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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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152 responses
thank you igcsecentre
You are most welcome 🙂
Hi,
I pass coordinated science in IGCSE in 2015. Then I studied AS level,2016 I didn’t get any grade. Now I am re-siting the Exam. Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
Which countries are accepting AS level for university degree.
I check In India, they says A-level is required.
Can you help me to get its answer.
Hi Thomas,
Usually A Level is needed as university entry requirement. We can’t tell you which universities are accepting AS Level. You might have to do some research on that. A good place to start is the embassy of the respective country the you wish to apply to.
I’m planning to be a doctor in the future and I’m taking coordinated science, will I still be able to be one? What are the requirements?
Hi Ayumi,
Coordinated Science is accepted, provided you have good grades for example AA or A*A*. However, you need to take Biology and Chemistry in A Level, or equivalent.
Hi Team,
Is the difference between Tripple Sciences and Coordinated Sciences is primarily around topics coverage for Phy, Chem, Bio OR is the complexity level also higher for the former.
Please advise. Thx Monica.
Hi Monica,
The triple science would cover wider range of topics and depth compare to Coordinated Science. You can always download the syllabus and compare them here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/
I am currently year 11 and will take mock and igcse next year. I am planning to be biomedical enginner but i am taking double award science now. Will that effect to be a biomedical engineer?
Hi Annie,
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.
Double science awards are completly accepted for biomed engineering. I’ve got a double science awards gcse and have an offer to Cambridge with my current A levels to study chemical engineering (chemistry, physics and further maths). There are pluses to double science award as there are to triple science. Dont worry 🙂