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Computer Science (A-level)Apply 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
Adult 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 at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).
A GCSE in Computer Science is not a pre-requisite. However, if you have studied it, a grade 5 (C/B) is required.
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
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% - 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
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Abbey Sisson
“Amazing” diploma offered more than sixth form for audiologist Abbey
As a teenager Royal Derby Hospital audiologist Abbey Sisson wanted to find “something different” after her GCSEs.
She had achieved As to Cs but was unsure about taking A levels because she wasn’t a natural at exams. She wanted to find a different direction and, on a whim, popped into an open day at Broomfield Hall.
Abbey liked what she found – she made friends immediately – and was impressed by the Level 3 Public Services Uniformed Extended Diploma. It offered coursework modules, the equivalent of three A levels and “loads of opportunities” which helped her CV for job applications.
Abbey passed with a distinction and almost immediately after College landed a job as an emergency department assistant at the Royal Derby Hospital. Finding no clear career path there, she applied internally and went on to work in audiology as an assistant.
While there, she devoted her spare time, doing work placement on her days off, to achieve a foundation degree and a first-class BSc Healthcare Science Audiology degree at Aston University. Now a qualified audiologist at the Royal Derby, Abbey said her time at College helped her into the workplace.
I was keen to do something different, and it really was different – it was amazing. I don’t think I would ever have had so many opportunities if I’d gone into the sixth form. We volunteered in schools, doing sports leadership, as well as stewarding for events too. We had loads of opportunities. Because of the course, when I came to apply for jobs, I had a lot to say.
