An Overview: Difference Between Combined and Triple Science
This article aims to go over the main differences between GCSE combined and Triple science, which our GCSE Science tutors are also very accustomed to explaining.
Key Difference between GCSE Combined and Triple science
In GCSE Triple Science 3 separate grades are awarded for each (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Triple Science involves studying biology, chemistry, and physics separately, leading to three distinct GCSEs. But, for GCSE Combined Science only 2 grades are given. Yet, Combined Science students are still required to study all three science subjects. Hence Combined Science is viewed as 2 GCSEs, whereas GCSE Triple Science counts as 3 separate GCSE subjects. Double Science, also known as Combined Science or Separate Sciences, provides a general understanding of the subjects without going into as much depth as the Triple Science qualification.
Content & Exam Comparison
This difference also means that Triple Science contains more GCSE Science content and more challenging topics. This leads to the Combined science gcse exams being 30 minutes shorter (1 hour 15 mins, in comparison to 1 hour 45 minutes for Triple Science papers). Both nonetheless require 2 exams to be taken for each core science.
The length and content of the exams aren’t the only differences. Triple Science allows for more specialist exam questions, going into more detail in specific areas of each subject, while Combined Science covers the key concepts more broadly. The extra time in Triple Science exams is used to assess you on more advanced topics, so there is more differentiation between students of different abilities.
Foundation Tier & Higher Tiers?
Both Combined and Triple have a Foundation and Higher Tier. As Combined Science is 2 GCSEs, students can sit Foundation or Higher, but they must choose all foundation or higher. There is no mixing and matching of Foundation and Higher tiers in Combined Science. For Triple Science, students can sit Foundation or Higher in each Science, but they can not mix tiers between papers 1 and 2.
For example in Foundation Combined Science you will sit Foundation for each Science. But, in Triple Science if you chose to do Foundation tier for Physics, you can still do Higher Tier for Biology (both paper 1 and 2).
TL;DR
The triple science course requires in depth understanding and has a lot more detail in terms of the content
Even if you do the Double Award course, you will still study three sciences but just be awarded 2 GCSEs and 2 grades for them
Those who study Combined Science don’t automatically restrict their career aspirations or chances for further education (i.e. College/Sixthform)
GCSE Triple science can aid your further studies such as A-Level Chemistry, Biology & Physics
The exam specifications are a key difference between the Combined and Triple science course
Which UK Exam Boards Offer These Qualifications?
In the UK, the three main exam boards that offer Double Award Science (aka Combined Science) and GCSE Triple Science are AQA, Edexcel (Pearson) and OCR. Each of these exam boards has slightly different structures and assessments but all cover the core subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Here’s a breakdown:
AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
AQA is the largest exam board in the UK and offer both Double Science and Triple Science. The AQA GCSE Combined Science qualification gives you 2 GCSEs and covers all 3 sciences in less depth than Triple Science. AQA’s Triple Science gives you 3 separate GCSEs (1 each in Biology, Chemistry and Physics) so you can go deeper into each subject area.
Pearson Edexcel
Pearson Edexcel is another major exam board in the UK and offer both qualifications. Edexcel GCSE Combined Science gives you 2 GCSEs across the 3 sciences, like AQA. Edexcel Triple Science gives you 3 separate GCSEs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics so you can go deeper into each subject area, especially useful if you’re planning to do A-Level sciences.
OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
OCR also offer both Combined Science and Triple Science GCSEs. OCR’s Combined Science follows a similar structure to AQA and Edexcel with 2 GCSEs. The Triple Science option gives you 3 individual GCSEs, one in each of the 3 science subjects.
Each of these exam boards allows schools to choose the specification for their students. Check with your school to see which board they follow as each board’s assessment is slightly different.
Which students do GCSE Combined Science vs Triple Science
Due to the more challenging content, Triple Sciences is offered to students who have shown a high grade / high attainment in tests. Triple who choose GCSE Triple Science often do so because it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the material, which can ease the transition to A-Level studies. However, this is different in each school and you should check with your Head of Science at school. Studying Combined Science can ease the workload for students who find science challenging.
Impact on A-Levels, University, and Career
Choosing between GCSE Combined Science and GCSE Triple Science can have a significant impact on a student’s future academic and career prospects. Here’s what you need to know:
Impact on A-Levels, University and Career in Science Subjects
In terms of future prospects, studying triple Science sets you up for pursuing a career that requires scientific aptitude. Careers such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Physics fall into this. GCSE Triple Science provides a better platform into taking A level Sciences and thus into such job fields. However, this does not mean Combined Science does not allow you to also pursue A level Science. Students study either combined science, resulting in two GCSEs, or triple science, which leads to three GCSEs. Exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, and OCR offer specific GCSE qualifications, and the structure of these exams can impact students’ choices and academic paths. However, it is important to acknowledge that it will require more work and there may be a few gaps in knowledge to be filled in. This can make it harder and demotivating for some students. For example, titrations are not covered in Combined Science but are relevant in A level Chemistry.
Conclusion
Ultimately it does not matter much if you do Combined or Triple in terms of university level, as the majority of universities accept GCSE Combined Science in place of Triple for their courses. It is still best to confirm this for your specific course and university. University places are granted based on A level grade attainment. The decision between Triple and Combined in 2025 should be made based on the student’s interest in Science and pursuing it further in the future, as well as their current grade attainment in GCSE Science. Either one provides you with a good base knowledge for taking Science forward in higher education.