A computer science student in the computing labs.

A-Level Computer Science

School Leaver

Start Date:	Duration:	Level:	Study mode:	Course location:	Course Type:
September	2 Years	Level 3	Part-Time - Day	Hartlepool Sixth Form	A-Levels	Apply	Enquire

What’s it all about?

Are you passionate about programming and eager to tackle complex problems? This course offers an immersive experience into the world of computer science, equipping you with the skills to excel in this dynamic field. Throughout the programme, you'll master C# and the .NET framework, developing console applications and exploring web or Windows-based solutions through hands-on projects.
Delve into practical subjects like SQL Server databases and functional programming, building a robust foundation for your future career. Assessment is designed to showcase your expertise: two exams, each constituting 40% of your final mark, will test your grasp of programming concepts and computer science theory, while a coding project, accounting for 20%, allows you to demonstrate your software development prowess.

What do you need to apply for the course?

You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9, including grade 6 in Maths

*Course costs

Study level	Cost
16-18	Free

How will you be assessed?

You will be assessed through two exams (each weighted 40% of your final mark) and a non-examined assessment (a coding project weighted at 20%).

Paper 1 is an on-screen exam focusing on practical programming and code theory such as data structures (arrays, stacks, queues, dictionaries), algorithms (tree traversal, sorting and searching) and computational theory (regular expressions, finite state machines, Turing machines).

Paper 2 is a written exam covering general computer science theory, such as binary, decimal and hexadecimal number systems, encryption, Boolean algebra, logic gates, computer systems, computer architecture, moral/ethical issues, communication and networking, databases and ‘big data’.

The non-examined assessment is an independent software development project where you will analyse, design, implement, test and review a system that you have agreed to build for a client.

What’s next?

Completing this course opens a multitude of pathways for both further education and exciting careers. This programme is ideal for students wishing to undertake a degree in computer science or specialist degrees in software, web, games, or application development, software engineering, or data science, cyber security, forensic computing, or network engineering. Industry, business, education, and many professions are demanding skilled computer science graduates at both technical and management levels due to an international shortage in related disciplines. Career prospects range from software engineering and game development to roles in artificial intelligence and IT consultancy, ensuring strong opportunities in a thriving global industry.