
- Based on sections 9–13 and 14
25% of A Level only
- AS Level candidates take Papers 1 and 2
- Full A Level candidates take all four papers
- Programming may be completed in any high-level language
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Computer Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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