Course Overview
Open up a fascinating world of discovery and gain a broad introduction to the scientific thinking, key ideas and applications of biology, chemistry and physics.
A Combined Science IGCSE will improve your employability as you build key scientific skills, whilst gaining a broad foundation in the ideas and applications of biology, chemistry and physics.
If you’re keen to gain a wide-ranging introduction to science our IGCSE Combined Science online course is perfect. From the human circulatory system to an explanation of how a rainbow is made, IGCSE Combined Science opens up a captivating world of discovery. Find out the fascinating way that photosynthesis connects biology, chemistry and physics as you make connections across these disciplines.
Discover how scientific research impacts everyday life with the engaging topics in our IGCSE Combined Science course. This comprehensive online Combined Science IGCSE provides an ideal foundation for further studies and careers in the scientific field. Start your journey exploring the wonders of science today.
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100% pass rate in 2024
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Interactive course
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1:1 tutor support
IGCSE Combined Science at a glance
Our (I)GCSE courses are offered in conjunction with leading UK examination boards and you’ll have to sit exams to get your qualification. Our Exams and Assessment page provides more information on sitting your exams.
CAIE 0653
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (three):
Core tier (Foundation):
Paper 1 – 30% of marks (45 minutes)
Paper 3 – 50% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
Paper 6 – 20% of marks (1 hour)
Extended tier (Higher):
Paper 2 – 30% of marks (45 minutes)
Paper 4 – 50% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
Paper 6 – 20% of marks (1 hour)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
CAIE 0653
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
No additional set texts required.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Exams (three):
Core tier (Foundation):
Paper 1 – 30% of marks (45 minutes)
Paper 3 – 50% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
Paper 6 – 20% of marks (1 hour)
Extended tier (Higher):
Paper 2 – 30% of marks (45 minutes)
Paper 4 – 50% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
Paper 6 – 20% of marks (1 hour)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
CAIE 0653
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (three):
Core tier (Foundation):
Paper 1 – 30% of marks (45 minutes)
Paper 3 – 50% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
Paper 6 – 20% of marks (1 hour)
Extended tier (Higher):
Paper 2 – 30% of marks (45 minutes)
Paper 4 – 50% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
Paper 6 – 20% of marks (1 hour)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Why study IGCSE Combined Science
Future opportunities
- Employers value candidates who can demonstrate science-based skills – such as enquiry, accuracy, initiative and inventiveness.
- Gaining a firm foundation in each subject will help you make an informed choice about pursuing science at A level.
IGCSE Combined Science taster
Studying IGCSE Combined Science will fuel your curiosity as you expore the wonders of science.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the Combined Science IGCSE course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees for (I)GCSEs offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £470 |
| Deposit | £47 |
| Amount of credit | £423 |
| Monthly payment | £35.25 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £470 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enrolling on more than one GCSE or IGCSE? Use voucher code GCSEMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I love learning and I love inspiring other people to learn. I’ve worked with students from primary to undergraduate level as I have taught in schools and universities. Now, I specialise in home education and distance learning, teaching people in the UK and overseas. I have a degree in physics with astrophysics and a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) in physics, science and maths, both from the University of Birmingham, and an LLM in Law from the University of Leeds. A senior examiner for several exam boards, I am also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.”
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
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Want to study more than one subject? We offer a 10% multi-buy offer when you enrol on two or more courses together.
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