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International A Level Computer Science Cambridge

Computer Science supports progression onto university in degrees such as AI and Software. You will receive up to 56 UCAS points and expert guidance applying to Universities worldwide including the UK.
  • Awarding Body: Cambridge
  • Specification Code: 9618
  • Learning Hours: 360 Hours
  • Fast Track Available
  • Full A Level Qualification
A Level Online in Computer Science CIE
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Enrolment Fee £395

Overview

The CIE A Level Computer Science Online course with Learn Now follows the CIE (9618) specification and is an internationally recognised qualification accepted by many colleges/institutions worldwide.  Once completed, you will obtain UCAS points which will support progression to university in degrees such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science and Software Engineering.

This course would suit adult learners returning to education, students resitting exams or studying alongside other commitments, and learners looking to be accepted into University.

Get 10% discount when ordering multiple A Level courses. Use the coupon code: ALEVEL10 at checkout

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Syllabus

This A Level Computer Science Course will provide you with a general understanding and perspective of the development of computer technology and systems, which will inform your decisions and support your participation in an increasingly technological dependent society.

The Full A Level has 20 chapters you will need to cover which is split into IAS and IA2.  The IAS Level has 12 modules and all of these are listed below.

IAS Modules

Data consists of a number, character, image, sound or video and for a computer to process, store or transfer this data, it must be transferred into a format that the digital system understands.  Data can be represented as binary and this topic explores how different types of data is represented internally within a computer.

  • Data Representation
  • Multimedia – Graphics, Sound
  • Compression
This topic is about networking and how a computer within an office can connect with other devices within the same office.  Not only that but it can also connect with other devices on a global scale.  You will gain an understanding on how networks are structured and how data is transferred.  You will also cover the internet and how it enables worldwide communication.

  • Networks including the internet
For a digital device to work effectively, it relies on hardware, networking and logic.  Hardware consists of the physical components of a computer, networking allows devices to be connected for data sharing and logic provides the basic rules for computers to make decisions.

  • Computers and their components
  • Logic Gates and Logic Circuits
The CPU is the main component of a computer.  It executes instructions and controls all operations.  For this topic you will gain an understanding of how processors are structured, how they process instructions and control operations.

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) Architecture
  • Assembly Language
  • Bit manipulation
System software helps a computer run programs (applications) and use it’s hardware properly.

  • Operating System
  • Language Translators
Whilst networks allow devices to connect which is increasingly becoming the ‘norm’, this poses attack from external threats.  This topic will explore how data can be kept private and secure.

  • Data Security
  • Data Integrity
Many people will use a device but not understand the ethical and legal responsibilities that come with it.  This topic explores ethical behaviour, intellectual property, software licensing and the use of Artificial Intelligence.

  • Ethics and Ownership
Databases can manage large amounts of data along with providing flexible ways to store, retrieve and manipulate data too.  This topic explores Database Management Systems along with relational databases.

  • Database Concepts
  • Database Management System (DBMS)
  • Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML)
This section will cover abstraction and decomposition along with step by step procedures for solving problems.  You will learn how to represent algorithm through pseudocode and flowcharts.  These skills will help form the basis for effective programming and problem-solving.

  • Computational Thinking Skills
  • Algorithms
This topic will cover different data types, structures and storage methods used to represent information.

  • Data Types and Records
  • Arrays
  • Files
  • Introduction to Abstract Data Types (ADT)
This section will teach you how to take a design and implement it using pseudocode.  This will form the basis for writing real programs using programming languages such as Python.

  • Programming Basics
  • Constructs
  • Structured Programming
This topic aims to show you how software is planned, designed and tested.

  • Program Development Lifecycle
  • Program Design
  • Program Testing and maintenance

IA2 Modules

  • User-defined data types
  • File organisation and access
  • Floating-point numbers, representation and manipulation
  • Protocols
  • Circuit switching, packet switching
  • Procossers, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines
  • Boolean Algebra and Logic Circuits
  • Purposes of an Operating System (OS)
  • Translation Software
  • Encryption, Encryption Protocols and Digital certificates
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Algorithms
  • Recursion
  • Programming Paradigms
  • File Processing and Exception Handling

What can you do with an A Level in Computer Science?

The skills you gain from A’ Level Computer Science will allow you to go into Industries as diverse as consultancies, IT service providers, telecommunications, aerospace and defence, financial services, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, agricultural, public and third sectors. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also have a range of computing opportunities. It is also possible to set up your own business providing IT services such as web design and consultancy.

Computer Science degree

If you specialise in computer science at higher education, jobs directly related to your degree include:

•Application analyst •Business analyst •Data analyst •Database administrator •Games developer •Information systems manager •IT consultant •Multimedia programmer •SEO specialist •Systems analyst
•Systems developer

Previous Knowledge Required

There are no previous entry requirements for this course, however students are expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy. 

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 24 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

Enrolment Fees

Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course.  This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.

Our enrolment fee includes:

  • All study materials covering the full specification.
  • Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
  • Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
  • Help completing university applications including UCAS and The Common Application.
  • Reference and predicted grade for University.
  • Assignment marking and feedback
  • Marked and graded practise examination papers
  • Eligibility for a Totum Card if you reside within the UK
  • Fast Track A Level if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.

The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior and this will be paid directly to the exam centre.

Assessments

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations / practicals at a CIE approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

A Level Exams
There are four exams for the full A Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:

  • Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 min
  • Paper 2 – 2 hours
  • Paper 3 – 1 hour 30 min
  • Paper 4 – 2 hours 30 min (Practical)

Paper 1 Paper 1 Paper 1 Exam Paper 4 A Level Qualification

AS Level Exams
There are two exams for the AS Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:

  • Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 min
  • Paper 2 – 2 hours

Paper 1 Paper 1 IAS Exams

For Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science, learners can:

  • take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) or
  • follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) in one series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later series or
  • take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.

Please note: paper 4 is a practical examination. The programming tasks will be based around a small number of scenarios, learners will be assessed on their ability to write programs or program elements to solve tasks. The centre where you sit your exams must ensure that you have access to a computer that belongs to the centre and it must not have internet access or access to email.

Candidates will be required to use either Java (console mode), Visual Basic* (console mode) or Python (console mode) programming languages.  For this course, we will teach you Python.

A Level Computer Science Online Course Outcome

On successful completion of all your exams for the A Level Computer Science Online Course, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:

International A Level in Computer Science with CIE | International AS Level in Computer Science with CIE

Click here for more information on CIE and to be taken to their official website

Still unsure? Look through our FAQs

In order to complete the A Level in Computer Science, it would be beneficial to have an interest in coding and logical thinking.  If you enjoy problem-solving or puzzles and have an interest in writing small programs, this course could be the right fit for you.

You will not be required to purchase any books with this course.  We automatically include logins to our online e-Library which includes access to eBooks such as:

Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science – Langfield, Sylvia

Cambridge International AS & A level Computer Science – Watson, David

Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!

An essential part of computer science is maths and you may find it useful to run A Level Mathematics alongside this subject as this will help you with the programming concepts. If you find you are not ready to start at A Level standard, you could also consider studying IGCSE Computer Science, which forms a natural progression onto A Level.

You may wonder if you can carve a career in say computer programming, and this is all down to your drive and determination. There are many lucrative positions available that involve computer science and which pathway you decide to take is entirely up to you.

As an example, Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook started learning how to use a computer at 10 years old. By the time he was 11, he was learning programming and built a programme which connected his father’s home computer to his office computer called ‘ZuckNet’. From there he progressed to making games and a programme that learns your music taste; turning down millions of dollars of offers along the way, from the likes of Microsoft in the process.  Because he stayed focused, many other programmes were developed before he finally opened up Facebook to the general public and this currently has in excess of 2.9 billion active users per month.

Yes you can! The A Level Computer Science course is available not only to UK learners but also learners worldwide. The qualification carries UCAS points if you are applying to a university within the UK and is also recognised by international universities.

AS and A levels are standalone qualifications, however the Full A Level carries more UCAS points than the AS Level.  It also requires more study hours as follows:

  • AS Level = 180 hours
  • A Level = 360 hours
You will see the difference in the content above under ‘syllabus’ but you can also refer to our article on ‘what is as level’ for more information.

You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete it much sooner if you want to.  Exams for this subject fall in May/June and October/November each year and therefore you are able to choose which exam sitting you want to apply for.  We have more information on exam timetables here.

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