Key details
- Course areas
- A LevelsComputing, IT and Esports
- Student types
- 16 - 18 coursesA Levels
- Course type
-
A Level course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
- Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000524
Course introduction
If you like solving problems and have got a mathematical brain, an A Level in Computer Science may be just right for you.
From games developer to manager of IT and communications services, computer science graduates have a range of opportunities open to them. Almost a third of computer science graduates employed in the UK are working as programmers and software development professionals. Many are working as web design and development professionals.
Most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, so whether you want to work for an IT consultancy, a major organisation in retail, aerospace or healthcare for example, or even set up your own web design business, you’ll have a great start to your career with a sought-after computer science qualification.
You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.
Computer science is a practical subject that enables you to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. It is a creative subject that helps you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. There is an emphasis on learning computer programming and the mathematical skills used to express computational laws and processes. A Level Maths would be very complementary to A Level Computer Science.
Topics include:
- Software development
- Algorithms
- Exchanging data
- Programming
You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.
Read moreCourse information
2 years
OCR A Level Computer Science
To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including GCSE English at grade 4 or above and Maths at grade 6 or above.
To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSEs at grades 9-7 including GCSE English and Maths at grade 7 or above
The programme of study is for two years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year one to progress to your second year.
Assessment is a combination of examinations and practical projects.
You could progress to a related Higher Education course in Computer Science.
This course is also well thought of by employers for students wanting to go straight into employment.
Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
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Video gallery
Careers related to this course
Select career:
Programmers and Software Development Professionals
Potential Earnings
£82,057.49
Average Earnings
£46,974.66
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Information and Communication Technology
People in these occupations manage and analyze technical information and communication systems, provide user support, and plan, build, and test applications and systems.
Skills
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
