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A-level Computer ScienceApply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
24+ Loan Amount: 2583.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
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 challenges that lie in the future - not only for computer scientists but also for people in a wide variety of professions.
Entry requirements
You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C equivalent or above, including English at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4.
You will have an interview and initial assessment. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview but not the initial assessment. If you are successful, you will be allocated a place to study.
To progress to the second year, you will need to demonstrate a Pass grade or above in your first year.
Course Content
- Fundamentals of programming
- Fundamentals of data structures
- Software development
- Theory of computation
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
- Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
- Consequences of uses of computing
- Fundamentals of communication and networking
- Fundamentals of databases
- Big Data
- Fundamentals of functional programming
- Systematic approach to problem solving
- Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project
How will I be assessed?
40% - An on-screen examination
40% - Written examination
20% - Non-examination assessment
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
No
What can I do after this course?
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.
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Evie Wisniewska
Aspirations Pay Off For Travel and Tourism Student
Former Travel and Tourism student Evie Wisniewska was inspired to aim high by her teachers at the Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills College so much so that she is working at managerial level early in her career.
Evie, a former pupil at Merrill Academy,came to the UK from Poland with her family when she was 12 and the initial language barrier took its toll on her confidence and self belief. She enrolled on the Travel and Tourism study programme at the Roundhouse and was initially unsure if this was something she wanted to do.
However, her teacher took the time to motivate her to achieve her potential and inspired her to aim for higher education. Evie also embraced the work experience opportunities organised through her College study programme at Jury’s Inn and Alter Rock climbing centre in Derby which gave her a valuable insight into various aspects of the tourism industry.
She then progressed onto the University of Derby’s Buxton campus and graduated with a BA Hons First Class Honours degree in International Tourism Management before working at Skills Coaches as the Business Development Officer.
Evie is now working as Operations Manager at The Stay Company in the city where she is responsible for the marketing, letting and upkeep of the apart-hotel development of 29 high quality serviced apartments.
“The work experience I gained at both college and university has greatly prepared me for the world of work and to gain a managerial job with wide responsibilities so early in my career.
“At The Stay Company I am able to use my creative, financial, analytical and customer service skills in this role and my goal is to progress with The Stay Company as it expands across the East Midlands.”
Derby College gave me the self-belief that I could set my sights high in this industry and I am so grateful for the support I had from my teachers.
