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Cambridge (CIE) · A Level

Computer Science 9618

Understand how computers represent and process information, then develop algorithms, programming skills and logical reasoning.

23 lessons and reviews1 practice setSyllabus 2027–2029
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At a glance

What you'll cover

  • Information representation
  • Advanced data representation
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Published syllabus exam years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029. Confirm exam-series and centre availability with your school and Cambridge.

Syllabus 2027–2029

Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science 9618 syllabus map

2026 Version 2 and 2027–2029 Version 2

20 of 20 sections have teaching and practice

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Study options and assessment

This pathway maps the 2026 Version 2 and 2027–2029 Version 2 syllabuses, which Cambridge says have no significant changes affecting teaching. It has original teaching and guided, independent and transfer practice for all 20 syllabus sections, with topic links to the official section headings. It is mapped teaching, not proof of exam readiness or an official Cambridge grade. Paper 4 requires complete programs and testing evidence in a programming environment; the current course offers explained code and algorithm practice but does not yet provide a locked-down timed programming-paper environment, full four-paper mocks or human subject-teacher review.

This route uses the 2026 Version 2 and 2027–2029 Version 2 syllabus content; Cambridge states there are no significant teaching changes between these versions. The 2026 update clarifies assessment and the restriction that Paper 4 source files do not contain binary files. AS candidates take Papers 1 and 2. A Level candidates take all four papers, staged or in one series, subject to current carry-forward and entry rules. June and November series are listed.

Choose your paper route

  • AS Level onlyPaper 1 + Paper 2

    Paper 1 Theory Fundamentals: 1 h 30 min, 75 marks; Paper 2 Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills: 2 h, 75 marks. Each is 50% of AS. Externally assessed; Paper 2 answers use pseudocode.

  • Staged A LevelAS papers, then Papers 3 + 4

    Candidates take Papers 1 and 2 at AS, then complete the A Level with Papers 3 and 4, subject to Cambridge carry-forward rules and time limits. Check the current Cambridge Handbook and centre entry.

  • A Level in one seriesPapers 1 + 2 + 3 + 4

    Paper 3 Advanced Theory: 1 h 30 min, 75 marks. Paper 4 Practical: 2 h 30 min, 75 marks; candidates use Python, Java or Visual Basic console mode and submit code plus testing evidence. Each paper is 25% of A Level; all are externally assessed.

Sections 1–12 are the AS foundation. Sections 13–20 extend the A Level. Paper 4 is a practical computer-based examination; this site does not provide the official exam environment or conditions.

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AS content is Sections 1–12; A Level content adds Sections 13–20. Papers 1 and 3 assess theory; Papers 2 and 4 assess problem-solving/programming. Paper 4 assesses Sections 19–20 except low-level and declarative programming, using a computer without internet or email. This learning route has no executable assessment sandbox and does not award Cambridge marks or grades. Current map links each of the 20 official subject sections to one original lesson with three practice modes; it does not certify timed-paper readiness or teacher approval.

AS Level

A Level

Practical examination environment

  • Timed executable Paper 4 practicePAPER4-IDE · Assessment limitation, not a syllabus section
    Teacher, centre, or specialist assessment required

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  1. 01

    1 Information representation

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  2. 02

    2 Communication and networks

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  3. 03

    3 Hardware and logic circuits

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  4. 04

    4 Processor fundamentals

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  5. 05

    5 System software and translators

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  6. 06

    6 Security, privacy and data integrity

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  7. 07

    7 Ethics, ownership and artificial intelligence

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  8. 08

    8 Databases and SQL

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  9. 09

    9 Algorithm design and problem-solving

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  10. 10

    10 Data types and structures

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  11. 11

    11 Programming and structured design

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  12. 12

    12 Software development

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  13. 13

    13 Advanced data representation

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  14. 14

    14 Communication and internet technologies

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  15. 15

    15 Processors, virtual machines and advanced logic

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  16. 16

    16 Operating systems and translation software

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  17. 17

    17 Encryption and digital certificates

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  18. 18

    18 Artificial intelligence and machine learning

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  19. 19

    19 Advanced algorithms and recursion

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  20. 20

    20 Further programming

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  21. 21

    Binary and hexadecimal

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  22. 22

    Registers and the fetch cycle

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  23. 23

    Time complexity

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AS & A Level Computer Science 9618 · Starter Paper

3 questions · 45 min · Timed practice

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