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International GCSEs

IGCSE subjects: choosing your International GCSEs

In short

Pearson Edexcel offers International GCSEs in 37 subjects, and Lift College teaches seven of them online: Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Science (Double Award). Most learners start with Maths and English Language, because college courses, apprenticeships and many jobs ask for both at grade 4 or above.

The seven subjects at Lift College

Each subject is its own subscription, so you can take one or several and sit them in different series. Typical durations are taken from each course page.

SubjectPapersTiersTypical duration
International GCSE Mathematics2 papers, 2 hours eachFoundation (5 to 1) or Higher (9 to 3)12 to 18 months
International GCSE English Language1 paper, 3 hoursOne tier9 to 12 months
International GCSE English Literature2 papers, 3 hours 30 minutes in totalOne tier9 to 12 months
International GCSE Biology2 papers, 3 hours 15 minutes in totalOne tier12 to 18 months
International GCSE Chemistry2 papers, 3 hours 15 minutes in totalOne tier12 to 18 months
International GCSE Physics2 papers, 3 hours 15 minutes in totalOne tier12 to 18 months
International GCSE Science (Double Award)3 papers, 2 hours eachOne tier18 to 24 months

Which subjects to choose for your next step

  • You need English and maths for college, an apprenticeship or a job: take Mathematics and English Language. The National Careers Service lists GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or equivalent, including English and maths, for many T Levels and advanced apprenticeships.
  • You plan to take science at A Level: take the separate science you want to continue. Lift College's International A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses recommend a grade 6 or above in that science, Combined Science or Double Award Science.
  • You want broad science in fewer exams: Science (Double Award) covers biology, chemistry and physics in three papers and gives two grades, from 9-9 to 1-1, so it counts as two GCSEs.
  • You enjoy reading and writing about texts: add English Literature. Paper 2 is open book, and there is no coursework on the route Lift College enters you for.

Choosing a tier in Maths

International GCSE Mathematics is entered at one of two tiers. Foundation covers grades 5 to 1 and Higher covers grades 9 to 3, so you need Higher to reach grade 6 or above. Grade 6 is the starting point Lift College's International A Level Mathematics recommends.

Study IGCSE maths online

Separate sciences or Double Award

Three separate sciences give three grades but mean six papers. Double Award gives two grades from three papers. If you are aiming at International A Level Physics, the course page also recommends a grade 6 or above in Maths. Check the entry requirements of the sixth form, college or course you have in mind before you decide.

Study IGCSE Science Double Award online

Taking more than one subject

You do not have to take every subject at once. Lift College reduces the price when you study more than one course: 2 courses save 5%, 3 save 10%, and 4 or more save 15%.

If you need a subject that is not offered as an International GCSE, see the GCSE courses, which are AQA GCSEs on the Ofqual register.

Questions

What does the IGCSE curriculum cover at Lift College?
Seven Pearson Edexcel subjects: Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Science (Double Award). You work through the full Pearson Edexcel course in each, and every subject is 100% examined with no coursework. Each subject is its own subscription, so you choose which to study.
Which international GCSE sciences can I take?
Lift College teaches International GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each two written papers, and Science (Double Award), three written papers that cover all three sciences and count as two GCSEs. Practical skills are tested in the written papers rather than in a laboratory.
Can I study Edexcel IGCSE History at Lift College?
Not as an International GCSE. Lift College teaches seven International GCSE subjects, and History is not one of them. If you need a subject that is not offered as an International GCSE, see the GCSE courses, which are AQA GCSEs on the Ofqual register.
How to get A* in IGCSE maths?
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics is graded 9 to 1, so the top grade is 9 rather than A*. To reach the top grades you sit the Higher tier, which covers grades 9 to 3, because Foundation goes up to grade 5. Lift College gives marked practice in every unit and a timed mock before you are entered.

Related pages

Sources

International GCSEs: all courses and guides