A Level Computer Science

Ever wondered how the web works or how to develop a computer game?

Computer Science is an exciting and challenging subject in which you will develop valuable skills in problem-solving as well as learning how computers work.

About the Course

You will learn how to design and develop new software to solve problems, whilst also learning how complex computer systems from processors to the Internet work. The course is focused on problem solving and programming. You will learn how to analyse problems, design algorithms and write programs. Some students have no previous programming experience and we assume none, so we start from the beginning. We offer excellent support in the form of online resources and one-to-one help. However, we provide adequate challenges for the increasing number of students who have taken a GCSE in Computing or Computer Science. The course is not just about programming. It also covers a wide range of other topics, including hardware, database design, data structures, algorithm complexity and networking. There is an active student-run Computer Science society which organises a programme of guest speakers giving an insight into Computer Science in higher education and industry.

Consists of one on-screen exam, one written exam and one non-examined assessment:

Paper 1 On-screen exam (2hr 30mins, 40%)

Paper 2 Written exam (2hr 30mins, 40%)

Non- examined assessment 20%

You need to be qualified by both the 1) relevant admissions score AND 2) for the subjects you are applying for:

1) Admissions scores

The indicative Minimum Entry Admissions Score for ​Computer Science is 71*

Calculate your admissions score at www.hillsroad.ac.uk/calculator

Read more about our admissions scores by visiting www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply

2) Subjects and grades required

GCSE grade 6 in Mathematics and 4 in Computing or Computer Science if studied

Before making your application, visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply and give yourself the best chance of achieving our entry criteria.

*The admissions scores are an indicative guide to help applicants understand how places have previously been allocated, they should not be taken as a definitive prediction of equivalent scores for entry to the College in 2022, which will depend on application patterns for that year. Please submit your application to the College even if your score is a few points below the relevant admissions score.

There are a variety of career paths for Computer Science students: common routes include software engineering, app development and web development, whereas some of our ex-students have gone on to become data analysts and artificial intelligence engineers.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/computer-science