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Velvet Digest

What is the difference between triple and double science?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on June 03, 2026

A student who does triple science does physics, chemistry and biology as separate subjects and, if they pass all three, are credited with three GCSEs. A student who does “double science” at GCSE studies physics, chemistry and biology as a single subject, but they are credited with having achieved two GCSEs.

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In respect to this, is it better to do triple or double science?

Yes you're right. Double is a mix of all three, but at a slightly less complex level. So you still study all the sciences, just not as in depth. You can still take an A-level science with double, but there will be some aspects that will be new to you, but not those who did a triple.

Also, how many GCSEs do you get for double science? two GCSEs

Hereof, what is the difference between combined and triple science?

The difference is that for Triple each exam is 1 hour 45 mins and for combined 1 hour 10 mins. It's called Trilogy because each subject can be taught separately. But the overall grades come from an average across all the different papers.

What does triple science mean?

Triple science is the route allowing students to study biology, chemistry and physics as separate subjects. This leads to three distinct GCSE awards. Triple science has been championed by the government and industry for the way it prepares students for the world of STEM employment.

Related Question Answers

Is it worth doing triple science?

If you're already thinking about university and careers and are interested in science-based degrees and jobs then it is definitely worth considering taking separate science GCSEs. Most top universities prefer applicants for science subjects to have taken the triple award option at GCSE.

Do you need triple science to be a doctor?

They require a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade A/7, not including short-course GCSEs. Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics (or Double Science and Additional Science/Triple-Award Science) must be passed at a minimum of grade B/6. Applied Science is not an acceptable GCSE.

Is physics harder than biology?

Beginning university students in the sciences usually consider biology to be much easier than physics or chemistry. From their experience in high school, physics has math and formulae that must be understood to be applied correctly, but the study of biology relies mainly on memorization.

How many GCSE papers are there for triple science?

three

Why should I take triple science?

Triple science is a better preparation for science A-levels, and the Government acknowledges that Triple students get higher A-level grades. “Triple science GCSE will give a better preparation for science A-levels, and therefore a better preparation for science degrees.”

Is Triple Science 3 Gcses?

Double science is two gcses, so you get a core science and additional science gcse, triple science is where you get seperate gcses for biology, chemistry and physics so you get three gcses. So you would sit more exams if you did triple.

What is the hardest GCSE subject?

So in no particular order, here are the subjects that we believe are the toughest GCSEs to do well in!
  1. Modern Foreign Languages. In 2017, the number of students undertaking a GCSE in a modern foreign language experienced a slight decrease compared to 2016.
  2. History.
  3. Music.
  4. English Literature.
  5. Maths.
  6. Sciences.
  7. Engineering.
  8. Drama.

How many exams are there in triple science?

Triple Award Science (sometimes known as 'Separate Sciences' or 'Single Sciences') is where students study all three sciences and end up with three GCSEs.

Is pure science hard?

'Pure Sciences' is actually not very difficult, especially for students with passion. 'Combined Sciences' are for Lower Ability Learners.

Which exam board is the hardest for GCSE science?

AQA are harder for the inattentive students Whereas AQA has four topics split across two exams with each topic being worth 25% of the overall grade. This is a key difference as OCR has a greater volume of content that you need to learn, however AQA requires that you learn fewer topics but in more detail.

Is GCSE biology hard?

In conclusion, A-Level Biology is a lot more difficult than GCSE. Not only is there more content (which you have to learn on your own) the content is more difficult to understand, too.

How do I get good at GCSE?

10 Best GCSE Revision Tips from Past Students
  1. Create a Revision Timetable.
  2. Take Regular Study Breaks.
  3. Use Mind Maps to Connect Ideas.
  4. Understand Your Learning Style.
  5. Practice, Practice, Practice.
  6. Collaborate with Classmates.
  7. Variety is the Spice of Life!
  8. Day of Your GCSE Exam.

How many GCSE do you need?

You should aim for this as a minimum. Most people study for at least five GCSEs, but many study for ten or more! Most young people try to study for as many GCSEs as they are able. Crucial: GCSE grades are changing from letter grades A*-G to number grades 9-1.

Is 3 a pass in GCSE?

GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) – Certificate and qualification awarded. At GCSE, considered a 'good pass', and awards a qualification at Level 2 of the RQF. GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G) – Certificate and qualification awarded.

What is a 5 in GCSE?

Equivalent GCSE grades The Government has said that grade 4 is a 'standard pass'. Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system. Grade 4 remains the level that students must achieve without needing to resit English and Maths post-16.

Is Grade 4 GCSE a pass?

Strong pass and standard pass - what's all that about? It's confusing, but there are two pass marks - 4 is a standard pass and 5 is a strong pass. This means that a candidate who gets nine 4 grades has, technically, passed all their exams.

Does science count as 3 GCSEs?

Yes, triple science means taking 3 sciences for GCSE options. Two-thirds of the content is identical to that studied by students receiving two science awards. One GCSE in Biology, one in Chemistry and one in Physics. Everyone does core modules in B,C and P.

How do you get Grade 9 in combined science?

If they take the Combined Science qualification, they'll receive an award worth two GCSEs. It will consist of two equal or adjacent grades from 9 to 1, giving 17 possible grade combinations – 9-9; 9-8; 8-8 through to 1-1.

Is combined science Two GCSEs?

Combined Science This is a two-GCSE sized (double award) qualification covering the three science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are awarded a grade based on their overall performance across these three disciplines.