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

You will learn about the computer as an electronic device, and some of the core fundamentals of computing such as logic gates, Boolean algebra and number bases. Networks and internet technologies such as encryption are important areas of the course, and you will learn both the underlying theory and recent developments in this fast changing area. You will also learn about some of the ways that computer technology has made an impact on society. 

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

It is crucial that you spend time every week developing your programming skills outside lessons. You will learn about the computer as an electronic device, and some of the core fundamentals of computing such as logic gates, Boolean algebra and number bases. Networks and internet technologies such as encryption are important areas of Computer Science and you will learn both the underlying theory and recent developments in this fast changing area. You will also learn about some of the ways that computer technology has made an impact on society. 

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, we recommend studying Maths, a Science 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.

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

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

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.