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Many students and parents are confused when it comes to choosing the science subjects. What do single award, double award, and triple award sciences really mean?
In this post, we will help you to understand these:
First, let us take a look at one of the frequently asked questions in this topic.
It is noted there are different courses (e.g single award, double
Keith Wong
award & triple award) in coordinated sciences. My son will study IGCSE
Coordinated Sciences (Double Award) 0654 next year. May I know the
meaning of “double award” please?
Is triple award the best compared with double or single award?
All sciences have core and extended curriculum. Students either follow the core curriculum or the extended curriculum. For schooled students, the decision is derived from school’s assessments or teacher’s recommendation. Private candidate (homeschooled students) can freely choose the type of curriculum to follow.
Please bare in mind that, students who follow core curriculum are only eligible for grades C to G. While extended curriculum students are eligible for grades A* to G.
Single Award science, also known as Combined Science, is a subset of Co-ordinated science. It covers biology, chemistry and physics. Students learn the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies.
Students are awarded ONE IGCSE, from grade A* to G.
Double Award science, also known as Co-ordinated Science, is a subset of Triple Award Science. It covers biology, chemistry and physics. Students learn clearly defined biology, chemistry, and physics sections, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study.
Students are awarded TWO IGCSEs, with 2 identical grades, for example: AA or CC.
For Triple Award science, students are taking 3 separate sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are learning in-depth topics for each subject, and will be awarded separate grades for each subject. For example: A for Biology, B for Physics and C for Chemistry.
This is considered as THREE separate IGCSEs.
Double Award and Triple Award sciences will open more doors for you if you plan to further your study in science related courses, such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, pure/applied sciences fields etc., in A-level or university.
Other wise, Single Award science is good enough – if you plan to take non-science related courses such as Law, Accounting, Business Administration etc…
If you’re not sure what is your future plan, we would recommend you to take Triple Award science or at least Double Award science – to keep more doors open for you in the future.
So Keith, this is our A to your Q. Hope you enjoy it. If you do, share it with your family and friends. Best is, sign up at here to receive our free email course, and awesome exam tips!
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Lanja Omer
United Arab Emirates
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152 responses
I have completed a GSCE science single award will universities accept this as a entry requirement ?
Kind regards
Alisha
Hi Alisha,
It’s great to have you here in Skolatis.
If you plan to pursue a non-science course in university, having a single science award should be enough. However, we recommend you directly check with your preferred university about their entry requirements. This is because each course, as well as most universities and colleges, has different entry requirements.
We hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us anytime. Thank you.
I want to pursue a teaching course.How many of the Sciences do you recommend that I should take?
Which ones do you think I should take..Combined and Coordinated Science or all the 3 sciences-Biology,Chemistry and Physics?
Hi Nicole,
If you plan to take science subjects in A Level, you might want to consider taking the Triple award. Furthermore, it is best to choose the subjects in accordance to the subject entry requirements of the college/university you’re going to apply. We suggest that you inquire to them directly as each college/university would have their own entry requirement.
We hope this helps. Thank you.
Wow,this is really useful advice..Thank you so much for the help Igcse Team!
Hello Nicole,
We would suggest that you inquire directly to your preferred university. In this way, you would have 100% confirmation on the subjects you need to take. Furthermore, you should also consider what will be your subject specialisation when you pursue your teaching career.
Okay thank you for the help Igcse Team!
I want to be an archeitect, and the best A level subject combination for that is if I take Arts, Physics and Maths. Can I take Double Award Coordinated science in O levels since I don’t have to pusue an all sciences career and just need one science subject in A levels?
I would also like to know, can IGCSE and IGCSE O level exam been given together?
Hello Hamna,
Yes, you may take both O Level and IGCSE subjects. But please be guided that IGCSE and O Level are different examination boards and it will all depend on what you want to study in the future. We suggest you find out the acceptance of different examination boards for different subjects from the university that you’re planning to apply to.
Also beware when you want to take both IGCSE and O Level exams in the same examination series, as you might face dates clashes incidents. This happened to many of our candidates before.
Hello Hamna,
Sciences – Co-ordinated (Double) is only available in IGCSE and not O Level. It is good to consider taking separate Science subjects (Triple Award) as it will give you broader choices for university.
Furthermore, different universities have different requirements. We strongly suggest that you confirm with your preferred university for their subject entry requirements.
We hope this helps.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Hamna,
You are very much welcome. We are here to help.
My son would like to pursue engineering. Can he do that having taken double award science
Hello Elizabeth,
Thank you for writing in.
As far as we know, the triple science is required for engineering courses. However, some universities might accept Double Award Science. Please write to the university and get the confirmation. If they do required separate sciences, you might need to sit for the triple science exams later.
Hi, i will be doing combined science this year but my school has recently given me an option to study sperate science(chemistry and physics) but I have to study 1 more year. What do u think I should choose. I’m want to go to engineering field. Can u study sperate science like chemistry and biology in A-levels If you have combined scien o-level degree?
Hello Ali,
If you wish to take Engineering for your future study, we suggest that you take Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as separate subjects. And with regards to A Level, it is also recommended that you complete the O Level equivalent of Chemistry and Biology or Co-ordinated Science prior to starting your A Level.
Hello good morning ! I am presently teaching here in Indonesia, My students first time will take IGCSE COMBINED SCIENCE. This syllabus is really great as an introduction for Middle year Students. But i am a bit confuse the topics that correlated to these subjects (Biology, Chemistry, &Physics). I need an advice pls . Thanks in advance.
Hello Ethelinda,
Combined Sciences (0653) is the combination of three science subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. It is a single award qualification, earning one grade. Since it has lesser coverage, candidates usually find this easier than the three individual sciences.
Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. They learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
My son was graded A A for coordinated science in November & now has received B’s for the separate sciences. Does the separates overtake the coordinated or does he have 5 igcses.
Hello Trisha,
In order to complete IGCSE, your son has to choose 5 subjects (or 5 IGCSEs) from 3 different Core Group. The 3 Core Groups are: English Group, Science Group, Maths Group.
At the moment, your son has just completed the subjects from Science Group.
You may check on any university’s entry requirements, to understand what other subjects are required at IGCSE level.
The triple science does not overtake the coordinated science. You may choose which to use in your future study application based on the requirement.
Can I becomes a surgeon if I have co-ordinated sciences. My school doesn’t have triple science.
Hi Saif,
There have been many candidates confirming that taking Double Award entitles them to take Biology and Chemistry in AS / A Level. You may want to confirm this with your school or the A Level college.
hi. can i study diploma engineering with my combined science？or i need to take physic？
Hello Tracy,
As far as we know, the triple science is required for engineering courses. Please write to the university and get the confirmation.
However, if you are already taking Science – Combined (0653), you cannot combine this with Physics (0625), Biology (0610) and Chemistry (0620) in the same examination series.