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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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Ewan Swart
South Africa
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152 responses
Hello,
If I wanted to choose either double award or triple award ! Which one keeps more opened options for unis ?
And if I wanted to study computer science does it affect the options to unis if I chose double award rather than triple award?!!!
Hi Rachel,
You need to find out what is the entry requirement from the university. We can’t comment on that as all the universities are having different entry requirements. Some might accept Double Award, some might require Triple Award.
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/