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
If I do coordinated science in my IGCSE does it affect my choice of science subjects in A levels?
Hi Mo,
You must first find out what you want to study in the future.
hello,
If i wanted to become an archiologist, do i have to choose geography or biology??
Hi Rachel,
It is best to get the confirmation from the university that you wish to apply.
hi. i’m in grade 11 and i would like to go study medicine in UK. i take Biology and Chemistry do i need physics, since i was planning to take math or english instead of physics. what is it you recommend? should i continue to take A-Levels or go straight to foundation?
Hi Sonia,
You have to decide if you like A-Level or Foundation. We can’t decide for you. We suggest you to talk to the university that you would like to apply, to confirm on the Physics subject. Every university has their own entry requirements.
Is the Coordinated Science (Double Award) subject considered as a scientific or literary subject?
Hi Ahmad,
Coordinated Science is one of the subjects in Science Group. Please read more here: https://igcsecentre.com/what-is-igcse/
Hi, i’ m in year 10 and i am really not sure about something. I want to do medicine , so is it advised or required that i do A-level?
Hi Liana,
Usually that’s the requirement for university. You can always consider any A-Level equivalent.
Hi,thank you, like what for example?
For example: Pre-U courses, Foundation courses, IB, SAT (if you’re going to US), etc etc… There are really many of them. Try to search around, and you will find lots of them 🙂 … But we can tell you for sure that, A-Level is widely accepted.
Thank you , again :). Sorry one last question, If i do IB what would be the benefits of it, and what makes it different from other systems.
Hi Liana,
We are afraid we can’t answer this question. It would be good to look into the IB website or ask someone who had done it.
Okay, thank you though. I really appreciate your help.
I am considering going to Uni as a mature student to do a teaching degree. I would need a GCSE Science and would need to home study for this. The Uni have asked that the Science qualification be a full and complete GCSE. Please would you advise if the double science course is suitable? Thank you.
Hi Sue,
We can’t confirm on this. You must confirm with that university that you’re corresponding with.
Which subject did you choose?
Hello! I am a 10th grader and I plan to do medicine in the near future. I was wondering whether it would be possible to pursue my dream taking Biology and Chemistry but not Physics because I am not very interested to learn it. But if it is mandatory, I will take on the subject. I had done some research on some universities and it is not specified that I should take Physics. However, I would like a final clarity to make a decision I would not regret in the future. Thank you.
Hi Taniya,
For medicine, you do not need Physics. Most of the universities require Biology and Chemistry. And of course English and Maths.
Im taking coordinated science (double award) and i want you be an engineer,will i be able to go into college and then take engineering with double award ?
if not, what can I study in the university if taking the double award?
Hi Ahmad,
Engineering courses usually require Physics and Chemistry, Biology too if you are taking any engineering courses related to Biology. The best way to get confirmation is to call up the university that you wish to apply for, and ask for their entry requirements.
I guess you didnt understand my question, I meant that im at grade 10 and I’m taking the coordinated sciences (double award) and i’m wondering if I can study Engineering when I enter university, will they accept me or I cant enter this Specialty because i already took the double award, because im lost and i need to know what will this double award subject will open to me Specialty when i enter the university
It depends on the university. You need to research the qualification of engineering first. If they don’t accept double award, then change to another university cuz probably they accept OR change your course.
Double award do open to all kinds of science courses BUT it isn’t unnecessary to be recognised by all universities.
However, majority of universities accept triple award more than double award. But if you are already know what do you want to study/do in the future, it is better to take triple award if it’s related to science cuz it is unnecessary to take all science subjects for triple award, but for double award you must take all of 3 sciences. But if you only take 2 / 1 science for triple award, you will have only 2 / 1 grades.
For double award it’s for if you are unsure about what do you want to do in the future. Because for example if you only take Bio and Che but you want to engineering at the end, there should be a major problem.
I want to become a doctor in the future but I got put into double award science. Will I be able to go into college and then do medicine with double award.
Hello there,
It is advisable to take Triple Science if you wish to go into medicine.
Is it okay if I take trible science and I want to be a doctor?
Hi Najat,
Yes, triple science is what you need 🙂
what are its benefits to double award???
You will obtain 2 IGCSE grades with double award.