AS/A2 General Studies

AS/A2 General Studies

Why study General Studies?
General Studies puts you in touch with the world in which you live, encouraging an awareness of a range of global issues. The General Studies course lays emphasis on logical thinking and analysis, providing opportunities for the development of a great variety of skills attractive to universities and employers.

The course provides you with the opportunity to achieve a broad educational experience and an A Level qualification, without the same pressure of time and revision that exists in specialist subjects.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
AS General Studies
You will study the following subject domains:

• Scientific science, mathematics and technology.


• Cultural culture, morality, arts and humanities.


• Social society, politics and the economy.

AS General Studies offers an insight into all aspects of society. Topics are varied and thought provoking. You are encouraged to develop your knowledge of topical issues through quality newspapers, journals, documentaries and research on the internet. Within lessons, learning activities may include research, discussion and debate in addition to problem solving exercises involving data interpretation, role play and presentations.

The OCR Exam Board assessment at AS is based on two units, one unit, combining the Cultural and Social Domains is worth 70% of the AS marks (35% of the total A Level marks) and the other unit, the Scientific Domain, is worth 30% of AS (15% of the total A Level marks). There is no coursework element.

A2 General Studies
You will be building on the skills and knowledge developed in your AS course. The course is delivered through two units and tested by two exams.

A2 Domain Exploration: Applying Synoptic Skills.

This unit focuses on understanding:

• The place of ideologies and values in society.


• The nature of objectivity in social sciences.


• The relationship between law, society and ethics.


• Religious experience and its alternatives.


• Aspects of culture and aesthetic evaluation.

This unit is worth 25% of the total A Level marks.

A2 Culture, Science and Society: Making Connections.

This unit focuses on understanding:

• The nature of scientific objectivity and the question of progress.


• The social, ethical and environmental implications and consequences of scientific discoveries and technological development.


• The moral responsibility of scientists and the relationship between technology, science, society and ideology.

This unit is worth 25% of the total A Level marks.

Does General Studies link particularly well with other subjects?
General Studies is an excellent complement to other A Level subjects, producing a rounded, balanced world view.

Where might it lead me?
The General Studies course is a very good preparation for degree level study in any subject since it encourages you to think more broadly about world events and allows you to extend your interests to a wide range of disciplines.