Cambridge A-Level Islamic Studies
Cambridge International A Level Islamic Studies examines the origins, beliefs, history, and thought of Islam, including the Qur'an, the life of the Prophet, and Islamic law and civilisation.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
36%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~4 hours across 2 papers
A* A B C D E grades
E = minimum pass | A/A* for top universities
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — The Origins & Development of Islam | 1 hour 30 minutes | Essays | 50% |
| Paper 2 — Islam in the Modern World | 1 hour 30 minutes | Essays | 50% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Work through past papers under timed conditions — familiarity with question style is half the battle.
- 2
Teach the material to someone else (even an imaginary student) — explaining exposes weak spots fast.
- 3
Use active recall: close your notes and write down everything you remember, then check the gaps.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Define the key terms associated with The Qur'an and explain why they matter in this subject.
Apply the concept of The Life of the Prophet to a realistic scenario, explaining your reasoning step by step.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Hadith Literature, using evidence to support a clear, balanced conclusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Ignoring the marks allocated per question — a 2-mark answer doesn't need a paragraph.
- ✕
Never practicing under timed conditions before the real exam.
- ✕
Confusing similar key terms that examiners deliberately test against each other.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for Cambridge A-Level Islamic Studies — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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