Coursework

Coursework is a form of assessment that allows students to demonstrate skills and knowledge over an extended period, often with access to resources and the opportunity to draft and revise their work. The role of coursework varies significantly across subjects and exam boards, and its prominence in UK qualifications has evolved over time.

Following reforms to A-Levels in England beginning in 2015, many subjects reduced or eliminated their coursework component in favor of linear assessment (exams at the end of the two-year course). However, several subjects retain significant coursework elements. A-Level Art and Design is assessed entirely through coursework and a controlled assignment (no written exam). A-Level Geography typically includes a fieldwork investigation. A-Level English Literature may include a coursework essay. Science A-Levels include a practical endorsement that, while not contributing to the grade numerically, is recorded as a pass/fail alongside the grade.

At IGCSE level, coursework options are more common. Cambridge IGCSE subjects often offer a choice between a coursework pathway and an exam-only pathway, with the school selecting which route its students follow. For example, IGCSE English Language may assess speaking and listening through coursework, while IGCSE Science subjects may offer practical coursework as an alternative to a practical exam paper.

Coursework requires different preparation strategies than exam revision. Students should plan their work carefully, allocate sufficient time for research and drafting, seek feedback from teachers within the rules of the specification, and pay close attention to the assessment criteria. Plagiarism rules apply strictly to coursework, and exam boards use detection tools to verify authenticity. The best coursework demonstrates genuine intellectual engagement, careful analysis, and clear communication.