Computer Science (A-level)

It’s impossible to imagine a world without computers. No Internet or online communications, no mobile phones or digital cameras, no modern transportation – cars, trains or planes.  This course will teach you how to use computers to make the world work as it does.

You’ll learn how to program a computer to behave as you want it to, anything from controlling a robot to making life-saving calculations or building your own version of Amazon. You’ll learn how computers communicate together to form networks like the Internet.

You’ll also learn an important life skill: how to formulate and solve problems.  This is a great foundation for being able to solve the challenges that lie in the future – not only for computer scientists but also for people in a wide variety of professions.

If you are interested in studying A-level Computer Science, you may also be interested in our additional pathways, the T Level in Digital Support Services, the Diploma in E-sports, ICT and Games Development or the T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development. All A-level applicants are encouraged to research alternative pathways before accepting their offer to study A-levels.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4.

A GCSE in Computer Science is not a pre-requisite. However, if you have studied it, a grade 5 is required.

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students will enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

1. Fundamentals of programming
2. Fundamentals of data structures
3. Software development
4. Theory of computation
5. Fundamentals of data representation
6. Fundamentals of computer systems
7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
8. Consequences of uses of computing
9. Fundamentals of communication and networking
10. Fundamentals of databases
11. Big Data
12. Fundamentals of functional programming
13. Systematic approach to problem solving
14. Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project

This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre.

N/A

40% – On-screen examination

40% – Written examination

20% – Non-examination assessment

What can I study after the course?

Students can go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of computing would be beneficial.

What careers does it lead to?

Students can study Computer Science and go on to a career in fields such as medicine, law, technology, business, accounting, ICT, e-commerce, politics, maths, teaching or any type of science.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk