Cambridge O Level & IGCSE Computer Science
Two papers. Paper 1 is about computer systems — data, hardware, networks, security and emerging tech. Paper 2 is where you think like a programmer: algorithms, pseudocode, databases and logic gates.
Starting in Sept 2027 or later? You'll sit the 2029–31 syllabus — Python-only Paper 2, 11 topics.See what changesSitting IGCSE 0478? It is the same syllabus, the same two papers and the same pseudocode as O Level 2210 (to Nov 2028; the 2029–31 edition is Python-only for both) — Cambridge publishes it under both codes, and 0265 is its digital-exam twin — so every topic below is yours too. Only the exam timetable differs; the Exam Planner has an IGCSE option.
O Level / IGCSE Computer Science 2210 · 0478
Course tourFollow the study route
39 sections in syllabus order. Each one: read, watch, pass a 5-question check, flashcards, real past-paper questions. A short check first tells you where to begin.
Paper 1
Computer Systems
1h 45m75 marks50%
Short and extended written questions. No choice of questions.
Assessment objectives:AO1 60% Knowledge & understandingAO2 20% Apply to a contextAO3 20% Evaluate & judgewhat each topic is examined as →
Data Representation
Everything is numbers. Learn how binary, hexadecimal, text, images and sound are stored and how data is compressed.
Data Transmission
How data travels — serial/parallel, simplex/duplex, USB, packets, error checking and encryption.
Hardware
The CPU and Von Neumann architecture, the fetch–decode–execute cycle, input/output devices, storage and virtual memory.
Software
System vs application software, the operating system, interrupts, and how high-level languages become machine code.
The Internet and Its Uses
Internet vs World Wide Web, URLs, HTTP/HTTPS, browsers, cookies, blockchain, cyber security threats and how to stop them.
Automated and Emerging Technologies
Automated systems with sensors, microprocessors and actuators; robotics; and artificial intelligence including expert systems and machine learning.
Paper 2
Algorithms, Programming and Logic
1h 45m75 marks50%
Short and extended written questions including a scenario-based programming task (Section B).
Assessment objectives:AO1 20% Knowledge & understandingAO2 60% Apply to a contextAO3 20% Evaluate & judgewhat each topic is examined as →
Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving
Program development life cycle, decomposition, flowcharts and pseudocode, standard algorithms (searching, sorting, totalling, counting, max/min), validation and testing with trace tables.
Programming
The core skills: variables, constants, data types, input/output, selection (IF/CASE), iteration (FOR/WHILE/REPEAT), procedures, functions, string handling, arrays and file handling — in pseudocode and a high-level language.
Databases
Single-table databases: fields, records, data types, primary keys and SQL queries with SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BY, SUM and COUNT.
Boolean Logic
Logic gates (NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR), logic circuits, truth tables and logic expressions.
