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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

Computer Science for Cambridge IGCSE (syllabus 0478) — what the qualification covers, and the study material Marlbridge publishes for it.

Syllabus
0478
Board
Cambridge
Qualification
IGCSE

At a glance

Qualification
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
Spec code
0478
Does Marlbridge teach it?
Yes
Are resources available?
Yes — 9 published
Is enrolment open?
Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
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)

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. — Cambridge, official syllabus page

Version 5, published December 2025, 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

Assessment components for Cambridge Computer Science 0478
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.

Assessment FAQs

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.

The subject

Computer Science teaching and study resources, organised by level and topic.

All Computer Science at Marlbridge

Syllabus topics

The 10 topics below are the official subject content of Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478), for the 2026-2028 examination series, reproduced from the Cambridge syllabus document.

A topic listed here is part of the syllabus. It does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it — topics with resources are marked. Marlbridge currently has resources for 3 of 10 topics.

  1. 1 Data representation

    3 Marlbridge resources

    Number systems · Text, sound and images · Data storage and compression

  2. 2 Data transmission

    3 Marlbridge resources

    Types and methods of data transmission · Methods of error detection · Encryption

  3. 3 Hardware

    3 Marlbridge resources

    Computer architecture · Input and output devices · Data storage · Network hardware

  4. 4 Software

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

  5. 5 The internet and its uses

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

  6. 6 Automated and emerging technologies

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

  7. 7 Algorithm design and problem-solving

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

  8. 8 Programming

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

  9. 9 Databases

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

  10. 10 Boolean logic

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

Source: Cambridge Assessment International Education — official syllabus PDF — 2026-2028 series. Verified 2026-08-19. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.

Study resources

Revision material

Exam preparation

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.

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