What is IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences?

If you’re considering taking a science subject for IGCSE, you might have come across IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences. But what exactly is it, and is it the right choice for you?

This guide tells you exactly what you need to know to make an informed decision about your IGCSEs options.

Key Takeaways

• IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences is a Double Award covering a broad range topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics

• Cambridge (CIE) is currently the only exam board offering IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences

• You’ll either take the Core content or the Extended content

• Assessment is three exam papers

What is IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences?

IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences is a CIE qualification covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

The qualification is ‘co-ordinated’ because content from the three subjects is taught and assessed together, not as separate IGCSEs.

As a Double Award qualification, it sits between CIE Combined Science (opens in a new tab) (Single Award – one IGCSE) and the three separate IGCSE science qualifications (three IGCSEs). Sitting it gives you two IGCSE grades, both reflecting your overall performance across the three sciences.

What you'll study

Here are some examples of the topics you’ll study under each science:

Biology

• Living organisms

• Diseases and immunity

• Inheritance

Chemistry

• States of matter

• Electrochemistry

• Metals

Physics

• Motion, forces and energy

• Waves

• Space physics

See our full list of topics for IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences for more information.

How IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences is assessed

The table below outlines what each IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences component involves.

If you’re a Core candidate or expected to achieve a grade D or below, you’ll be entered for Paper 1, 3 and either 5 or 6. Core candidates are eligible for grades C–G.

If you’re an Extended candidate or expected to achieve a grade C or above, you’ll be entered for Paper 2, 4 and either 5 or 6. Extended candidates are eligible for grades A*–G.

Co-ordinated Sciences vs Combined Science vs three separates

CIE offers a few different science options:

Co-ordinated Sciences is a Double Award (giving you two full IGCSEs), whereas Combined Science is a Single Award (giving you one full IGCSE). Both courses combine Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

IGCSE Biology (opens in a new tab), Chemistry (opens in a new tab) and Physics (opens in a new tab) are all separate qualifications (giving you one full IGCSE each).

What grades are available?

Co-ordinated Sciences uses Cambridge's A*–G scale. Core candidates are eligible for grades C–G, whereas Extended candidates are eligible for grades A*–G.

You'll get two separate IGCSE grades (such as ‘AA’ or ‘BC’), reflecting your overall performance across the papers.

Is IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences right for you?

If you’re a strong all-rounder in science and want a broad combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences is definitely worth considering. It also has the benefit of giving you two IGCSEs instead of just one.

Combined Science is a better option if you just want one IGCSE.

If you want to study a specific science at A Level or you’re set on a science-heavy degree like Medicine, it’s better to take a standalone IGCSE in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

If you're still finalising your subject mix, our best IGCSE subject combinations guide covers what works well together.

How to prepare for IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences

• Confirm your tier and paper choices early – you don’t want to waste time learning content you won’t be tested on!

• Get in the habit of regularly completing past papers

• Use the traffic light system (opens in a new tab) to prioritise weaker topics on the topic list

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Co-ordinated Sciences harder than Combined Science?

Yes. Co-ordinated Science is two IGCSEs, whereas Combined Science is one. Both cover Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but Co-ordinated Sciences goes into more depth and therefore has trickier questions.

How many IGCSEs is Co-ordinated Sciences worth?

Two. It's a Double Award, so you’ll receive two IGCSE grades reflecting your overall performance across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Do I need IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences for A Level sciences?

No. Most schools accept students from Co-ordinated Sciences, but you can also take Combined Science or three separate sciences to get onto your chosen A Level science courses. What’s more important is having a strong grade in the relevant science.

Which exam board offers IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences?

CIE is currently the only exam board offering IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences.

What's the difference between Core and Extended tier?

Core covers grades C–G; Extended covers A*–E.

Extended content is harder and goes into more depth than Core.