Computer Science A Level

05/09/2023 Format
24/06/2025
 
ALCSC (2023/2025)
Nelson and Colne College, Nelson and Colne College, Scotland Road,Nelson,BB9 7YT
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Cant Enrol Reason

Please note that the College is only able to offer this course at the rates publicised on this website to those individuals aged 19+ or over on 31st August 2021 whose home address is in areas of England outside of the devolved authority areas of: Cambridge and Peterborough, Greater Manchester, Greater London, Liverpool City Region, Tees Valley, West Midlands and West of England. Where an individual resides outside of England or in one of the devolved areas then the College reserves the right to charge you for the delivery of the course at a rate of £10.25 per hour. This is in line with the College’s Fees Policy which is published on our websites.

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Open Course Overview

In A Level Computer Science, you will learn to become an effective designer and implementer of computer solutions - learning to programme in a number of languages including C#, SQL and Haskell.

The creativity of the practical work is supported by theory so you gain a thorough understanding of the underlying principles. We develop this theoretical background so that you will have a deeper understanding of many aspects including, for example, algorithmic efficiency, internet security and object orientated programming.

Course Overview
Open What will I learn?

• Study a wide variety of computing principles including fundamentals of programming, data structures, algorithms, data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture, communication and networking, functional programming, databases, big data and theory of computation.
• In addition to the theory work, you will complete a substantial practical project solving a realistic problem or carrying out an investigation of your choice.
• While writing code is important, there is more to being a computer scientist. This includes considering issues such as coding efficiency and speed of execution, as well as having confidence that the code is correct. You will cover all these aspects and appreciate the difference between writing code and the bigger issues faced by computer scientists.

What Will I Learn
Open Entry requirements

To take three A Levels you will need at least five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above in a good range of subjects, including both English and Mathematics, plus a successful, informal interview at College.

If you don’t quite achieve these entry criteria though don’t worry, we can discuss your options.

Additional entry requirements include: Mathematics at Grade 5 or above from the higher tier paper.

Entry Requirements
Open Assessment methods

• You will be assessed by external examinations at the end of the course. In addition to this, all students complete a piece of project work that accounts for 20% of the overall grade. The project is a great opportunity to develop your skills in a relevant area of your choice.
• You will benefit from a high-specification computer lab, free software, robotics, and other hardware for experimentation.

Assessment Methods
Open How will I know if I'm making progress?
Progress
Open What coursework will I be expected to complete?
Required Coursework
Open Additional information

• A unique Pre-Professional Programme is available in Computer Science that you take alongside your studies, giving you the core skills required for university and employment and a head start in your desired field.
• We are an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ College.
• Our students love being learners here and feel supported throughout their course, which enables them to thrive and succeed.
• Most of our students progress to study computer science and related subjects at university. However, there are an increasing amount of degree apprenticeship opportunities that also provide natural progression beyond this A Level.

Additional Information
Open Careers progression

• Software Developer
• Web Designer
• Data Analyst
• Cyber Security Analyst

Careers Progression
Cant Apply Reason
The online application and enrolment process is really simple, once you have clicked the “APPLY" or "ENROL” button you will be redirected to the portal where you either log in or create an account (if you haven’t done so previously). We will then ask you to give us a couple of bits of information like address, mobile phone number ect and that’s it.
Once your applications has been made the next step will be for you to book yourself onto one of our interview evenings, depending on availability you might be able to do this straight away but otherwise we will get in contact to arrange when you come in for an interview.
At any point you can log back into the portal throughout the year, update information like your predicted GCSE grades, update contact and consent information and keep a live track of your application.
If you have any questions or run into any problems when using the portal please get in contact with us and we will help

Location Map / Directions to College

Location Map / Directions to College