A Level Computer Science

Computing is a discipline that is an essential part of our world today. This is a challenging and enlightening Level 3 course in a practical subject that applies academic principles. Learn to code; learn to code better; find out how computers, networks, the internet and mobile networks function, interact and shape the world.

Course Content

The course offers opportunities for students to think creatively, to analyse problems, to be logical and critical, while developing related personal, mathematical and linguistic skills.

A significant and popular component of the course is the opportunity to dedicate a term to a software project. Write a rich and dynamic web application; design a phone app; or design and code your own game. Take charge of your own project throughout its life cycle from conception to realisation. You will be supported whilst developing one or more of Python, Java, C#, SQL, JS and web technologies.

Topics covered by the course include:

• Computer systems architecture
• Use of software and software development
• Computer installations and networks
• Databases and web technologies
• Computational thinking
• Problem solving and computing solutions
• Algorithms and programming

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above (grade C and above) including maths. GCSE Computer Science is not a pre-requisite.

Other Courses

Computer Science is commonly recommended to students with a maths/science background, or who have a logical, precise and creative mind. However, it also complements most other A Levels.

Where will my course lead?

A Level Computer Science will support your entry onto any degree programme, but computing students may specialise in animation, AI, gaming, mobile technologies, robotics and web design, as well as computer science. An understanding of computing has become a necessary practical skill, so there are a wide variety of career opportunities in almost any industry sector. Students could progress to apprenticeship programmes or full-time employment in any area of ICT and become networking engineers, web designers, software developers or systems analysts: there is a vast range of opportunities for students of Computer Science.

Those wanting to do ground-breaking work in their careers or in academic research will likely need to incorporate computers in areas such as data collection, creating a web presence, analysing data and finding patterns with the help of AI, connecting people, interacting with users via mobile apps and various other ways. The list is ever growing. This means that computing skills and knowledge increasingly sit alongside excellence in English and maths as core subjects that will help to determine success in the 21st century and beyond.

Course Costs

Please note that the costs given below are subject to change.

The Additional Cost, payable to the College, is £20. You will be asked to pay this or to put arrangements in place to pay this, at enrolment. Additional Costs are incurred to support teaching, learning and assessment resources. For Computer Science, this would include a range of resources to support computer working in the classroom. We aim to give you a high-quality learning experience, fully preparing you for the next stage in your education or the workplace.

We also offer students opportunities to participate in a range of optional activities and visits outside of their course. Trips will be charged for separately and run subject to demand.

Please note: Fees are subject to change.

Contact

Tel: 01584 872846
Email: enquiries@hlcollege.ac.uk