A Level Computer Science
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £445
Open the door to a career in computing by exploring programming, algorithms, data representation and computer systems. Gain a solid foundation in computational thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills helping you to secure a spot in higher education or workplaces such as law, teaching and journalism.
- Awarding Bodies: Cambridge
- Learning Hours: Full A Level: 360 Study Hours
- Flexible Fast Track Available
- Full A Level Qualification
Overview
Would you like to progress your education through distance learning? An online A Level Computer Science course can open doors to a rewarding career in computing. The programme with Learn Now provides the same fully recognised qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college but giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
If you are an adult learner, a student resitting exams, or someone juggling studies with work and family, this could work perfectly. The course is designed to suit many lifestyles and upon successful completion, you will earn up to 56 UCAS points to support your progression to university. This qualification will provide a stepping stone for highly sought-after degree programmes, such as Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
Choose Your Specification
Whether you are based inside or outside the UK, we can offer the following specification to all learners.
- Cambridge International CIE (9618) (UK and International Learners)
Begin your journey with Learn Now and let us help you secure a place at university or your dream career.
Get 10% discount when ordering multiple A Level courses. Use the coupon code: ALEVEL10 at checkout
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £445
Select your course type from the dropdown below. Choose A Level if you are studying the full two-year syllabus. Alternatively, select IAS or IA2 either just the first or second years content.
Cambridge A Level Computer Science
Specification Code: 9618
The Cambridge specification 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 all of which, are listed below.
Year One Content
Information representation
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
Communication
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
Hardware
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
Processor Fundamentals
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
System software helps a computer run programs (applications) and use it’s hardware properly.
- Operating System
- Language Translators
Security, privacy and data integrity
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
Ethics and Ownership
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
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)
Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving
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
Data Types and structures
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)
Programming
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
Software Development
This topic aims to show you how software is planned, designed and tested.
- Program Development Lifecycle
- Program Design
- Program Testing and maintenance
Year Two Content
Data Representation
- User-defined data types
- File organisation and access
- Floating-point numbers, representation and manipulation
Communication and internet technologies
- Protocols
- Circuit switching, packet switching
Hardware and Virtual Machines
- Procossers, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines
- Boolean Algebra and Logic Circuits
System Software
- Purposes of an Operating System (OS)
- Translation Software
Security
- Encryption, Encryption Protocols and Digital certificates
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Artificial Intelligence
Computational thinking and problem solving
- Algorithms
- Recursion
Further Programming
- Programming Paradigms
- File Processing and Exception Handling
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 Advanced 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)
AS Level Exams
There are two exams for the Advanced Subsidiary qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:- Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 min
- Paper 2 – 2 hours
For Cambridge, learners can:
- take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International Advanced subsidiary qualification) or
- follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary qualification) in one series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for the Cambridge International Advanced 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 Advanced 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.
Course Outcome
On successful completion of all your exams, 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
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(s) 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 to the exam series and this will be paid directly to the exam centre. Please see our private candidate exam guide for more information.
Request More Information about A Level Computer Science
FAQs
Will I find this course hard?
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.
Will I need to buy any books?
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 IAL Computer Science – Langfield, Sylvia
- Cambridge IAL Computer Science – Watson, David
Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!
Which subjects should I study alongside this course?
An essential part of computer science is maths and you may find it useful to run 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 this course.
Where can A Level Computer Science take me?
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.
Can I study this course from outside the UK?
Both UK and International learners can take Cambridge which offer exam centres worldwide.
AQA,Cambridge (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel provide global recognition for their qualifications and are recognised by universities.At the end of the course you will receive an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to apply to most universities situated anywhere in the world.
What is the difference between AS and A Level?
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.
How long does the course take?
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 as follows:
- Cambridge (CIE) – May/June or October/November
We have more information on Exam Timetables here.
What can I do with A Level Computer Science
The skills you gain from this course 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