The Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. It is a single award qualification, earning one grade. They learn about the basic principles of Physical Science through a mix of theoretical and practical studies.
As they progress, learners gain an understanding of how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
Cambridge Upper Secondary Science competition
Find out more about our competition for IGCSE students aged 14-16.
Change of syllabus availability
This syllabus is only available in administrative zones 2, 3, 4 and 5. From November 2024, this syllabus will only be available to schools in administrative zone 3. The last examination for schools not in administrative zone 3 will be June 2024. You may want to consider Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) or Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Science (0654) as possible alternatives. We communicated this withdrawal decision to schools in June 2021. Find out about administrative zones and check the zone for your school here.
Syllabuses
The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.
Grade descriptions
For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020 or 2021.
Publication of grade descriptions for these syllabuses has been delayed. This is to make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the full range of candidate performance after the 2020 and 2021 series.
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).