Computer Science

Applications Open: - Now

Applications Close: - Friday 13th February 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications may still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements: - 6 GCSE passes at Grade 5+, including a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics and English.

How to Apply: - Apply via KentChoices

Why study this subject?

The study of Computer Science will allow students to develop an understanding of the core academic principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. Our A Level will develop the students’ technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking.

The subject can be linked with Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Digital Media. At university you can continue your computer science study and some of the specialisations that you can consider are; Computer and Network Security, Mobile and Web Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics, Information Management and Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence.

Possible future careers include: Application analyst, Applications developer, IT Consultant, Cyber security consultant, Information systems manager, Database administrator, Multimedia programmer, Systems analyst, Games developer, Technical Writer.

The content of this A Level in Computer Science is divided into three components:

Computer systems component (01) contains the majority of the content of the specification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding.

Unit 1 components (01)

1.1 Systems architecture

1.2 Software and software development

1.3 Exchanging data

1.4 Datatypes, data structures and algorithms

1.5 Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues

Algorithms and programming component (02) relates principally to problem solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding encountered in Component 01.

Unit 2 component (02)

2.1 Elements of computational thinking

2.2 Problem solving and programming

2.3 Algorithms

Programming project component (03) is a practical portfolio based assessment with a task that is chosen by the teacher or learner and is produced in an appropriate programming language

Unit 3 – Project (03)

3.1 Analysis of the problem

Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes; 40% of the A Level qualification

Questions drawn from Computer Systems component (01) Unit 1 to Unit 9

Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes; 40% of the A Level qualification

Questions drawn from Computer Systems component (01) Unit 10 to Unit 12

Programming project:

20% of the A Level qualification

The learner will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification.

• Analysis of the problem

• Design of the solution

• Developing the solution

• Evaluation

GCSE grade 6 in Computer Science and 6 in Mathematics or 6 in Mathematics if not studied previously