Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 Syllabus - Version 1 - Use for exams in 2029-2031

Oct 23, 2026

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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus sets out the program’s purpose and key benefits for learners aged 14–16, including flexible access for other ages. It specifies exam availability in June and November series and additional March series in India, plus assessment aims, subject content, paper structure, and key mathematical and logical requirements such as flowchart, logic gate symbols, and command words. It also explains registration, accessibility, grading use, and how the syllabus is updated for 2029, 2030, and 2031.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages57

Reading Time2 h 24 min

AccessFree to download

Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits

Syllabus overview

Aims

Content overview

Assessment overview

Assessment objectives

Subject content

Computer Systems and Logic

Algorithms and Programming

Details of the assessment

Paper 1 – Computer Systems and Logic

Paper 2 – Algorithms and Programming

Mathematical requirements

Flowchart symbols

Logic gate symbols

Python 3.10 guide

Command words

What else you need to know

Before you start

Making entries

Accessibility and equality

After the exam

How students and teachers can use the grades

Changes to this syllabus for 2029, 2030 and 2031

Syllabus ™ Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 Use this syllabus for exams in 2029, 2030 and 2031. Exams are available in the June and November series. Exams are also available in the March series in India. Version 1 For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE refers to Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Why choose Cambridge? We work with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world. As part of the University of Cambridge, we offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19, informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With recognised qualifications, high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Qualifications that are recognised and valued worldwide From the world’s top-ranked universities to local higher education institutions, Cambridge qualifications open doors to a world of opportunities. Setting a global standard With over 160 years of experience in delivering fair, valid and reliable assessments to students worldwide, we offer a global, recognised performance standard for international education. Your path, your way Schools can adapt our curriculum, high-quality teaching and learning resources and flexible assessments to their local context. Our aligned offer helps Cambridge schools support every learner to reach their potential and thrive. Learning with lasting impact Cambridge learners build subject knowledge and conceptual understanding, and develop a broad range of skills, learning habits and attributes to help make them ready for the world. Improving learning outcomes through data-led insight and action Our trusted baseline and diagnostic assessments, together with our insights and evaluation service, help schools turn data into knowledge and actionable insights, to inform teaching decisions and improve learner outcomes. Bringing together a community of experts We bring together the collective knowledge of experts and our diverse community of educators worldwide, supporting them to learn from one another and share ideas and information. Tackling the climate crisis together We believe that education is key to tackling the climate crisis. Together with Cambridge schools, we can empower young people with the skills and knowledge to take action on climate change, helping them be ready for the world. School feedback: ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’ Feedback from: Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA © Cambridge University Press & Assessment September 2026 Cambridge International Education is the name of our awarding body and a part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which is a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge University Press & Assessment retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre. Contents Why choose Cambridge? ............................................................................................... 2 1 Why choose this syllabus? ........................................................................................ 4 2 Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................... 7 Aims 7 Content overview 8 Assessment overview 9 Assessment objectives 10 3 Subject content .......................................................................................

FAQs

Which exam series are available for this syllabus in 2029, 2030, and 2031?

Exams are available in the June and November series. Exams are also available in the March series in India.

What is the purpose of Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478?

The syllabus provides a foundation in computer science by building confidence in computational thinking and programming, supporting problem-solving through algorithms and a high-level programming language, and developing technical skills.

What assessment papers does the syllabus include?

The syllabus includes two papers: Paper 1 – Computer Systems and Logic, and Paper 2 – Algorithms and Programming.

Oct 23, 2026

Upload by nayy☆