a-level computer science

A-level Computer Science

£495.00

Our online A-level Computer Science course provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the digital world, equipping you with essential knowledge in software development, artificial intelligence (AI), data representation, and communication technologies. You will explore the fundamentals of computer systems, networking, and cybersecurity, gaining a deeper understanding of how modern technology shapes industries and everyday life.

This course is perfect for students who love problem-solving, logical thinking, and innovation. It lays a strong foundation for careers in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, AI development, and IT consulting. With technology driving global advancements, an A-level in Computer Science is a highly respected qualification that opens doors to top university degrees and future career opportunities in the ever-expanding tech industry.

SKU: X924W Categories: ,

300 Study Hours

Level 3 Difficulty

Up to 56 UCAS Points

CAIE Exam

Course Overview

You will be expected to complete three standard A-level Computer Science written exams and one practical exam:

Written exams:

  • Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of A-level, 75 marks.
  • Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of A-level, 75 marks.
  • Paper 3: 2 hours 30 minutes, 25% of A-level, 75 marks.

Practical exam:

  •  2 hours 30 minutes, 25% of A-level, 75 marks.

As part of the practical exam, you will submit complete program code and evidence of testing and will be required to use either Java, VB.NET or Python programming languages.

Course Content

  • Binary Number System
  • Binary Coded Decimal
  • Hexadecimal
  • Bits, Bytes and Binary
  • Representing Images
  • Metadata
  • Analogue and Digital Sound
  • Data Compression
  • Data Transmission
  • Wireless Networking, CSMA and SSID
  • Structure of the Internet
  • Packet Switching and Routers
  • IP Addresses
  • Network Topology
  • Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer
  • Client Server Model
  • Computers and their components
  • Logic gates
  • Creating logic circuits
  • Interpreting the results of a truth table
  • Central Processing Unit
  • The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
  • The Processor
  • Assembly Language
  • Machine Code
  • Bit Manipulation
  • Operating systems (OS)
  • Processor scheduling
  • Programming language classification
  • Language translators
  • Machine code
  • Data security
  • Cyber security
  • MALWARE – malicious software
  • Spyware
  • Ransomware
  • Data integrity
  • Ethics and ownership
  • The rise of artificial intelligence
  • The Computer Misuse Act 1990
  • Data Protection Act (1998)
  • Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1998)
  • Introduction to software licences
  • Flat file databases
  • Relational database model
  • Database normalisation
  • Database Management Systems (DBMS)
  • Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML)
  • Common data types
  • Linking tables
  • Abstraction and decomposition
  • Solving logic problems
  • Software development
  • Algorithms
  • Pseudocode
  • Data Types and Records
  • Arrays
  • Searching and sorting algorithms
  • Files and Exception Handling
  • Abstract Data Types (ADT)
  • Selection
  • Complex Boolean Expressions
  • The CASE Statement
  • Iteration
  • Subroutines
  • Program Development Life Cycle
  • The Waterfall Model
  • Iterative and Rapid Application Development
  • Program Design
  • Program Testing and Maintenance
  • Error Types
  • User Defined Data Types
  • File Organisation and Access
  • Floating-Point Numbers, Representation and Manipulation
  • Precision and Normalisation
  • Protocols
  • the TCP/IP Model
  • Circuit Switching
  • Packet Switching
  • Processors, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines
  • Comparing RISC and CISC
  • Virtual Machines
  • Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates
  • De Morgan’s Laws
  • Karnaugh Maps
  • Purposes of an Operating System
  • Processor Scheduling
  • IO Device Management
  • Translation Software
  • Backus-Naur Form
  • Syntax Diagram
  • Encryption Protocols and Digital Certificates
  • Types of Encryption
  • Encryption Protocol
  • The Electronic Communications Act (2000)
  • Digital Certificates
  • Digital Signatures
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Dijkstra’s Algorithm
  • A* Algorithm
  • Algorithms
  • Abstract Data Types
  • Stacks
  • Queues
  • Linked Lists
  • Binary Tree
  • Big O Notation
  • Recursion
  • Programming Paradigms
  • Imperative (High Level) Programming
  • Files Processing and Exception Handling
  • Inputs and Outputs
  • Exception Handling
  • Awarding body: CAIE
  • Our course code: X924W
  • Syllabus code: 9618

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is a not-for-profit organisation and the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for learners worldwide. They design and deliver assessments to over 8 million learners in over 170 countries, ensuring their assessments are always fair, have sound ethical underpinning, and operate according to the highest technical standards.

Entry Requirements

It is strongly recommended that you have the following GCSE before starting an A-Level Computer Science course: GCSE Maths.  It’s also recommended to study a Maths A-Level course should you wish to study Computer Science at degree level.

Why Distance Learning?

With online A-level study, you’ll sit the same exams and earn the same qualifications as you would in a traditional school setting, but with the flexibility to study when and where it suits you.
Your final results and transcript will be identical to those of students who studied in a classroom, ensuring your A-levels are fully recognised and respected by colleges, universities, and employers worldwide. Whether you’re looking to broaden your subject choices, balance study with other commitments, or take control of your learning, distance learning gives you the freedom to achieve your academic goals on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There will be additional fees for your exams that are payable to the centre upon booking. Your personal tutor can provide more details.
Yes! You study the same curriculum, take the same examinations and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is specially designed to be studied from home in your own time
You will have access to your personal tutor, via email, who will mark your assignments and guide you through the course to help you get ready for your examinations. In addition, you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process. Assignments are marked by your personal tutor within 5 days. Your personal tutor will be highly experienced in their subject area and qualified to teach.
You will need to pay separately for your final examinations. Additional texts may also need to be purchased to supplement your learning on the course.
That’s fine, this course can be studied anywhere and is completed by submitting Tutor marked assignments (TMAs).
“

Tutors were very efficient and responsive. They gave me good advice and support whenever I needed it. Great format of documents and easy to follow tasks. Happy with my experience 🙂

Shamim
“

They were quick and efficient with great customer service. The online resources and tools are best I’ve come across as, an educational professional within FE. I would recommend anyone who is wanting to up skill their career professional development. The pricing isn’t too expensive either for the amount of time for the course.

Enya
“

I completed my first course and am already looking for what to do next. The support that I received throughout was amazing. Anything that I didn't fully understand was explained thoroughly and clearly. It was a very involved course and so beneficial. I am amazed at how much I was able to learn through a fully online course. Definitely recommend!

Ellis
“

A well thought out course. A nice company to work with. Good customer services and good tutoring staff.

Alex
“

I wanted to express my thanks to my tutor for the very helpful, supportive and constructive feedback provided for my assignments. It is very encouraging and makes studying a positive experience. Thank you also for the very quick response, which is great. It helps to keep motivated and feel valued as a learner. Thanks very much.

Caroline

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