navbar logoTuition Highway

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478

Online Tuition

Computer Science is about writing solutions and understanding how computers work - not just using software. Half the 0478 grade is a paper where students design algorithms and write code, ending in a 15-mark unseen scenario. We build the computational thinking behind it.

Book a Free DemoimageChat on WhatsApp

How we teach Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science at Tuition Highway

A simple four-step approach designed to build confidence, close gaps and improve exam performance.

01

Confirm the route

We confirm the syllabus code, exam series and paper route for 0478. Everything else depends on this.

02

Find the gaps

A diagnostic against the syllabus topics tells us what's secure and what isn't, so we teach the gaps rather than the whole book.

03

Teach weekly, one to one

The same tutor teaches each week around school. Concepts build step by step, with the school's pace kept in view.

04

Practise like the exam

Past-paper questions begin early, followed by full timed papers marked against the published mark scheme.

Matched with a tutor who knows this syllabus

Expert, vetted Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science tutors who have taught the 0478 specification. Past-paper work is reviewed against published mark schemes, so your child can see where marks are awarded and where they are being lost. UK-qualified teachers are available on request as a premium option.

Book a Free Demo

Taught 0478

Not "cambridge igcse computer science in general" - this syllabus, this tier and these papers.

Reviews work against the mark scheme

Your child learns where the marks actually are, not where they feel they should be.

Built for online teaching

Shared whiteboard, worked solutions and lesson materials saved to review after the session.

Consistent across the term

The same tutor every week - and if that changes, we tell you first.

The 0478 papers your child actually sits

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science is assessed by two equally-weighted written papers. Both are compulsory, both are 75 marks, and no calculators are allowed. Paper 2 requires genuine practical programming experience.

PAPERWHAT IT TESTSDETAILSHOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
FULL COURSE - CAMBRIDGE IGCSE / A*-G
1
Computer SystemsTopics 1-6

Computer systems, hardware, software, networks and emerging technologies

detail column body time icon1h 45mdetail column body marks icon75 marks / 50%
  • Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
  • Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
2
Algorithms, Programming and LogicTopics 7-10

Algorithms, pseudocode, programming logic, testing and the unseen scenario

detail column body time icon1h 45mdetail column body marks icon75 marks / 50%
  • Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
  • Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions

Paper 2 coded solutions are written in pseudocode, except the final 15-mark unseen scenario where candidates may answer in pseudocode or in Python, Visual Basic or Java.

Figures shown for 0580 and 0980 syllabuses for 2025-2027.

FULL COURSECAMBRIDGE IGCSE / A*-G
1

Computer Systems

Topics 1-6

WHAT IT TESTS
Computer systems, hardware, software, networks and emerging technologies
DETAILS
detail column body time icon1h 45mdetail column body marks icon75 marks / 50%
HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
  • Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
  • Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
2

Algorithms, Programming and Logic

Topics 7-10

WHAT IT TESTS
Algorithms, pseudocode, programming logic, testing and the unseen scenario
DETAILS
detail column body time icon1h 45mdetail column body marks icon75 marks / 50%
HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
  • Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
  • Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions

Paper 2 coded solutions are written in pseudocode, except the final 15-mark unseen scenario where candidates may answer in pseudocode or in Python, Visual Basic or Java.

Applying and designing solutions (AO2) is 40% of the qualification. Grades are A* to G. Exams run June and November, with March available in India.

Everything you need to know, at a glance.

e break down the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus so you know eactly whats covered how its assessed and the best route for your child.

  1. 0101

    Clear syllabus information

    Know the code, grading, papers and topics.

  2. 0202

    Choose the right path

    Replace step two description.

  3. 0303

    Plan with confidence

    Stay ahead with exam series and key details.

SYLLABUS AT A GLANCEhero card header icon 22025 - 2027
Papers
2 (each 50%)
Paper 1
Computer Systems / 1h45 / 75 marks
Paper 2
Algorithms, Programming & Logic / 1h45 / 75 marks
Grading
A*-G
Scenario question
15 marks / pseudocode or code
Calculators
Not permitted

Syllabus for 2026-2028. The final 15-mark scenario in Paper 2 may be answered in pseudocode or in Python, Visual Basic or Java.

What the Computer Science syllabus covers

These are the main syllabus strands your child is expected to cover. We teach all of them, starting with the gaps that are costing marks first.

Tuition stays aligned to the exact paper or unit structure, so revision time goes where the marks actually move.

syllabus cover image
01

Data representation

02

Data transmission

03

Hardware

04

Software

05

The internet and its uses

06

Automated & emerging technologies

07

Algorithm design & problem-solving

08

Pseudocode & flowcharts

09

Trace tables & testing

10

Programming concepts

11

Arrays & file handling

12

Databases & SQL

13

Boolean logic

14

The 15-mark scenario

FREE 30-MINUTE DEMO

Start with a free demo

Share your child's details and syllabus code. We'll match the right tutor and arrange a free 30-minute demo session.

No payment details required for the demo

Questions parents ask about Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

How is Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science assessed?+

Two equally-weighted written papers: Paper 1 (Computer Systems) and Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic), each 1 hour 45 minutes and 75 marks. No calculators are allowed.

Does my child write real code?+

Solutions in Paper 2 are written in pseudocode. The exception is the final 15-mark scenario question, which may be answered in pseudocode or in Python, Visual Basic or Java.

What's the 15-mark scenario question?+

An unseen problem at the end of Paper 2 where students write an algorithm for a given context. It's substantial, so candidates should plan around 30 minutes for it.

How is it graded?+

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science is graded A* to G, with A* the highest.

When are the exams?+

In the June and November series, with an additional March series in India.

What's the difference between Computer Science and ICT?+

Computer Science (0478) is about programming and how computers work; ICT (0417) is about applying software to produce solutions. The free assessment helps you choose the right fit.

Does my child need prior programming experience?+

No, but Paper 2 assumes practical programming has been part of the course, so regular hands-on coding practice matters. We build it from wherever your child is.

What if the tutor isn't the right fit?+

We replace them - free, and with no argument - and hand over the syllabus progress and known concerns so the new tutor continues seamlessly.