Computer Science A Level

From the start of the course you will learn the fundamentals of problem solving which you will put into practice by developing computer programs using Visual Basic .NET. Programming is creative and satisfying but demanding, especially when you are learning it for the first time.

It is crucial that you spend time every week developing your programming skills outside lessons. You will learn about the computer as an electronic device, and some of the core fundamentals of computing ¿ such as logic gates, Boolean algebra and number bases. Networks and internet technologies such as encryption are important areas of Computer Science and you will learn both the underlying theory and recent developments in this fast changing area. You will also learn about some of the ways that computer technology has impacted on society.

In the second year of the course you will undertake a significant programming project which you will choose yourself. It is strongly recommended that you do some computer programming to help you decide if the subject is right for you, as programming is a very large component of the course. Any language will do, for example Python, Visual Basic, Java or C#. (Although HTML is useful and fun, it is not strictly a programming language).

• You must satisfy the general entry criteria for A Level courses, which are based on your GCSE results.
• In addition, to study this subject you must achieve at least a grade B in GCSE Mathematics and pass a computing aptitude test before enrolling.
• Computer Science must be taken in combination with either AS Electronics or AS Maths
• You should expect to do some simple programming work in the summer before joining the course.

  International students:

  • Equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered.
  • IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in each skill) or equivalent.

Assessment is by final exam and coursework, and will test both your underlying knowledge of computing and your problem-solving skills.

Taken as one of three A Levels, Computer Science will allow you to progress to university or other Higher Education establishment. Taken in combination with Electronics or Maths, it will allow you to study Computing and Information Technology in much greater depth, or to start work in the Computing and Information Technology sector.