Computer Science - A Level (OCR)

A Level Computer Science is an exciting but demanding subject that will help you develop an analytical, problem-solving approach, which is sometimes called 'computational thinking’.

The course will equip you with the fundamentals of problem-solving, which you will put into practice by developing computer programs using Python.

From the start of the course, you will learn the fundamentals of problem solving which you will put into practice by developing computer programs. Programming is creative and satisfying but demanding, especially when you are learning it for the first time.

This course is available for international students, if you are applying as an international student please click here.

Networks and internet technologies such as encryption are important areas of Computer Science. You will learn both the underlying theory and recent developments in this fast-changing area.

You will learn about the computer as an electronic device and some of the core fundamentals of computing such as:

• Logic gates
• Boolean algebra
• Number bases

It is crucial that you spend time every week developing your programming skills outside lessons.

In the second year of the course, you will undertake a significant programming project which you will choose yourself. It is strongly recommended that you do some computer programming to help you decide if the subject is right for you, as programming is a very large component of the course. Any language will do, for example, Python, Visual Basic, Java or C#. (Although HTML is useful and fun, it is not strictly a programming language).

You will need:

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Computer Science - if you did not achieve a grade 6, you will need to pass an aptitude test before enrolment. If you did not study GCSE Computer Science, you must also enrol in either: Maths, Science, Psychology or Economics alongside Computer Science.
• Two further GCSEs at grade 4 or above

If you wish to study 4 A Levels, you will need 7 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including two at grade 8.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them.

We recommend that you do some computer programming in Python, Visual Basic, Java or C# to help you decide if the subject is right for you, as programming is a very large component of the course.

When applying for an A Level programme at City and Islington, please refer to the general entry requirements on our A Level Courses page as well as the subject-specific details listed above.

Assessment is by final exam and coursework, and will test both your underlying knowledge of computing and your problem-solving skills.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

A Levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK, and the rest of the world. Many of our students go onto study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.

Click here to see some of the teachers that teach A Levels at the college