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A Level Computer Science in Brent for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

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About this course

Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Brent. Classes run at JFS School, full-time over two years. A 16-19 Bursary may be available if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply. This OCR level 3 advanced GCE in computer science qualification covers systems architecture, software development, data representation, and the legal and ethical issues surrounding technology. You'll study how data is exchanged between systems and explore a range of algorithms and data structures. Entry requires at least a grade 6 in both GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Computing.

Who this course is for

Computer Systems

  • Characteristics of contemporary systems architecture: Components of a computer and their uses.
  • Software and software development: Types of software and the methodologies used to develop them.
  • Exchanging data: How data is exchanged between different systems.
  • Data types, representation and structures: How data is represented and stored in different structures and the use of different algorithms.
  • Legal, moral and ethical issues: Laws surrounding the use and ethical issues that can arise from the use of computers.

Algorithms and Programming

  • Elements of computational thinking – What is meant by computational thinking?
  • Problem solving and programming: How computers are used to solve problems and programs can be written to solve them.
  • Algorithms: The use of algorithms to describe problems and standard algorithms.

Entry requirements

It is expected that students enrolling onto this course will have gained at least Level 6 in GCSE Mathematics and a Level 6 in GCSE Computing.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand the components of a computer system and how they work together.
  • You'll explore types of software and the methodologies used to develop them.
  • You'll learn how data is exchanged between different systems.
  • You'll study data types, data structures, and how data is stored and represented.
  • You'll apply and analyse algorithms used in data processing.
  • You'll examine the legal, moral, and ethical issues surrounding computing and data use.

How you will learn

You'll study through classroom-based lessons at JFS School. The OCR Advanced GCE is assessed through written examinations and a programming project component. Assessment takes place across the two-year course, with final exams at the end of Year 2. Your programming project is completed during the course and submitted for marking.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. JFS School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Software developer: write and test code for applications and systems.
  • Junior web developer: build and maintain websites and web applications.
  • IT support technician: diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues.
  • Data analyst: work with datasets to identify patterns and insights.
  • Network engineer: design and manage computer networks.
  • Cybersecurity analyst: protect systems and data from threats.

What you could study next

The level 3 advanced GCE in computer science qualification is widely accepted for university entry onto computer science and related degrees. You could progress to a BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Data Science. Alternatively, a Level 4 or Level 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Computing offers a more vocational route into the industry without a full degree.

Apply on ocr.org.uk →
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