How to Master IGCSE Design & Technology: Essential Exam Tips for an A*
Mastered your revision notes? Struggling to hit top marks on exam day? You are not alone. Applying theory to specific
Learn how to write step-by-step answers, and score A* in your exam!
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
Deciding between single award, double award, and triple award science options can be overwhelming for GCSE and IGCSE students. Because Cambridge International (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel structure their science qualifications differently, understanding how your specific exam board labels these options is essential.
In this guide, we break down the key differences across both boards, explain paper tiers, and help you choose the pathway that best fits your academic goals.
This post will also 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?
Before choosing a science route, it is crucial to understand how curriculum tiers work:
If you are following the Pearson Edexcel specification, Single Award science is not available as an IGCSE option. This route is exclusive to the Cambridge International (CIE) exam board.
Note: Single Award Science generally does not provide sufficient preparation for A-Level Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).
Both exam boards offer a Double Award option, though they use slightly different official titles. This is the most popular route for students worldwide.
Yes! Scoring top marks in Double Award Science (typically an A*A* / 7-7 or above) equips you well for A-Level Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. You may simply need to review a few bridging topics when starting Year 12.
Triple Award involves taking Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as three completely independent, standalone IGCSE qualifications across both Cambridge and Edexcel boards.
| Feature | Single Award (Combined) | Double Award (Co-ordinated) | Triple Award (Separate) |
| Exam Board Availability | Cambridge (CIE) Only | Cambridge & Edexcel | Cambridge & Edexcel |
| Qualifications Earned | 1 IGCSE | 2 IGCSEs | 3 Independent IGCSEs |
| Subjects Covered | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Study Workload | Low | Moderate | High |
| A-Level Science Pathway | Not Recommended | Suitable (with high grades) | Direct & Seamless |
Deciding on the right science pathway comes down to your higher education ambitions and career plans:
Final Verdict
If you are still undecided about your future career path, we strongly recommend taking Triple Award Science or at least Double Award Science. Choosing a dual or separate science route keeps your academic options completely open, ensuring you won’t face unnecessary subject gaps or entry barriers if you choose to pursue a competitive science degree later on.
Is Double Award Science enough to take A-Level Chemistry or Physics?
Yes. Most sixth forms and colleges accept Double Award (Co-ordinated) Science for A-Level entry, provided you achieve strong overall grades (typically a 7-7 / AA or above).
Can I get into Medicine with Double Award Science instead of Triple?
Yes. UK medical schools look primarily at your final A-Level grades (typically Chemistry and Biology), GCSE/IGCSE results, and admissions test scores like the UCAT. While Triple Science provides a smoother transition into A-Level content, holding top grades in Double Award Science will not disqualify you from applying to medical school.
What is the difference between Combined Science and Double Award Science?
On the Cambridge board, “Combined Science” refers specifically to Single Award (1 IGCSE). On Edexcel, Double Award is officially called “Double Award Science.” Always check syllabus codes (e.g., 0653 vs. 0654 vs. 4SD0) to ensure you are enrolled in the correct option.
How many total exam papers do you sit for Double Award vs Triple Award Science?
For Double Award Science, students typically sit 6 shorter exam papers (2 each for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) to receive 2 combined grades. For Triple Award Science, candidates also sit 6 papers, but each exam is longer and covers additional extended content, resulting in 3 standalone qualifications.
Can a student drop down from Triple Science to Double Award before the exams?
In most cases, yes. Because Triple Award and Double Award syllabi share a large amount of core content during the first year, schools often allow candidates to move from Triple Science to Double Award if the study workload or revision demand becomes too overwhelming before exam entries are finalised.
Take the A* Readiness Assessment. The goal of this diagnostic is to identify how close you are to A*−level precision, and what refinement may still be required.
Mastered your revision notes? Struggling to hit top marks on exam day? You are not alone. Applying theory to specific
As exam dates draw near, we receive an enormous volume of messages from students asking how to handle exam stress
Choosing an acceptable calculator for IGCSE Mathematics exams can be confusing, especially with strict regulations enforced by CIE. While exam
Following IGCSE results release dates, many questions arise pertaining to: We have compiled most of the frequently asked questions after
152 responses
Dear Madame/Sir,
I am in year 9 and we are meant to choose what courses we want to take for IGSCE 2015-2017. On one of the courses it asks if we want to do double award science or triple. I really want to become a Doctor and go to Stanford University. But I am afraid that if I take triple I am going to fail, and regret not choosing double award science. Also another thing is if I should worry so much because it is only my IGCSE Courses for 2015-2017. Or does that not make a difference and I should care a whole lot cause this could affect my future. What do we learn in double and triple science? What is the difference between these two? How are the tests? Are they multiple choice? I dont understand the Grades? What grade do I get in double? What grade do I get in triple? Explain to me everything about double award science and Triple.
I don’t know what to do, please help me. I used to go to an American School and then I moved countries and I go to an English school where they do IGCSE’s and I don’t understand anything.
Hello Iris,
Calm down 🙂
IGCSE is the best international platform. Nothing to be afraid of 🙂
First of all, if you want to be a doctor, you ought to take Biology and Chemistry, separately (so called Triple Award/Science). NOT any Combined Science nor Co-ordinated Science. They are not difficult. The syllabus for Biology and Chemistry are wider, means you study more topics, comparing to Combined Science or Co-ordinated Science.
The video above have already explained very clearly about the differences for Combined Science, Co-ordinated Science and the Triple Award.
Iris you found this to
Hi i am m?didon,
This year I am supores to chove beberem doubl? or triplo Award science. I am in doubt because In science I am only interesses in biology and I mau watt to be a doutor someday I am not really fond of chemistry and I absolutely jate physics would it really afeito me to take doubl? science if I watt to v? a fico-te someday because I am afraid of tadinha triplo science and failing physics as ir is harder .!!??
My name is madison and I am rewritting my unclear question. I am supposed to choose between the double and the triple award science(6 or 9) pedriods of science per week. I don’t know what to choose because I maybe want to be a doctor and biology is the only thing I like about science I am terrible in physics and if I were to choose the triple awrd science I qould also have to take more physics. I would like to know if by taking the double science I may not pass to some universities ?!
If it qould takemy chances of passing ?!
Hi Madison,
Double award science includes Physics. If you do not like Physics, please take the individual science subject: Biology 0610, Chemistry 0620.
You don’t have to register for Physics 0625.
But if you are attached to a school, you might need to follow the requirement from your school. Please check this part with your school.
hello i am an igcse student i finished my IGCSE subjects last year in year 11 but didn’t take biology. am currently doing AS exams for physics chemistry maths and ict.
I will never go near medicine so will not taking bio affect me ?
Hi Omar,
If you’re not taking anything related to Biology in university, not taking Biology will not affect you at all. But be sure you’re not going near any engineering courses that are related to Biology, e.g: Food Engineering, Biotechnology, etc…
My son has opted for Physics, chemistry, computer sciences, environmental sciences etc..What are his options in the 11th grade? Please advice. In otherwords, since he has not taken all 3 sciences, how will thia affect him? He is not interested in medicine. Thanks
Hello Sharada,
There won’t be any effect on him if he is not going to take Biology or Biology related subjects in 12th grade and university.
But, please make sure he has taken all 5 core subjects. Please check the 5 core subjects here:
https://www.skolatis.com/what-is-igcse/
is it compulsory to take co-ordinated or separate sciences to opt for sciences in 11th??
please tell me..
Hi Devansh,
Yes. You must take either Co-ordinated Science or Triple Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry separately) in order to enter into science related course. Either in 11th or A-Level or Pre-U.
I am choosing combined science but wants to study medical in higher classes. Our teachers are asking us to give exams for combined science only. This is the first year of igcse in my school. My exams are in the month of November . Help me please.
What is the difference between ice group award and igcse certificate and the benefits of it and should I enroll for it or not. Should I choose combined science or not? Should I choose geography as my subject if I wants to choose medical.
Hello Vinay,
If you plan to study medicine later, it is advisable to take at least Co-ordinated Science (Double Award), or separate Sciences in Physics, Biology and Chemistry (Triple Award).
ICE Group Award is more popular in North and South America. If you plan to further your study in these area, you may consider to enrol for ICE, but not necessarily.
Geography is not considered as ‘core’ subject in medicine entry requirement. Take a look at your desired university entry requirement, and work backward on what subjects you ‘must’ take for your IGCSE.
is it compulsory to take co-ordinated or separate sciences to opt for sciences in 11th???
Even i do have the same question. Is it mandatory to choose co-ordinated science ir separate sciences if we wish to take separate sciences in a-levels… Please reply
Hello Rohan,
We are afraid you might need at least Coordinated Science in order to do Triple Sciences in A Level. However, you can always check with the A Level school and get confirmation on this.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your reply !
May I further clarify the following point for the double award please?
If I get A in Phy, B in Chem & C in Bio, what will be the overall grade please?
Thanks
Keith
Hello Keith,
You are most welcome! We think your further question might benefit other students, so we would answer them here.
You will study all three Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Co-ordinated Science. They are considered as “sections” in Co-ordinated Science. Just imagine, there are 3 sections in ONE book. You will NOT get separate grades for Physics, Chemistry or Biology.
As such, if you do well in Co-ordinated Science, you will see the grades as: A*A*, or BB etc… on your result slip. While other subjects like English, or Maths, or History etc etc… will show only one grade as A* or B.
The duplication of the grades makes it called “Double Award”. And it is counted as 2 units, and worth 2 IGCSEs which means you “gain” 2 certification by doing one subject.
Hope this clarify your question.
Pls explain more about igcse
Hi Sunita,
You can read more about IGCSE here:
https://www.skolatis.com/what-is-igcse/