General Studies
GCE Advanced Level AS/A2
Course Content
The General Studies specification encourages students to debate, to enquire and to test assumptions. It is based on an investigation into the three key areas of the contemporary world: culture, science and society. These three areas are integrated into four units, with overlapping themes. The themes are presented as questions and issues to explore through debate and research.
AS Unit 1: Challenges for Society
This unit explores the challenges facing society, whether they are scientific, technological or moral. It looks at such issues as nuclear power, genetics, climate change and global warming and asks what makes a humane society.
AS Unit 2: The Individual in Society
This unit explores the individual in society and asks what influences behaviour and where values and opinions come from. It looks at such issues as developments in travel and new communication systems, peer groups, multi-culturalism, media influences, bloggers.
A2 Unit 3: Change and Progress
This unit explores the nature of change and progress in different fields of human experience: art, science and technology. It looks at such issues as education, industrialisation, employment, changes in male and female roles, equality, inequality, migration and human rights.
A2 Unit 4: Beliefs, Values and Responsibilities
This unit explores the unifying themes of values and beliefs that societies develop to guide the behaviour of individuals and groups. It looks at such issues as religious belief, social norms, antisocial behaviour, deviance and creativity.
Examination Details
| AS | Exam |
| Unit 1 Challenges for Society | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Unit 2 The Individual in Society | 1 hour 30 minutes |
AS Year – exam questions are made up of:
Section A: multiple-choice questions
Section B: data response questions
Section C: short essay questions.
| A2 | Exam |
| Unit 3 Change and Progress | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Unit 4 Beliefs, Values and Responsibilities | 1 hour 30 minutes |
A2 Year – exam questions are made up of:
Section A: data response (shorter factual questions); analysis; extended writing
Section B: data response (shorter factual questions); analysis; extended writing
Section C: essay question — choice of one question from two.
Entry Requirements
Students should be taking an advanced level programme having met the College general entry requirements for A Level study. Please see the current Prospectus-Advanced Programmes, entry requirements.
Useful/Common Subject Combinations
General Studies is an excellent subject for all students, particularly those wishing to progress to higher education. It shows a willingness and ability to think about a variety of subjects and issues. It also ensures that students are well informed and up-to-date with current affairs.
Careers and HE Information
Universities and employers are always keen for students to pursue courses which broaden their perspective. General Studies is a well-established, recognised qualification which has a sound reputation. This is why we offer it to all our students irrespective of their intended destination or career route. The development of transferable skills is also beneficial for students progressing to Higher Education or vocational training.