Computer Science
Cambridge IGCSE
This is the published topic structure for Cambridge Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478, 2026–2028. Topics map to the papers below, so a student entered for only some components never sees progress counted against papers they do not sit.
Papers in this syllabus
Every component Cambridge lists for 0478. Which ones a candidate sits depends on the route chosen.
Syllabus topics
The topics a teacher works through, in syllabus order.
1 Data representation
Number systems · Text, sound and images · Data storage and compression
2 Data transmission
Types and methods of data transmission · Methods of error detection · Encryption
3 Hardware
Computer architecture · Input and output devices · Data storage · Network hardware
4 Software
Types of software and interrupts · Types of programming language, translators and integrated development environments (IDEs)
5 The internet and its uses
The internet and the world wide web · Digital currency · Cyber security
6 Automated and emerging technologies
Automated systems · Robotics · Artificial intelligence
7 Algorithm design and problem-solving
8 Programming
Programming concepts · Arrays · File handling
9 Databases
10 Boolean logic
Source: Cambridge International Computer Science 0478 syllabus, 2026–2028. Extracted and checked against the published structure. Cambridge International is not affiliated with Fect and does not endorse it. All Cambridge courses.