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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Courses
Major
Computer Science | Data Analysis | Software Development
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


COMPUTER SCIENCE

Overview

Advances in computing are transforming the way we work and with its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, A-level Computer Science is an excellent foundation for understanding and applying solutions to these future challenges.


Computer Science is a broad-based course where you will gain a sound understanding of the internal structure of computers and how they operate. You will spend a significant time studying programming and developing skills in expressing solutions to problems using algorithms, as well as gaining understanding of how standard data processing can help to create mobile apps.


Studying A-level Computer Science at University College Birmingham will put you at the heart of digital innovation. We have a highly successful digital department, meaning A-level Computer Science students will benefit from specialist lectures and be able to experience unique digital learning facilities, including cyber security and gaming labs, as well as a digital creative media studio. Passionate about digital advancement, we even have dedicated a team who focus on digital innovation for creativity in education. On completion, you can go onto a computer-related degree, onto an apprenticeship or go directly into industry.


Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?

  • PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
  • AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
  • OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
  • MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level

Course Breakdown

To achieve your Computer Science A-level, you must study the following topics:


Computer Systems

  • Computer structure
  • Software development
  • Networking
  • Computer ethics and legislation
  • Computational theory

Data

  • Data types
  • Data transmission and exchange
  • Data structures
  • Data design

Algorithms

  • Structured query language
  • Algorithm design and efficiency
  • Complexity theory
  • Dijkstra algorithm

Centre of Opportunities

Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.


Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

  • We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.

Supporting Documents Required

  • School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Guaranteed Progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.


Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

You will be assessed through written examinations as well as coursework.


Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.


Enhanced Learning Opportunity - Core Maths

To support and extend your learning experience at the sixth form centre, we are offering students on this particular A-level course the additional opportunity to study Core Maths.


Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)


Core Maths, a one-year course equivalent to an AS-level (half an A-level), is an engaging and diverse course that gives you an excellent preparation for your future. It is about using maths to solve meaningful, real-life problems, as well as developing your data handling and critical analysis skills, equipping you with the essential quantitative skills you need for many careers and degrees.


What will this course prepare you for?

Developing software and hardware that solves key problems is crucial to a vast range of careers, from personalised medicine and predicting the spread of infectious diseases in the healthcare industry to writing code that conjures up intricate CGI worlds for movies in the entertainment industry. Computing personnel are required by industries as diverse as space and aeronautics, national defence, sports equipment, transport and travel, modern media and social networking.


As well as leading to degrees and apprenticeships in computer science, software engineering, cyber security, artificial intelligence and robotics, A-level computer science helps you develop the skills needed to analyse big data, leading to careers in banking, stock broking and finance.


The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.


  • Software engineer: Average Salary: £52,000
  • Data analyser: Average Salary: £41,000
  • Web designer: Average Salary: £32,000
  • Digital system engineer: Average Salary: £51,000

A-levels this goes well with:

If not choosing A-level Maths, we strongly recommend you study AS-level Core Maths alongside this course. See Enhanced Learning Opportunity in key information.


  • Psychology A-level: Studying A-level Psychology, you will delve into topics such as memory, perception, social influence, abnormal behaviour and more. By embarking on this captivating journey of discovery, you will explore the complexities of human behaviour and the inner workings of our minds.
  • Maths A-level: Maths makes you better at solving problems and is intensely satisfying for those who study it, enabling you to develop further skills in algebra and numbers, then calculus, following your GCSEs.
  • Further Maths A-level: If you're driven by intellectual curiosity and wish to enhance your understanding of A-level Maths by studying this beautiful and creative subject at an even higher level, this is the further education course for you.
  • Physics A-level: How did the universe begin? How will it end? Are we alone? A-level Physics is about analysing the world around us by asking fundamental questions and using experiments and mathematics to try to answer them.
  • Chemistry A-level: Chemistry is in everything you taste, smell, touch and see and we need chemists more than ever. This A-level will set you on your way to making your mark in everything from finding new antibiotics and ways to conserve coral reefs to making environmentally-friendly alternatives to current plastics.
  • Biology A-level: From the intricate molecular world inside cells to how our body systems work, A-level Biology is the study of life in all its rich complexity. Intellectually stimulating, this course will encourage your curiosity and develop your scientific understanding, practical dexterity and mathematical problem-solving.

Program Outline

  • Description: This broad-based course covers computer structure, software development, networking, data structures, algorithms, computational theory, and problem-solving.
  • Students benefit from specialist lectures, access to cyber security and gaming labs, and a digital creative media studio.

Outline:

  • Content: The program covers various modules:
  • Computer Systems:
  • Structure, software development, networking, ethics & legislation, and computational theory.
  • Data: Data types, transmission & exchange, data structures, and design.
  • Algorithms: SQL, design & efficiency, complexity theory, and Dijkstra algorithm.
  • Structure: The 2-year full-time program includes written exams and coursework.
  • Course Schedule: Not mentioned in the context.
  • Individual Modules:
  • Computer Systems:
  • Provides understanding of computer structure and operation.
  • Focuses on software development skills and problem-solving.
  • Introduces computational theory.
  • Data:
  • Explains different data types and transmission methods.
  • Discusses data structures and design principles.
  • Algorithms:
  • Teaches structured query language (SQL).
  • Focuses on algorithm design & efficiency analysis.
  • Introduces complexity theory and the Dijkstra algorithm.

Assessment:

  • Assessment Methods: Written examinations & coursework.

Teaching:

  • Teaching Methods: Lectures, coursework, and practical sessions in labs and studios.
  • Faculty: Experienced and passionate lecturers specializing in digital technologies.
  • Unique Approaches: Focus on digital innovation through access to advanced facilities and industry-specific support.

Careers:

  • Potential career paths: Software Engineer, Data Analyser, Web Designer, Digital Systems Engineer, and more.
  • Career opportunities: diverse industries like healthcare, entertainment, space & aeronautics, national defence, and banking/finance.
  • Average Salaries:
  • Software Engineer: £52,000
  • Data Analyser: £41,000
  • Web Designer: £32,000
  • Digital System Engineer: £51,000

Other:

  • Progression to university degrees: Guaranteed place on a computer science degree at UCB for students with 56 UCAS points.
  • Investment in new facilities: £5.5 million in a brand-new sixth form center with modern learning spaces.
  • Enhanced Learning Opportunity: Optional Core Maths course for deeper learning.
  • Emphasis on developing character: Focus on personal and professional growth alongside academic excellence.
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