- International
Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research prepares students for positive engagement with our rapidly changing world.
Students broaden their outlook through the critical analysis of - and reflection on - issues of global significance. The Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research syllabus is based on skills rather than on specific content. Students develop research, thinking, reasoning and communication skills by following an approach to analysing and evaluating arguments and perspectives called the Critical Path. Collaborative skills are enhanced through participation in a team project whilst research, analysis and evaluation skills are developed through the 5000 word Cambridge Research Report (A Level only). The skills gained through study of Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research enable students to meet the demands of 21st Century learning and to make a successful transition to study in higher education.
UK NARIC has reviewed Cambridge International A Level Global Perspectives & Research and found that it is of a comparable level to study at GCE A Level standard in the UK, with the Cambridge International AS Level comparable to the GCE AS Level standard, and that it develops skills that are particularly relevant in preparing students for higher education study internationally. The executive summary of the UK NARIC report can be found here.
- Cambridge Assessment International Education
Students complete a series of assessments over a year (for AS) or two years (for A Level) including a written examination, essay and team project. Those students completing the full A Level will also undertake the Cambridge Research Report – an extended independent research report not exceeding 5000 words.
9239 – Global Perspectives & Research
The Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research syllabus is based on skills rather than on specific content. Students develop research, thinking, reasoning and communication skills by following an approach to analysing and evaluating arguments and perspectives called the Critical Path. Collaborative skills are enhanced through participation in a team project.
- Level 3
Comparable to Level 3 of the Regulatory Frameworks in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Level 3 is broadly aligned to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 6 / 7.
Cambridge International AS is graded A – E.
Cambridge International A Level is graded A* – E.
Cambridge International Global Perspectives & Research A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International Global Perspectives & Research AS Level is typically one year.
Students can choose to:
- take a standalone AS Level qualification (The syllabus content for Cambridge International AS Level is half of a Cambridge International A Level programme.)
- take a ‘staged’ assessment route – take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination series and complete the final Cambridge International A Level in a subsequent series; achievement in the AS Level contributes to the final A Level grade
- Students take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination series, usually at the end of the second year of study.
|
Component |
AS Level Weighting |
A Level Weighting |
|
1 – Written Examination |
30% |
15% |
|
2 – Essay |
35% |
17.5% |
|
3 – Team Project |
35% |
17.5% |
|
4 – Cambridge Research Report |
- |
50% |
For Cambridge International AS Global Perspectives & Research, candidates take three compulsory components: Written Examination; Essay; Team Project. All three components are externally assessed.
For Cambridge International A Level Global Perspectives & Research, candidates take four compulsory components: Written Examination; Essay; Team Project; Cambridge Research Report. Components 1 to 3 are externally assessed and Component 4 is internally assessed and externally moderated.
The full qualifications can be retaken at the next available opportunity.
The syllabuses are designed around 180 guided learning hours for Cambridge International AS, and around 360 guided learning hours for Cambridge International A Level.
HEPs can expect to receive applications from overseas students holding Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research alongside a suite of other Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects. HEPs are encouraged to accept the full Cambridge International A Level as one of the three subjects required for entry.
HEPs can also expect to receive applications from UK students holding Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research, typically from the independent sector, some state schools, and crown dependencies, e.g. the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
UK NARIC has carried out an independent benchmarking of Cambridge International AS & A Levels, and found them comparable to the standard of UK AS and A Level.
Students have used Cambridge International AS & A Levels to gain places at universities worldwide including:
- UK
- USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Egypt
- Germany
- India
- Ireland
- Jordan
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Spain
- Results are released in mid-January for November exam series.
- Results are released in mid-August for June exam series.
- Results are released in June for the March exam series (India only).
This qualification is current.
Cambridge International publishes annual certification information on its website at:
Cambridge International also provides certification information to UCAS and individual institutions worldwide.
Students can generally expect their grades to be considered as part of a wider suite of Cambridge International AS/A Levels for progression to Higher Education.
Further information can be found at: