Cambridge (CIE) A Level Psychology specification (9990)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Psychology 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 Psychology 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 Psychology (9990) 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
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology aims to develop learners’ understanding of psychological concepts, theories and research. The course encourages learners to think like psychologists by exploring key debates and methodological approaches while applying psychological ideas to real-world scenarios. It promotes critical thinking, data interpretation, ethical awareness and scientific reasoning. The AS Level introduces core studies aligned to four psychological approaches (Biological, Cognitive, Learning, Social), while the full A Level deepens this with two specialist options. The course fosters skills valued by universities: independent inquiry, analytical thinking and evaluative judgment.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 AS Level Content
Biological
- Dement and Kleitman: REM sleep and dreams.
- Hassett et al.: Sex differences in monkey toy preferences.
- Hölzel et al.: Effects of mindfulness on brain structure.
Cognitive
- Andrade: Impact of doodling on memory.
- Baron-Cohen et al.: Eyes test and theory of mind.
- Pozzulo et al.: Line-up memory in adults and children.
Learning
- Bandura et al.: Imitation of aggression in children.
- Fagen et al.: Elephant training using positive reinforcement.
- Saavedra and Silverman: Treatment of button phobia.
Social
- Milgram: Obedience to authority.
- Perry et al.: Interpersonal distance and oxytocin.
- Piliavin et al.: Bystander intervention on subway.
Research Methodology
- Understand features and evaluation of: experiments, self-reports, case studies, observations, correlations, longitudinal studies.
- Concepts: aims, hypotheses, variables, control, sampling, ethics, validity, reliability, data types, data analysis.
3.2 A Level Content
- Study two of: Clinical, Consumer, Health, or Organisational Psychology.
Build on AS content to analyse, evaluate, and apply psychology to practical contexts.
- Clinical Psychology: Focus on disorders (schizophrenia, depression, OCD, phobias, etc.), their explanations, diagnostics and treatments.
- Consumer Psychology: Explore design, environment, decision-making, heuristics, advertising, and packaging.
- Health Psychology: Cover adherence, pain, stress, health promotion and patient-practitioner interaction.
Organisational Psychology: Include leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, workplace conditions and group behaviour.
Issues and debates to consider across A Level: nature vs nurture, reductionism vs holism, free-will vs determinism, idiographic vs nomothetic, cultural factors.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Approaches, Issues and Debates
- 1h30m, 60 marks
- Section A: Short-answer questions on core studies.
- Section B: Extended response questions.
- 50% AS / 25% A Level
Paper 2 – Research Methods
- 1h30m, 60 marks
- Section A: Short-answer and scenario-based questions.
- Section B: Planning question.
- 50% AS / 25% A Level
Paper 3 – Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates
- 1h30m, 60 marks
- Answer questions from two specialist options.
- Section includes short-answer and one structured essay question per option.
- 25% A Level
Paper 4 – Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods
- 1h30m, 60 marks
- Section A: Structured questions on two specialist options.
- Section B: One planning question from choice of four.
25% A Level
- AS Level routes: Papers 1 & 2
- A Level (staged): Papers 1 & 2 in Year 1; Papers 3 & 4 in Year 2
- A Level (full): Papers 1–4 in same series
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Psychology 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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