A Level Computer Science

If you are interested in the technologies that shape the modern world and drive the pace of change, then Computer Science is the subject for you. A Level Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s also an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement and is a gateway to the industries of the future.

Course Overview

The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:

An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation
The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so
The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
Mathematical skills

Entry Requirements

All students studying A Levels should have at least five GCSEs at grade 9 – 5 in academic subjects, including English Language at grade 5. Two of these should be grade 6.

Specifically for Computer Science, you will need GCSE Computer Science at grade 6 or above, and GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above.

Assessment Information

AS Computer Science consists of two examined units; both examinations are of one hour and 15 minutes’ duration. The A Level in Computer Science also consists of two examined units externally assessed by OCR, and one internally assessed unit. Both examinations are of two hours and 30 minutes’ duration.

Career Opportunities

Students taking Computer Science often go on to study it at university, or they take another science or mathematical subject and use their knowledge of computing to enhance and develop their studies. Computer Science is also essential to a wide variety of careers, from app developer to algorithm programmer.