A Level Computer Science
Course Code: Q100109
Key Information
Course type:
A Levels
Campus:
Sixth Form Campus
Start Date:
08 Sept 2025
Duration:
2 years
Attendance:
Full-time
Fees:
Free
An underpinning subject for science and engineering fields, computer science is also key for anyone looking to go into the mobile and gaming industries.
Units include:
- how to design, write and test programs
- how a computer system deals with data
- developing skills such as problem solving, as well as thinking creatively, innovatively, logically and critically
- developing computer science knowledge alongside practical programming
- application of computer science principles, such as abstraction, decomposition, logic algorithms and data representation
- working with binary and boolean algebra.
A primary skill that will be developed is the ability to think logically. As with mathematics, in Computer Science the answer is either correct or incorrect. Using logic to achieve the answer is a key skill; however, we will also look at artificial intelligence where it is possible to achieve an answer that is not quite correct.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including a grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths, and grade 5 or above in Computer Science if taken at GCSE.
You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4pm finish.
Two written examinations at the end of year 2 and a piece of coursework which is worth 20% of the final grade.
You can progress to university with some of the directly related progression courses including software engineering, computer science, forensic computing and computer games technology. Apprenticeships in computer science and IT are also available, including higher degree apprenticeships.
A Level Computer Science
You may also be interested in
Related Features
Event 14-08-2025
A Level, Level 3 Vocational Results Day
The dedication and commitment from students across the College has been fantastic this year and the time has come to receive your results - Congratulations!
NEWS 22-04-2025
Our iconic landmark to be renamed ‘Ayrton Tower’
The votes are in! Our iconic tower is to be officially renamed ‘Ayrton Tower’, after the brilliant woman who tamed lightning Hertha Ayrton.
“The thing I liked best was learning about the variety of roles and different jobs Vodafone have in their workplace. I discovered surprising jobs that not many people know about.”Hallie Scobie
Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT (Software Development)
Completed the Vodafone Innovators Virtual Work Experience placement
NEWS 03-04-2024
Accelerating into the world of work
A lovely new video has been launched to celebrate the success of the Accelerate programme, specially developed by us and our partners Unloc to explore young people’s aspirations, develop their employability and enterprise skills, and explore college life through a series of fun and interactive workshops.
“I really like Portsmouth and feel really safe here. The public transport is great. My favourite part about studying at COPC is how passionate the lecturers are about the subjects they teach. It’s been a brilliant experience.”
Ana Clara Ginezi
Studied: Biology, History & ESOL
Agency: Educatius
NEWS 05-03-2024
Next generation TECH:TRUCK hits the road
The Solent’s mobile educational and technical roadshow is back on the road – and the technology is even more impressive than before.
NEWS 10-01-2024
Ofsted team commend significant progress
An Ofsted monitoring visit has judged that we’re making significant progress in setting the right strategic direction and implementing targeted, rapid and sustainable quality improvement that’s clearly benefiting students.
NEWS 27-01-2025
COPC six bowled over by their day
Six of our students were bowled over by competing in the Association of Colleges’ South East Region Indoor Cricket Tournament.
