0478 is the code for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science. It names the qualification on entry forms, syllabus documents and past papers, and it is the first thing to confirm before you choose what to revise.
This page states only what is stable and tells you where to check the rest. The official source is the Cambridge subject page linked below, and it should win over anything written here or in a revision guide.
What does the code tell you?
The code names the qualification, not the exam year. Cambridge issues a syllabus document that covers a run of exam years. For 0478, Cambridge publishes a syllabus document for 2026 to 2028.
Two things follow. The code alone is not enough to pick a syllabus, so you also need your exam year. A document written for a different run of years may describe different content or wording from your own.
How do I confirm my syllabus in five steps?
- Ask your school or exam centre for your entry code and exam year.
- Open the Cambridge 0478 subject page and find the syllabus document listed for your exam year.
- Write the document name and year at the start of your revision file.
- Use the syllabus navigator to record what you confirmed and what is still unresolved.
- Compare versions with the syllabus version viewer if you are using older notes, videos or textbooks.
Is Computer Science the same as ICT?
No. Computer Science and ICT are separate subjects. A worksheet on spreadsheets and presentations may be labelled ICT, while one on algorithms and programming belongs with Computer Science.
Check the subject name and code on any resource before you add it to your plan.
How does this page relate to 0265?
Our Computer Science pages also list a second code, 0265. Cambridge has its own overview page for it, linked from the 0265 code guide.
Check this on the current Cambridge syllabus or with your centre. Read the Cambridge page for what applies to your entry, and confirm with your exam centre.
What should I check with my exam centre?
Your exam centre handles things we and this site cannot. Ask them:
- Which code and exam year am I entered for?
- Which exam series am I entered for? Do not assume a series.
- How is each paper taken at your centre, and what arrangements apply?
- What are the registration and entry deadlines?
Private candidates also deal with the centre and Cambridge directly. Follow the Cambridge guidance and confirm details with the centre you plan to use.
What do we not state here?
Take paper numbers, durations, weightings and grade thresholds from the current Cambridge syllabus for your exam year. Those belong to Cambridge and can change between syllabus versions. The subject page and the syllabus document are where to read them.
Where to go next
Build a plan with the study route guide, read how the paper route works in the assessment guide and see the whole subject in the Computer Science learning guide. The lessons in digital versus paper route checking cover how to confirm your route.
Once your code and year are confirmed, online one-to-one Computer Science tuition can start from the right syllabus instead of a guess.