IGCSE Combined
Science,
double award.
Cambridge 0653 Combined Science — all three sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in one double-award qualification. Six papers across three disciplines, graded as a double IGCSE.
Three sciences in one double-award IGCSE. Covers the essential content of Physics, Chemistry and Biology — graded as two IGCSEs on the transcript.
Combined Science is three subjects in one.
IGCSE Combined Science (0653) covers the core content of Physics, Chemistry and Biology in a single double-award qualification — meaning it counts as two IGCSEs on the student's transcript. It is designed for students who want broad science coverage without committing to three separate science IGCSEs.
Who should take Combined Science
Combined Science is ideal for students who need science on their transcript but are not planning to specialise in science at A-Level or IB. For students targeting medicine, engineering or science-heavy programmes, the separate Triple Science IGCSEs (0625 + 0620 + 0610) are more appropriate.
The challenge
The breadth is the difficulty — students must master three subjects' worth of content and sit six papers (two per discipline). Our coaching splits mentoring across all three sciences with specialists for each.
The full content we cover.
Every Times Edu Combined Science mentor maps lessons directly to the official syllabus — nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Mechanics & Energy
Forces, motion, energy, work and power.
Waves & Electricity
Wave properties, circuits, magnetism.
Atoms & Bonding
Atomic structure, periodic table, bonding.
Reactions & Organic
Chemical reactions, acids, bases, organic basics.
Cells & Organisms
Cell structure, nutrition, transport, reproduction.
Ecology & Genetics
Ecosystems, inheritance, variation, evolution.
Alternative to Practical
Paper 6 for each discipline — lab skills on paper.
Cross-Subject Skills
Scientific method, data analysis, graph interpretation.
Every paper and assessment, mapped.
Knowing the format is half the battle. Here is the full breakdown.
Physics Theory
Multiple choice + structured questions on Physics content.
Chemistry Theory
Multiple choice + structured questions on Chemistry content.
Biology Theory
Multiple choice + structured questions on Biology content.
Alternative to Practical
One Alt-to-Practical paper covering all three sciences.
Why even strong students lose marks here.
Three traps we see most often — every one is fixable with focused coaching.
Spreading too thin
With three subjects to cover, students who allocate time equally often fail their weakest science. We identify the weak link in the diagnostic and allocate 50% of coaching there.
Chemistry moles
The stoichiometry section is consistently the hardest part of Combined Science for Vietnamese students. We dedicate focused sessions to this topic.
Alt-to-Practical neglect
Paper 6 covers all three sciences and most students under-prepare it. We drill it from 6 weeks before the exam.
From diagnostic to final grade.
Three sciences in one sitting could have been a nightmare. Times Edu assigned me three separate specialist mentors and I finished with A*A*. Best decision my parents made.
What families always ask.
Is Combined Science easier than Triple Science?
Slightly less depth per subject, but the breadth (three subjects, six papers) is demanding. Students who find one science difficult usually struggle more with Combined because they cannot avoid it.
Does Combined Science count as two IGCSEs?
Yes — it is a double award, graded as two IGCSEs on the transcript (e.g. A*A*, AB, etc.).
Can my child do A-Level Chemistry after Combined Science?
Technically yes, but there will be content gaps. We recommend at least an A/A in the Chemistry component before attempting A-Level Chemistry.
Do you assign three different mentors?
Yes — each science component is taught by a specialist mentor in Physics, Chemistry and Biology respectively.
Ready to turn Combined Science into a top grade?
Book a free 60-minute diagnostic — full gap analysis, realistic grade prediction and personalised roadmap. Worth $60, free for the first 50 families.