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A-level Computer Science
The study of Computer Science has completely transformed the modern-day world as we know it and you can be a part of how it will shape our future. As we continue to progress towards a tech-first world, a qualification in Computer Science can give you the ideal head start for a promising career.
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our learning platform, MyOxbridge™
- Unlimited Tutor Support™
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
Course Introduction
You can study online with Oxbridge – we offer multiple A-level courses. Computer Science has rational thinking at its core; combining human and computer intelligence to provide intelligent solutions to problems. Choosing to study International A-level Computer Science can open doors to various career opportunities in data science, web development, product management and software development, or prepare you for higher education at university.
In this engaging online computer science course, you’ll study communication and Internet technologies, software development, artificial intelligence, data representation and much more. As you study, you’ll develop key skills such as abstraction, decomposition and algorithmic thinking.
There has never been a better time to discover the fascinating link between the human mind and computer intelligence. On this course you will learn key skills that will help you stand out to universities and employers. Discover more about the ever-evolving world of technology and keep up to date with the latest advancements.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- UCAS Points
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9 to 24 months
-
300
-
Level 3
-
CAIE A-level
-
56
-
9618
-
20 units (view units)
Awarding Body: CAIE
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of A-level courses and GCSE courses, qualifications and exams, delivering assessments to over 8 million learners in over 170 countries.
UCAS
This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Information Representation
- Binary Number System
- Binary Coded Decimal
- Hexadecimal
- Bits, Bytes and Binary
- Representing Images
- Metadata
- Analogue and Digital Sound
- Data Compression
Unit 2: Communication and Internet Technologies
- 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
Unit 3: Hardware
- Computers and their components
- Logic gates
- Creating logic circuits
- Interpreting the results of a truth table
Unit 4: Processor Fundamentals
- Central Processing Unit
- The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
- The Processor
- Assembly Language
- Machine Code
- Bit Manipulation
Unit 5: System Software
- Operating systems (OS)
- Processor scheduling
- Programming language classification
- Language translators
- Machine code
Unit 6: Security, Privacy and Data Integrity
- Data security
- Cyber security
- MALWARE – malicious software
- Spyware
- Ransomware
- Data integrity
Unit 7: Ethics and Ownership
- 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
Unit 8: Databases
- 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
Unit 9: Fundamental Problem Solving - Algorithm Design and Problem Solving
- Abstraction and decomposition
- Solving logic problems
- Software development
- Algorithms
- Pseudocode
Unit 10: Fundamental Problem Solving - Data Types and Structures
- Data Types and Records
- Arrays
- Searching and sorting algorithms
- Files and Exception Handling
- Abstract Data Types (ADT)
Unit 11: Fundamental Problem Solving - Programming
- Selection
- Complex Boolean Expressions
- The CASE Statement
- Iteration
- Subroutines
Unit 12: Fundamental Problem Solving - Software Development
- Program Development Life Cycle
- The Waterfall Model
- Iterative and Rapid Application Development
- Program Design
- Program Testing and Maintenance
- Error Types
Unit 13: Advanced Theory - Data Representation
- User Defined Data Types
- File Organisation and Access
- Floating-Point Numbers, Representation and Manipulation
- Precision and Normalisation
Unit 14: Advanced Theory - Communication and Internet Technologies
- Protocols
- the TCP/IP Model
- Circuit Switching
- Packet Switching
Unit 15: Advanced Theory - Hardware and Virtual Machines
- Processors, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines
- Comparing RISC and CISC
- Virtual Machines
- Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates
- De Morgan’s Laws
- Karnaugh Maps
Unit 16: Advanced Theory - System Software
- Purposes of an Operating System
- Processor Scheduling
- IO Device Management
- Translation Software
- Backus-Naur Form
- Syntax Diagram
Unit 17: Advanced Theory - Security
- Encryption Protocols and Digital Certificates
- Types of Encryption
- Encryption Protocol
- The Electronic Communications Act (2000)
- Digital Certificates
- Digital Signatures
Unit 18: Advanced Theory - Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Reinforcement Learning
- Dijkstra’s Algorithm
- A* Algorithm
Unit 19: Computational Thinking and Problem Solving
- Algorithms
- Abstract Data Types
- Stacks
- Queues
- Linked Lists
- Binary Tree
- Big O Notation
- Recursion
Unit 20: Further Programming
- Programming Paradigms
- Imperative (High Level) Programming
- Files Processing and Exception Handling
- Inputs and Outputs
- Exception Handling
Course Outcome
After completing the course, you will be awarded the qualification: A-level Computer Science, issued by CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education. This syllabus (9618) has been selected specifically because it is best suited to distance learning. Your certificate will be identical to that issued in any other school, college or university.
There are several benefits to distance learning. You will become more independent and learn how to structure studying around your current lifestyle. Without a traditional classroom setting, you have the opportunity to learn at your own pace whilst you continue with other endeavours.
Progression Routes
A-level Computer Science is a highly respected qualification that can help you with further education or employment. You can use transferable skills to study degrees such as Further Maths and Design & Technology.
Examinations and Assessments
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.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
Entry Requirements
In order to study this course, you will need to have achieved a maths GCSE or the equivalent. If you wish to study computer science at a degree level, then you’ll need to combine this qualification with A-level maths, as this is a requirement at many universities. It is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.