Course Overview
Computer Science is about understanding computer systems and networks at a deep level. It is a rich and diverse discipline in its own right, like Physics and Mathematics. It explores foundational principles and ideas, rather than training students in skills related to particular software. Computer Science aspects of theory and experimentation are drawn from Maths and Science respectively and it is an excellent supplementary A-Level for a range of subjects.
This A-Level is awarded by AQA.
You will develop:
- an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the fundamental principles of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation
- the ability to analyse problems in computational terms and writing programs to solve them
- the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
- mathematical skills related to Boolean algebra, comparison and complexity of algorithms and number representations and bases.
The course is offered as part of a study programme with another two or three A Levels (full-time package). Alternatively, it can be studied as a part time programme or added to some other full time programmes.
If you would like to study a full-time programme of A-levels, please complete a full-time application form.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, which must include English Language, and Maths and Computing/IT at grade 6.
Adult Learners:
Our A-Level courses are designed to be part of our sixth form, 'KC Sixth', and studied full-time (3-4 subjects). They have 3 classes on different days across each week & are run over two academic years with a tutorial provision alongside them. If you want to study A-Levels part-time (1-2 subjects), please email hello@kendal.ac.uk, and Student Services will contact you to discuss this further. Alternatively, we offer a fast-track route to Higher Education via our Access to HE courses, which are specifically designed for adult students.
After Your Course
Many students go on to study subjects such as mathematics, physics, computing, computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, robotics and computer games programming at university, while others use this course to improve their career opportunities generally. On a more straightforward level, there are still huge opportunities in the many IT fields, including mobile technologies, games, project management, systems analysis and all the technical areas such as networking, databases and computer security. Few modern careers do not involve a degree of IT capability and there is still much scope for those with a higher level of skills to move forward quickly in a wide range of professions.
Fees
£2583.00
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are per year for full-time courses and per course for part-time courses.
Other costs may be associated with this course, e.g., kit, equipment, books, trips, etc. Financial support may be available to support you with these. See the Student Money pages for more information.
Courses fees
The current full-time & degree-level fee information is related to the 2024/25 academic year.
Level 3-6 Courses
Advanced Learning Loans are available for students aged 19 or over and studying eligible level 3, 4, 5 & 6 courses. If you are on an Access course, the loan will be written off if you complete a degree.
You may qualify for financial support to cover the cost of a Level 3 qualification if you do not already have a Level 3 qualification (this will depend on the course & your age on 31/08/24).
Please speak to Student Services for more information on course fees.
A-Levels
The fees displayed are for the one-year AS-Level course. If you would like to progress onto the full A-Level, please get in touch with us for the cost of the second year, as it will be different.
16-18 year olds
There are no course fees if you were aged 16-18 on 31/08/24 and are not studying at another institution.
