Computer Science (A Level) – Level 3

In the first year these subjects will be studied (please note that these lists are subject to revision):

Year 1:

• Programming (VB.Net, C#, C++ or Python)
• Structure and Function of the Processor
• Types of Processor
• Input/Output/Storage
• Systems Software (Operating Systems)
• Applications Generation
• Types of Programming Language
• Compression, Encryption, Hashing
• Databases
• Networks
• Data Structures
• Boolean Algebra
• Computer Legislation
• Moral and Ethical Issues
• Thinking Abstractly
• Thinking Ahead
• Thinking Concurrently
• Computational Methods
• Algorithms

Year 2:

• Programming (VB.Net, C#, C++ or Python)
• Software Development
• Web Technologies
• Data Types
• Thinking Logically
• Computational Methods
• Programming Techniques
• Algorithms
• Project (the area and programming language will be the learner’s choice)
  

This is a 2 year course studied September – June.

Five GCSEs at grade 4/5 or above, including GCSE English language at grade 5, and GCSE mathematics and science at grade 6. We strongly recommend studying A Level mathematics alongside this subject.

As well as the entry requirements above you will also need to meet the specific requirements for the A Level courses you choose.

Informal assessment takes place throughout the year. Internally, there are mock exams at the end of Year 1 and then external A Level exams at the end of Year 2.

Mock Exams: One written paper that focuses on theoretical content, requiring analytical and problem-solving skills.

A Level Exams: Two written papers. Both will primarily focus on the (theoretical) Year 1 and Year 2 content as described above. Each exam contributes 40% the total graded mark. A substantial coded project will also be submitted (20% of total mark).

The top degree courses taken by learners who have A Level Computer Science are Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, an Engineering discipline, Computer Games Development and Business.

Career Opportunities

Studying A Level Computer Science offers a wide range of career opportunities. Please note that it is highly likely that further training after a degree will be required for most of these professions. Such training may be provided by the employer. Career opportunities include:

• Computer programmer
• Data Analyst
• AI practitioner (there are many fields)
• Higher education lecturer
• Games designer/developer
• Network specialist
• Computer laboratory technician
• Secondary school teacher
• Cybersecurity professional
• Engineer (various disciplines)
• Web Designer
• Systems developer
• Technical author

Our MC Click scheme provides full time students (ages 16-19) on a Level 1, 2 or 3 study programmes with a free loan laptop to assist with their studies. Laptops can be collected at enrolment. Click here for more information about MC Click.

Tuition fees are free if you are a UK or home-fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course.

Additional financial support may also be available for full-time students – click here to find out more.

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of this page which will take you to an application form to apply for A Levels. You only need to apply once for A Level programmes. After receiving your application form you will be invited to attend an informal interview where you will have a chance to discuss which specific A Level subjects you would like to enrol on. Click here to download the full time application form.

If you have any queries with regards to your application or you would like further information and support, please contact our Admissions Team on 01642 333601, or if you have any enquiries about courses, please contact Course Information on 01642 333333 or e-mail CourseInformation@mbro.ac.uk

Although not part of our full-time A Level study programme, students can work with our dedicated Work Experience Co-ordinator to secure a suitable placement, be that a one-off experience, or a more long-term placement.