What is the course about?

A Level Computer Science is the study of computing, taking a deep dive into the inner workings of a computer and developing applications that enrich our modern lives. Students will build powerful coding skills that allow them to model aspects of the real world from the physics of a car to creating charts on statistical data on the movement of populations. Computer science will allow you to present data in a meaningful way, and we can create models of information derived from other subjects.

Course content

The computer science A Level course covers three broad areas. Computer systems looks at the architecture of a computer in fine detail. We look at the different components of a computer and how resources are allocated. We look at how components communicate with each other and the algorithms used to store and transfer data. Students will also learn about the structure of the internet and computer networks as well as the protocols used for communications.

The second part of the course sees the students learning about programming and algorithms.
Students will learn the fundamentals of coding and how to design large scale projects. What are the factors involved in development? How do we ensure programs work and ensure they meets their criteria? Students will have the opportunity to develop a large project as part of the project part of the course where they will use the skills learnt to build their own application that solves a real world issue.  Within all of this, computer ethics plays a role in computer science and students will learn the legalities of accessing and storing data. Students are encouraged to learn about how computers are used in society and what they can supplement our lives in an effective way.

Assessment

The course is divided into three main areas:

Computer Systems and architecture: 

• Exam
• 40% of overall course
• 2 ½ hours 

Algorithms and programming:

• Exam
• 40% of overall course
• 2 ½ hours 

Programming project:

• Coursework based
• 20% of overall course
• Completed throughout the time on the course.

Career pathways

Anything that uses computer systems. Students may develop a hospital data centre, manage air traffic are National Air Traffic control, or create bespoke software for middle-sized companies. Here is a list of possible career paths after graduation:

1. Software engineer: Develop and maintain software applications and systems. You can work in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and technology. The starting salary for a software engineer in the UK is £45,000 per year1.

2. Data analyst: Collect, analyse, and interpret large datasets to identify patterns and trends. You can work in various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and retail. The starting salary for a data analyst in the UK is £32,500 per year1.

3. Cybersecurity analyst: Protect computer systems and networks from cyber attacks. You can work in various industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. The staring salary for a cybersecurity analyst in the UK is £40,000 per year1.

4. Web developer: Design and develop websites and web applications. You can work in various industries, such as technology, media and advertising. The average salary for a web developer in the UK is £35,000 per year1.

5. IT consultant: Advise organisations on how to use technology to achieve their business objectives. You can work in various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government. The average salary for an IT consultant in the UK is £45,000 per year1.

6. Artificial Intelligence/machine learning engineer: Develop and maintain AI/ML algorithms and models. You can work in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and technology. The average salary for an AI/ML engineer in the UK is £60,000 per year1.

7. Cloud computing engineer: Design, develop, and maintain cloud-based systems and applications. You can work in various industries, such as technology, finance, and healthcare. The average salary for a cloud computing engineer in the UK is £55,000 per year1.

8. Quantum computing scientist: Develop and maintain quantum computing algorithms and models. You can work in various industries, such as technology, finance, and government. The average salary for a quantum computing scientist in the UK is £70,000 per year1.

9. Computer network architect: Design and maintain computer networks. You can work in various industries, such as technology, finance, and government. The average salary for a computer network architect in the UK is £50,000 per year1.

10. Mobile application developer: Design and develop mobile applications. You can work in various industries, such as technology, media, and advertising. The average salary for a mobile application developer in the UK is £40,000 per year

These are just a few examples of the many career paths available to computer science graduates. You can also consider working for companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Pfizers or Lotus Cars. 

Entry requirements

Students will be required to achieve a grade 8 in GCSE Mathematics to study this subject.