Cambridge · IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478). What it covers, how it is assessed, a link to the official syllabus, and the free study material Marlbridge publishes for it.
- Syllabus
- 0478
- Board
- Cambridge
- Qualification
- IGCSE
- Not your course?
- Change course
Topics and resources
Each topic below is from the official Cambridge document for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478), with its study guides, revision notes and practice questions together. Everything here is for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) only.
- Learn with study guides
- Revise with revision notes
- Practise with practice questions
Searches topic names and resource titles for this course only.
No Computer Science (0478) resources match “”.
- Try one shorter word, or check the spelling.
- Try the wording the syllabus uses for the topic, as listed below once you clear the search.
- Some topics have no Marlbridge resource yet; they are still listed.
- Topic 1
Data representation
Covers Number systems, Text, sound and images, Data storage and compression
Study guides
Revision notes
Practice questions
- Topic 2
Data transmission
Covers Types and methods of data transmission, Methods of error detection, Encryption
Study guides
Revision notes
Practice questions
- Topic 3
Hardware
Covers Computer architecture, Input and output devices, Data storage, Network hardware
Study guides
Revision notes
Practice questions
- Topic 4
Software
No Marlbridge resource for this topic yet. It is still part of the syllabus, so use the official document and past papers for it.
- Topic 5
The internet and its uses
No Marlbridge resource for this topic yet. It is still part of the syllabus, so use the official document and past papers for it.
- Topic 6
Automated and emerging technologies
No Marlbridge resource for this topic yet. It is still part of the syllabus, so use the official document and past papers for it.
- Topic 7
Algorithm design and problem-solving
No Marlbridge resource for this topic yet. It is still part of the syllabus, so use the official document and past papers for it.
- Topic 8
Programming
No Marlbridge resource for this topic yet. It is still part of the syllabus, so use the official document and past papers for it.
- Topic 9
Databases
No Marlbridge resource for this topic yet. It is still part of the syllabus, so use the official document and past papers for it.
- Topic 10
Boolean logic
No Marlbridge resource for this topic yet. It is still part of the syllabus, so use the official document and past papers for it.
Source: Cambridge Assessment International Education — official syllabus PDF — 2026-2028 series. Verified 2026-08-19. Subtopics are shown where Marlbridge has entered them; a topic may have more in the official document. A topic listed here is part of the syllabus; it does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.
About this course
- Qualification
- Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
- Spec code
- 0478
- Does Marlbridge teach it?
- Yes — request a free trial class
- Who teaches it?
- Harris Khan
- Are resources available?
- Yes — 9 published
- Is enrolment open?
- Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
- Official syllabus
- Cambridge syllabus
- Topic checklist
- Printable 0478 checklist
- Where was this verified?
- 2026-08-19, official Cambridge specification
Compiled and maintained by the Marlbridge Academic Team, checked against the official Cambridge specification on 2026-08-19.
Spotted something wrong on this page? Report an error — see the corrections policy.
The qualification
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)
Marlbridge's summary of the course
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science is designed for learners who are already competent users of computer technology and who wish to further develop their computing skills and knowledge.
The board's own description is on the official Cambridge syllabus page.
Version 6, published September 2026 (information on the ROUND function updated), valid for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 series. Not tiered. Two components: Computer Systems (Topics 1-6) and Algorithms, Programming and Logic (Topics 7-10), each 50%.
Specifications change between examination series. Always confirm the current syllabus and assessment structure on the Cambridge syllabus page for your examination year.
Assessment structure
Linear qualification
| Component | Duration | Marks | Weighting | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Computer Systems | 1h 45m | 75 | 50% | Written exam |
| Paper 2: Algorithms, Programming and Logic | 1h 45m | 75 | 50% | Written exam |
Source: official Cambridge specification, verified 2026-08-27. Directly confirmed against the official PDF (Assessment overview, p.9): Paper 1 Computer Systems (1h45, 75 marks, 50%, Topics 1-6, short-answer/structured questions) and Paper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic (1h45, 75 marks, 50%, Topics 7-10, short-answer/structured/scenario-based questions), both compulsory, no calculators permitted, both externally assessed. Not tiered; grades A*-G. Independently re-confirmed from IGCSE 0478's own source PDF – structure is identical to O Level 2210 by design, since the syllabus PDF states textbooks endorsed for 0478 are suitable for 2210 as well. Examination-series window 2026-2028; no separate first-teaching date published.
Questions about this course
How is Cambridge Computer Science (0478) assessed?
Cambridge Computer Science (0478) is assessed through: Paper 1 (Computer Systems) — 1h 45m, 75 marks, 50% of the qualification; Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic) — 1h 45m, 75 marks, 50% of the qualification. It is a linear qualification. Source: official Cambridge specification, verified 2026-08-27.
What topics does Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) cover?
10 topics in the current syllabus: Data representation; Data transmission; Hardware; Software; The internet and its uses; Automated and emerging technologies; Algorithm design and problem-solving; Programming; Databases; Boolean logic. The printable topic checklist lists every topic and subtopic on one page.
Can I get a tutor for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)?
Yes. Marlbridge teaches Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) live online, one-to-one or in small groups, taught by a named subject teacher from its academy in Lahore, Pakistan. The first trial class is free.
Are there free Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) revision notes and practice questions?
Yes. Marlbridge has published 9 free resources for this course (practice questions, revision notes, study guides), free to read with no sign-up.
The subject
Computer Science teaching and study resources, organised by level and topic.
Computer Science at other qualifications
These are separate qualifications with different syllabuses and assessments — not different names for the same course. Check which one your school enters you for.
- Cambridge A Level Computer Science Syllabus 9618
- Cambridge O Level Computer Science Syllabus 2210
- AQA A Level Computer Science Syllabus 7517
- OxfordAQA A Level Computer Science Syllabus 9645
- International Baccalaureate IB Diploma Programme Computer Science Syllabus DP Computer Science (2014) / DP Computer Science (2027)
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