The Hardest IGCSE Subjects: A Comprehensive Guide
- Chern Jiek
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 5
Choosing your IGCSE subjects can feel overwhelming. It’s like navigating a minefield. You want to pick subjects that align with your interests and strengths, but some are notoriously difficult. Based on student feedback, exam structures, and overall difficulty, we’ve ranked the top 10 hardest IGCSE subjects. This list goes from "pretty hard" to "why did I do this to myself?" If you're tackling any of these subjects, we've got your back with tuition support at Senpai Corner.
10. Computer Science
Computer Science is exciting, but it can be challenging. You need to grasp programming logic, algorithms, computational thinking, and theory all at once. Many students struggle when transitioning from Scratch to real coding languages like Python.
Programming involves more than just writing code. You must break down problems logically, create efficient algorithms, and debug under pressure. Additionally, you’ll learn about binary numbers, CPU components, and memory structure.
Exams often test your ability to apply knowledge in unfamiliar scenarios. Even with extensive practice, the real challenge lies in understanding how everything connects.
Pro tip: Start early, keep practicing, and if you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to get some help.
9. Geography
Geography combines science and humanities, which sounds easy until you realize how much you need to remember. From volcanoes and rivers to cities and climate change, it’s a lot to cover.
The exam requires you to apply case studies to real-world situations. Vague phrasing in questions can confuse students. Physical geography can be technical, covering plate tectonics and weather systems, while human geography deals with population patterns and global development.
Strong map skills, graph analysis, and writing ability are essential to support your answers with evidence.
Pro tip: Build a case study bank and practice applying the same example in different contexts.
8. Foreign Languages (like Mandarin)
Languages are always a challenge, but some are exceptionally tough. Take Mandarin, for example. It has thousands of characters, tones to master, and a grammar system vastly different from English.
To excel, you need daily exposure. Simply learning from a textbook won’t suffice. You must practice listening and speaking, which often gets overlooked in school.
Languages like French or Spanish also present challenges. Verb conjugations, gender rules, and idioms can trip you up.
Pro tip: Watch shows, listen to music, and speak regularly. Don’t limit yourself to vocab lists—get a tutor who can guide your immersion.
7. History
History isn’t just about memorizing dates. It’s about understanding what happened, why it happened, and the consequences. You’ll need to interpret sources and write strong, well-structured essays.
It’s one of the most writing-intensive IGCSEs. Marks can be easily lost if you don’t back up points with examples. Source analysis questions can be challenging, requiring you to read between the lines and assess reliability and bias.
You’ll study major global events and themes, such as the World Wars and colonialism. The pressure to cover a vast syllabus in depth makes this subject tough.
Pro tip: Get into the habit of planning essay structures.
6. English Literature
English Literature can feel like guesswork if you’re not used to analyzing texts. You’ll need to break down poetry, prose, and drama—not just for what happens, but for how the writer uses language, structure, and form to create meaning.
Timed essays can be brutal. You must quote accurately, argue a point clearly, and write with style—all in one go. Because it’s subjective, even strong students sometimes find their marks inconsistent.
Texts can range from Shakespeare to modern novels. It’s not just about reading; it’s about deeply understanding themes, character arcs, and the writer’s purpose.
Pro tip: Practice close reading and familiarize yourself with key literary devices. If you’re stuck, a tutor can enhance your analysis skills.
5. Mathematics (Extended)
Extended Mathematics isn’t your average math class. You’ll cover algebra, trigonometry, vectors, geometry, probability, and more. The difficulty lies in how problems are structured—they’re often multi-step and presented in unfamiliar formats.
Simply knowing formulas isn’t enough. You must apply them smartly and think on your feet. It’s a mental workout, especially under timed conditions.
Problem-solving and logic are essential. Topics like functions, transformations, and number patterns can feel abstract without consistent practice.
Pro tip: Use past papers as drills and learn to identify common traps. Senpai Corner has tutors who can help you navigate the tough parts.
4. Biology
Biology may seem easier than Physics or Chemistry at first, but the content can quickly become overwhelming. The syllabus is extensive, filled with definitions, processes, diagrams, and systems to understand—from mitosis and osmosis to photosynthesis and the immune system.
Exam questions often require you to apply your knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios. Additionally, diagram labeling and explanations must be precise.
Practical work and experiment-based questions can also confuse students if they don’t grasp the methods and reasons behind them.
Pro tip: Flashcards, active recall, and spaced repetition will be your best friends. A good biology tutor can help you master the toughest topics.
3. Chemistry
Chemistry is the ultimate balancing act—literally. With equations, reactions, the periodic table, bonding, and calculations, it’s one of the most conceptually and mathematically challenging sciences.
Topics like mole calculations, organic chemistry, and reaction rates often stump students. A single mistake in your calculations can lead to the wrong answer, even if you understand the concept.
You’ll also need to write clear, structured responses explaining molecular-level phenomena, which adds to the complexity.
Pro tip: Build a strong conceptual foundation. Don’t skip steps when solving problems. Find expert help at Senpai Corner.
2. Physics
Physics is the heavyweight of the sciences. You need solid math skills and a deep understanding of physical laws and their applications. You’ll constantly switch between theory, formulas, and calculations.
The topics are diverse—kinematics, electricity, waves, magnetism, energy, and forces. Physics can feel abstract, making it challenging to visualize what’s happening in a system.
And those formulas? There are many. Knowing them isn’t enough; you must understand how and when to use them—and their significance.
Make life easier with these resources:
Pro tip: Understand the “why” behind every formula. Link concepts together and practice application questions extensively.
1. Additional Mathematics (Winner of the Hardest IGCSE Subject)
At the top of the difficulty pyramid is Additional Mathematics. It’s essentially university-level thinking packed into a high school syllabus. You’ll tackle functions, calculus, circular measure, matrices, transformations, and more.
This subject demands more than just memorizing formulas; you need to truly understand the concepts. Exam questions often combine multiple topics into one challenging question. Only students with a strong math background should attempt Additional Maths, and even then, it requires serious dedication.
Pro tip: Practice extensively with past papers and create a formula book that you understand. And yes, you’ll want a solid tutor to keep pace.
Final Thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s completely normal. These subjects are designed to challenge you. The key to success isn’t being the smartest person in the room; it’s about consistency, seeking help early, and utilizing the right resources.
Senpai Corner offers everything you need: smart notes, breakdowns, and tutors who have navigated these challenges before. Explore our full range of support and give yourself the edge you deserve.