IGCSE Global Perspectives Topics by Exam Board: Full List

The IGCSE in Global Perspectives combines so many different components that it can be difficult to keep your studies focused and organised. This guide will give you a complete exam-board-specific list of topics to make sure you don’t waste a second revising the wrong thing.

Key Takeaways

• The Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives syllabus (0457) (opens in a new tab) contains a list of core global topics which provide the foundation of the individual research, team project and written exam.

• You do not have a free rein to choose any global issue you wish - it must be linked to approved themes

• Critical analysis, comparing different perspectives and using real-life case studies as evidence is key to success in this course - not just memorising facts

Why Topic Lists Matter for Global Perspectives

Compared to other IGCSEs, Global Perspectives is not particularly content heavy. However, having a firm grasp and understanding of the topic list is essential because:

• It defines the scope of exactly what you can research and be assessed on

• You will be expected to frame your arguments within the approved themes

• You will be required to link real-world examples such as news items and case studies directly to the defined syllabus topics, such as migration or climate change

• Having a topic list will help ensure that your research and revision stay focused, relevant and balanced

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives Components

The course is divided into three components.

• Component 1 - Written Exam, 1 hour 25 minutes and worth 70 marks

  • The paper contains four compulsory questions based on source documents provided with the question paper.

  • Sources may be taken from a variety of subject backgrounds and media, and may include images. 

  • The number of sources may vary from exam to exam.

• Component 2 - Individual Report worth 60 marks

  • The Individual Report must be based on one of the topics listed in the syllabus. 

  • With the guidance of your teacher, you must choose one of the specified topics and identify an important or interesting global issue relating to the topic they have chosen.

  • The global issue the candidates choose should be one that divides opinion.

• Component 3 - Team Project worth 70 marks

  • You must work in teams of two to five to design and carry out a project

  • Each team must produce: 

    • An Explanation of Research and Planning

    • Evidence of Action.

  • Each individual in the team must produce a:

    • Reflective Paper.

In the Team Project, you are assessed on the skills of research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, communication and collaboration.

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives Topics (0457)

All of the components assess knowledge and understanding from the same topic list: 

• Arts in society

• Change in culture and communities

• Climate change, energy and resources

• Conflict and peace

• Development, trade and aid

• Digital world

• Education for all

• Employment

• Environment, pollution and conservation

• Globalisation

• Health and wellbeing

• Law and criminality

• Media and communication

• Migration and urbanisation

• Political power and action

• Poverty and inequality

• Social identity and inclusion

• Sport and recreation

• Technology, industry and innovation

• Transport, travel and tourism

• Values and beliefs

• Water, food and agriculture

You are not expected to have experience of every topic. You will sit down with your teachers and choose topics that are most relevant to you, involving a range of interesting and contemporary global issues. 

How to Use Topic Lists in Your Revision

With the right approach, you can use this list as a powerful study tool: 

1. Choosing Individual Research Topics

• Begin by selecting an area of personal interest such as technology, industry and innovation or globalisation

• Next, narrow down to a specific issue such as artificial intelligence or loss of sovereignty 

• Research different perspectives on those issues like AI and sovereignty. For example, local or global perspectives or short term or long term perspectives

2. Preparing for team project presentations

• Make sure you choose a topic that is broad enough to enable the different members of the team to research and explore the different perspectives on it

• Ensure that your chosen theme matches the syllabus by using the topic list

• Divide the task by perspective or subtheme

3. Structuring revision for written exams

• Go through the list that you have agreed with your teacher as a checklist and ask yourself if you can explain the: 

  • Main issues, causes, impacts and possible solutions for each one

• Use past exam questions (opens in a new tab) to analyse source materials such as graphs and news articles

• Collect news stories and case studies that are connected to each topic area

4. Connecting case studies or current events to core themes

• Find real-world examples and link them to syllabus topics: 

  • Health and wellbeing - Global spread of infectious disease

  • Law and criminality - Rise of transnational organised crime

  • Media and communication - Media’s role in crime perception

  • Migration and urbanisation - Challenges for public services and health in diverse urban populations

These issues and perspectives are constantly changing and Cambridge encourages an awareness of contemporary (current) global issues

Frequently Asked Questions

How many topics are there in IGCSE Global Perspectives?

There are 22 topics on the topic list but you are not expected to study all of them. You will choose a selection of topics with your teacher and gain an insight into the main issues and perspectives in those topics. 

Can I choose my own topic for the research project?

Yes, but it must fit within one of the official syllabus topics. Within those topics, you have the freedom to explore your own angle, such as the impact of an environmental initiative in your city or town. Always check with your teacher before embarking on your research to ensure the topic your chosen topic is in alignment with the exam criteria. 

Do all schools follow the same list of Global Perspectives topics?

Most international schools that offer Cambridge IGCSE do follow the same topic framework. However, some private schools may slightly adapt the focus, so ensure you know your school’s exact framework by checking with your teacher.

What’s the best way to revise for Global Perspectives?

There’s no ‘best’ way to revise for any topic, as so much comes down to individual preferences. However, when it comes to the IGCSE Global Perspectives, focus your revision on concepts and perspectives and make sure you can link real-world examples to every syllabus topic. Use past papers and be prepared to be able to justify your viewpoints!

Final Thoughts

The IGCSE Global Perspectives topic list can be viewed as a road map to guide you to exam success! Use it to organise your notes and as a checklist to collect case studies and real-world examples. 

It provides a solid, structured foundation to build your study upon and enable you to think critically and communicate clearly on the different viewpoints on the global issues of today.