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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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Saudi Arabia
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152 responses
hello so i have an exam tomorrow and i dont know which past papers to study from papers1 or paper2 cuz i do double award science igcse so pls help i dont know what to do
Hi Karen,
There is a compulsory combination of papers needed for each subject and each combination has a different option code. Please consult your teacher / exam centre properly, before you make any mistake.
Alternatively, you may check your administrative zone here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-exam-schedules/, to find out your variant code. Then download the syllabus here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/, to know the combination you want.
Can I pursue a career as a pilot by taking coordinated science?
Hello Umer,
Yes and along with Sciences – Co-ordinated (Double), you may also want to consider these subjects: English, Maths, Additional Maths, Geography. But it is best that you check with the school that you have in mind and ask them for their subject and entry requirements.
Hi, IGCSE team,
I haven’t decided whether to take double or triple science and I want to go to UCLA, please help.
Hi Victor,
This depends on what you want to study in the future. We suggest that you check with UCLA on their entry requirements. In this way you have 100% confirmation on the needed subjects.
Dear Madam/Sir,
My name is Cherie. Can I take double science and Physics (0625) at the same time?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Cherie,
You cannot combine Sciences – Coordinated (Double) (0654) with Physics (0625). Please refer to latest syllabus on the combination of components here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/
Hello IGCSE Team,
I need to choose either double award or triple award and my aim is to become an engineer. Do universities prefer pupils who have done triple award or doble award science?
Hi Maria,
It depends on the university that you wish to apply to. 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.