Back to A Level
A Level
Computer Science
Syllabus 9618Cambridge International
Cambridge A Level Computer Science (9618) covers programming theory, data structures, algorithms, databases, networking and AI. Four papers including a practical programming paper. The premier qualification for Computer Science, Software Engineering and Data Science degrees.
Key topics
- Information representation, communication & internet
- Hardware, processors, system & application software
- Algorithms, recursion, abstract data types (stacks, queues, trees)
- Programming paradigms — procedural, OOP, functional
- Databases — relational, SQL, normalisation
- Boolean algebra, security, ethical & legal issues
Exam tips
- 01For Paper 2 (practical), use Python or VB — Python is faster to write.
- 02Practice big-O analysis early — it appears in every Paper 3.
- 03Memorise standard algorithms (binary search, bubble sort, merge sort) — examiners ask for trace tables.
- 04Database normalisation up to 3NF is high-yield — practice 10+ scenarios.
- 05Practice past papers from at least the last 5 sessions — pattern recognition is half the battle.