A Level Computer Science

Employers sitting at desk with employees looking at a computer screen

Key Facts

Level: 3
Attendance: Full Time (FT)
Duration: 2 Years
Course Code: A1OCSC
Start Date: September 2025

Code: A1OCSC

With computers used in virtually every aspect of modern life, this course is an excellent choice for those who see their eventual careers in Computing.

Students of Computing will develop an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation; the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so; the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically; and the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.

Features & Benefits

Opportunities to program in multiple programming languages such as Python, C++ and C#.

Course Content

Component 1: Programming and System Development

  • Data Structures
  • Logical Operations
  • Algorithms and Programming
  • Principles of Programming
  • Systems Analysis
  • System Design
  • Software Engineering
  • Program Construction
  • Economic, moral, legal, ethical and cultural issues relating to Computer Science.

Component 2: Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications

  • Hardware and Communication
  • Data Transmission
  • Data Representation and Data Types
  • Organisation and Structure of Data
  • Databases and Distributed Systems
  • Operating Systems
  • The need for different types of Software and their Attributes
  • Data Security and Integrity Processes

Component 3: Programmed Solution to a Problem

  • Discussion
  • Investigation
  • Design
  • Prototype
  • Post-Prototype Refinement
  • Software Development
  • Testing
  • Evaluation

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements:
All Loughborough College Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.

Subject Specific Entry Requirements:
GCSE English Language grade 5 and Maths at grade 6.

Progression

Whilst this is the obvious choice for those students who are planning to have a career in Computing related industries, the widespread use of computers in all vocations makes this course valuable alongside other subjects and careers, particularly, though not exclusively, in science and engineering.

Why Loughborough?

94%

of learners said the College campus provides a safe environment

90%

of learners said staff valued students views and opinions about their study programme

Latest College news

View all news stories

Next Open Day

Thursday 13th February 2025

It's great to read about a college and what it has to offer, but there's really no substitute for experiencing it at an open day.

  • Talk to tutors about our courses
  • Take a tour of the college's facilities and accommodation
  • Get advice on the application process
  • Learn what it's like to be a Loughborough College student

Drone shot of Loughborough College campus

Useful links

SUPPORT Got a question?

Contact us

GUIDE How to apply

Read our guide