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IGCSE

IGCSE Computer Science

12 August, 2025
Alvvina Sayed
IGCSE Computer Science

IGCSE Online Academic Tutoring for Computer Science focuses on computational thinking as well as their understanding of the principles to solve real-world problems with computers. IGCSE Computer Science encourages students to appreciate current and emerging computing technologies, as well as the benefits and risks associated with their use. It provides an excellent foundation for progression to Cambridge International AS and A Levels, as well as for other areas of study and daily life.

Students learn to program by writing computer code and gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of problem-solving with computers. Using algorithms and a high-level programming language, students apply their knowledge to create computer-based solutions as well as understand the advantages of using them.

The IGCSE Computer Science syllabus consists of topics divided into 8 sections:

  1. Data Representation
  2. Communication and Internet Technologies
  3. Hardware and Software
  4. Security
  5. Ethics
  6. Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving
  7. Programming
  8. Databases

 

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (CS) 0478 Content Structure

In the Cambridge IGCSE CS, there are a total of two sections 1 and 2. The IGCSE section 1 is the Theory of Computation section and section 2 is the Practical Problem-Solving and Programming, let’s have a look at the below-given table:

Sections IGCSE Topics Section 1 IGCSE Theory of Computation Science Section 2 IGCSE Practical Problem-Solving and Programming
Data Representation 1.1.1 Binary systems

1.1.2 Data storage

Communication and Internet Technologies 1.2.1 Data transmission

1.2.2 Security aspects

1.2.3 Internet principles of operation

Hardware and Software 1.3.1 Logic gates

1.3.2 Computer architecture and the fetch-execute cycle

1.3.3 Input devices

1.3.4 Output devices

1.3.5 Memory, storage devices and media

1.3.6 Operating systems

1.3.7 High- and low-level languages and their translators

Security N/A
Ethics N/A
Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving 2.1.1 Problem-solving and design

2.1.2 Pseudocode and flowcharts

Programming 2.2.1 Programming concepts

2.2.2 Data structures; arrays

Databases N/A

IGCSE Cambridge Computer Science Assessment Structure

Candidates are required to participate in the IGCSE Cambridge grading scale, which ranges from A* to G. All candidates must complete two papers. For further details, please refer to the table provided below.
Papers Description Duration Theory weightage
Paper 1
  • Short-answer and structured questions
  • Questions will be based on section 1 of the subject content
  • All questions are compulsory
  • No calculators are permitted
  • Externally assessed
1 hour 45 minutes 60% 75 marks
Paper 2
  • Short-answer and structured questions
  • Questions will be based on section 2 of the subject content
  • All questions are compulsory 20 marks are from questions set on the pre-release material
  • No calculators are permitted Externally assessed
1 hour 45 minutes 40% 50 marks

 

IGCSE Cambridge  Assessment Objectives (AOs)

There are a total of 3 Assessment Objectives AO1, AO2, & AO3, The AO1 is to help the IGCSE students to memorize and recall the knowledge and Understanding of Computer Science. The AO2 is to teach how to apply the knowledge of Computer Science, and the AO3 is evaluating the skills of making analysis and responsive good judgment.

 

Weighting as per the IGCSE percentage and the according to the papers in the Table format:

Weighting in IGCSE & Components %
Assessment objective Weighting in IGCSE % Paper 1 Paper 2
AO1 40% 53% 20%
AO2 40% 27% 60%
AO3 20% 20% 20%
Total 100 100 100
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