Computer Science A Level (Strode)

Course Type
School Leavers
Subject Area
A Levels, Computing & Digital
Location
Strode College
Start date
02/09/2026

Course Overview

This course is for students who have a passion for technology and want to pursue a career in this exciting and rapidly developing global industry. Computational thinking is essential in computer science that assists with solving complex problems.

As well as learning to program you will also develop an understanding of computer science principles including topics such as networking, databases, data structures and key algorithms and develop your problem-solving skills.

The skills developed on this course are highly transferable to future employment in various roles.

The course sits well alongside many other A Level subjects, but is often chosen to complement Mathematics and Science subjects.

The Computer Science A Level provides a good grounding for university courses in Computing and Engineering. It also combines well with Mathematics, Science, Electronics and Business subjects as well as giving an opportunity to progress to an HND in Computing or a higher level apprenticeship.

University courses in many other disciplines now require an understanding of computational theory, and undergraduate students in many subjects often find themselves programming their own bespoke systems for analysing final year projects and dissertations.

You will also have an opportunity to learn and develop industry shortage skills such as machine learning, data analytics and programming in a variety of languages.

Topics may include:

  • Characteristics of processors
  • Software development
  • Exchanging data
  • Data types and structures
  • Legal, moral, cultural, and ethical issues
  • Computational thinking
  • Problem solving and programming
  • Use of algorithms.

Assessment Methods

Assessment of this course is by two exams (40% each) marked externally at the end of the 2nd year and coursework in the form of a software development project (20%). The coursework project is marked internally by College staff and then validated by an external moderator.

Progression Options

Many of our students progress to higher education and degree courses in Computer Science, Engineering and Software Development. The skills developed on this course are highly transferable to future employment in various roles.

To study Computer Science at university, students usually need to study A Level Maths alongside Computer Science.

In recent years our students have progressed to computer science related degrees at leading universities including Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Oxford, Southampton, and Warwick.

The subject will also appeal to you if you would like to become a games developer, programmer, web developer, or technical support assistant. The skills developed on this course are transferable to future employment in various roles.

Entry Requirements

You need five GCSEs at level 4 to 9, including English Language at grade 4 and maths at grade 6 or above.

Experience or an interest in learning a programing language (e.g. Python, C#, Java Script) is preferable. A Computer Science GCSE would be desirable, but is not essential.

Entry is subject to a successful interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.