Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge IGCSE Science - Combined (0653)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. It is a single award qualification, earning one grade.

The syllabus:

helps learners to understand the biological and technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments
includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to science, some current applications of biology, chemistry and physics, and a strong emphasis on practical skills
helps learners also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

Syllabuses

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

Syllabus updates

Syllabus changes
- We have updated Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science to make sure that it continues to reflect current educational thinking and meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world. We have made the new syllabus clearer and more consistent with the single sciences. This is helpful for teachers who are teaching more than one science syllabus, and students who will enjoy a more coherent experience across each science.
  
  For full details of the changes, please see the 2025-2027 syllabus above.
Teaching and learning resources
- Coming soon
  
  We are developing a comprehensive range of resources to help teachers deliver this updated syllabus.
  
  We aim to provide a scheme of work and other relevant classroom resources. Example Candidate Responses will be available following the first examination in 2025.
  
  Visit the School Support Hub from June 2025 onwards for details.
  
  Endorsed resources
  
  View the latest resources that are being developed by our Endorsement Partners for the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science syllabus (0653).
  
  Cambridge IGCSE™ Combined Science (Second Edition) (Collins)
  
  This course provides full coverage of the revised Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science syllabus (0653). Carefully developed features including plentiful questions, worked examples and key terms build firm scientific knowledge and develop practical skills.
  
  Read more on the Collins website
  
  Cambridge IGCSE™ Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences 2nd Edition (Cambridge University Press)
  
  Develop the problem-solvers of the future with our new editions. Exercises support, then challenge, and guidance from the teacher’s resource helps you offer differentiated support where it’s needed, building scientific skills and skills for life.
  
  Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Subscribe to syllabus updates

Important notices

Cambridge Upper Secondary Science competition
- Find out more about our competition for Cambridge IGCSE students aged 14-16.
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).

Main navigation

Cambridge Primary

Cambridge Lower Secondary

Cambridge Upper Secondary

Cambridge Advanced

Other

Cambridge Exams Officers' Guide