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  • Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science helps learners develop an interest in computational thinking and an understanding of the principles of problem-solving using computers. They apply this understanding to create computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. Learners also develop a range of technical skills, and the ability to effectively test and evaluate computing solutions.

Studying Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science helps learners appreciate current and emerging computing technologies, the benefits of their use and recognise their potential risks. It provides an ideal foundation for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level and is valuable for other areas of study and everyday life.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

  • 2023 - 2025 Syllabus (PDF, 549KB)

Syllabus updates

  • Summary of the changes
    • We revise our qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and reflect current thinking.  Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus document for full details on the changes.

      What are the main changes to the syllabus?

      To support teachers and learners, we have:
      • updated the learning objectives to demonstrate the depth you should teach each topic. The wording looks different in many places, but the teaching content remains largely the same
      • updated the topic structure to make sure topics and sub-topics are clearly linked
      • removed and added topics; making sure that the teaching time is still within the guided learning hours.

      What are the main changes to the assessment?

      • There will no longer be any pre-release material and the overall component weightings have changed.
      • In Paper 1 (now called ‘Computer Systems’), we have made changes to the assessment objectives weightings and moved ‘Logic gates’ to Paper 2.
      • In Paper 2 (now called ‘Algorithms, Programming and Logic’), we have made changes to the assessment objectives weightings and added a new scenario-based question.

      When do these changes take place?

      The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2023 onwards. Examinations are available in March 2023 for India only. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus for full details.

  • Teaching and learning resources
    • Support

      Visit the School Support Hub for a wide range of teaching and learning resources for the 2023-2025 syllabus.

      Training

      To book a place on any of our face-to-face or online training courses, visit our Events and training calendar.

      Endorsed resources

      View the latest resources from our Endorsement Partners for this updated syllabus.

      Computer Science for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level (Second edition) front cover

      Computer Science for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level (Second edition) (Cambridge University Press)

      Build on the fundamentals of computational thinking and programming, brought to you through real-life contexts and Microsoft Research case studies. New features and programming workbooks give your students the tools they need to study with confidence.

      Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

      Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Computer Science (Hodder)

      Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Computer Science (Second edition) (Hodder Education)

      Written by renowned expert authors, our updated resources enable the learner to effectively navigate through the content of the updated Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Computer Science syllabuses.

      Read more on the Hodder Education website

      Marshall Cavendish Education Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

      Marshall Cavendish Education Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (Marshall Cavendish Education)

      This series nurtures life-long thinking, spurring students on to develop technological and digital literacy skills through real-life scenario-based problems and situations. This enables them to embrace changing technologies and become independent thinkers and problem solvers.

      Read more on the Marshall Cavendish Education website

Subscribe to syllabus updates

Important notices

  • Regulation
    • From 2020 examination this syllabus will no longer be regulated by the qualifications and examnations regulators in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Changes to the syllabus and specimen papers reflect the change in regulated status. This syllabus will continue to be available worldwide.

  • Grading scale
    • Please note that if you make an entry for the A*-G grading scale, it is not then possible to switch to the 9-1 grading scale once the entries deadline has passed. If you find that you have accidentally made an entry for the A*-G syllabus, you must withdraw and re-enter before the entries deadline.

  • Grade descriptions
    • For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.

      Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.

  • Front covers
    • From 2020, we have made some changes to the wording and layout of the front covers of our question papers to reflect the new Cambridge International branding and to make instructions clearer for candidates - learn more.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

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