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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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Arun Joseph
Botswana
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152 responses
Hi, I’m planing to study medicine in the future and my teacher has chosen double science for me, if I’m planning to enter university in England for medicine, will they accept me even if I take double science??
Hi WeyReun,
In order to study medicine, you need to have the Triple Science, which is: Biology, Chemistry, Physics separately.
Hello,
I’m going into year 9 in about a month and I’m still unsure about the sciences I should take. I’m hoping to get into a medical school and study psychology. I just want to clarify if I HAVE to study the three sciences or are biology and chemistry enough?
Thank you.
Sorry I meant could you please clarify. ?
Hi Salma,
If you are very sure about studying Psychology, then Biology and Chemistry is enough. Else, you can always take Physics as well, just in case you change your mind after graduating from IGCSE.
I have been told by my school that I have to take double science instead of the triple, but i want to take Biology A level in year 12. Will this make it impossible to do even if i leave my school after year 11, and will i have missed a lot of topics in each subject?
Thanks, K
Hi Kathy,
If you plan to take Biology in A-Level, then you must take triple award.
To correct my previous statement. I would like to take Computer Science, Math, Physics and an additional to A levels. Will taking double science rin my chances of getting into a good uni such as warwick?
Hi, I plan to go into chartered accountancy, Finance business or something along the lines of this such as an investment banker. I’m currently preparing for my IGCSE’s and I am in year 10. I plan to take physics maths computer science and an additional. However, will I ruin my chances if I take the double award?
Hello Ahsan,
No, double award will not ruin anything. But if you are already taking Physics, you can’t take double award at the same time.