Computing: Application Development (AAQ: Certificate)
This is to determine levels of interest. Students should be advised to add this as their 4th choice if interested and will be notified within 3 months of starting at JWC if the course is to run.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
For students aged 16-19 years old. It will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help prepare you for progression to undergraduate study when taken alongside other qualifications and are relevant to the ICT practitioners sector.
If you are interested in studying AAQ Computing, you may also be interested in our additional pathways, the T Level in Digital Support Services, the Diploma in E-sports, ICT and Games Development or the T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development. All A-level applicants are encouraged to research alternative pathways before accepting their offer to study A-levels.
Entry Requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4.
A GCSE 5 in Computer Science.
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students will 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.
What will you learn?
F160: Fundamentals of application development
Topic Area 1 Types of software used in application design
Topic Area 2 Software development models
Topic Area 3 Planning application development projects
Topic Area 4 Application design scoping
Topic Area 5 Human computer interface and interaction
Topic Area 6 Job roles and skills
F162: Designing and communicating UX/UI solutions:
Principles of UX/UI design and what makes an interface easy to use. You will learn tools and techniques to plan UX/UI solutions and how to design high-fidelity prototypes of UX/UI solutions. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with clients.
Topic Area 1 Principles of UX and UI design
Topic Area 2 Plan UX/UI solutions
Topic Area 3 Design UX/UI solutions
Topic Area 4 Communicate UX/UI solutions
Topic Area 5 Review and improve UX/UI solutions
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre.
What will you need to bring with you?
Students on an A-level programme are expected to under 5 hours of independent learning per subject, per week. Students will benefit from having IT resources (e.g. laptop or computer) which can accommodate the latest software. If this is not possible, this software is available on communal computers at the JWC including those in the library.
How will you be assessed?
F160: Fundamentals of application development exam
F162: Designing and communicating UX/UI solutions internal assessment
Both the exam and the NEA have equal weightings.
Where next?
Both the subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills, and broader transferable skills developed through these units, will help you progress to further study in related areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Computer Games Development
- Computing
- Creative Computing Web and Mobile Development
- Web and User Experience Design
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.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
Course Information Last Updated On: October 23, 2025 1:23 pm
