Why Study Computer Science?

This qualification is relevant to the modern and changing world of computing and is also relevant to the higher education community. Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement. The course values computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. It is designed to inspire and challenge students to apply the knowledge they gain with the creative and technical skills they acquire. Other aspects are A Level Computer Science is focused on programming; it builds on GCSE Computing and emphasises the importance of computational thinking as a discipline. There is an expanded Maths focus, much of which is embedded within the course. There is an increased emphasis on coding and programming.

What does the Course involve?

Unit 1: Computer Systems Covers the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following: Software and its development Types of programming languages Data types, representation and structures Exchanging data and web technologies Following algorithms Using Boolean algebra Legal, moral and ethical issues. Unit 2: Algorithms and Programming Elements of computational thinking Programming and problem solving Pattern recognition, abstraction and decomposition Algorithm design and efficiency, and Standard algorithms Unit 3: Programming Project You are set a user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. You will need to analyse the problem, design a solution, implement the solution and give a thorough evaluation.

How will I be assessed?

80% exam, 20% coursework.

Leading to a career in?

Typical roles in industry include software engineer, developer, analyst, project manager, software architect, tester and operational manager; career development opportunities are almost unlimited within the industry.