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

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 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

Free Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Derby. Classes run at Landau Forte College. The course runs full-time over 18 months and covers core computing theory alongside a substantial programming project. You'll sit two written examinations and complete an internally assessed coursework project covering the full software development life cycle, from problem analysis through to design and solution. Entry requires five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including Maths and English, plus course-specific criteria. Contact Landau Forte College for details on those additional requirements.

Who this course is for

Year 13 Students will enhance their knowledge gained in the initial two units of the course. This knowledge will be assessed by two 2 ½ hour written examinations.

Unit 03: Programming Project (Internally Assessed Coursework) In this unit students will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification. The project will cover the whole life cycle of software development including the analysis of the problem, design of the solution, developing the solution and a final evaluation of the completed project.

Entry requirements

5 GSCE Grade 9-4 inc Maths and English plus course specific criteria - please contact provider for information.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop and apply knowledge of computer science theory across two examined units.
  • You'll analyse a real computing problem and design a structured solution for your programming project.
  • You'll build a complete software solution, following the full software development life cycle.
  • You'll evaluate and test your developed solution against the original problem requirements.
  • You'll demonstrate understanding of programming concepts, algorithms, and computational thinking.
  • You'll produce documented evidence of your project work for internal assessment.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Landau Forte College. Assessment has two components. Two written examinations of two and a half hours each test your theoretical knowledge. A programming project, internally assessed as coursework, takes you through the full software development life cycle: analysis, design, development, and evaluation. The project is your own work on a computing problem of your choice, guided by the OCR specification.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Landau Forte College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior software developer: write and test code in a development team.
  • IT support technician: diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues.
  • Web developer: build and maintain websites and web applications.
  • Data analyst: work with datasets to find patterns and support decisions.
  • Systems administrator: manage and maintain computer networks and servers.
  • QA tester: check software products for bugs and performance issues.

What you could study next

  • Degree in Computer Science: the natural next step for deeper study of programming, systems, and theory.
  • Degree in Software Engineering: focuses on building and managing large-scale software systems.
  • Degree in Cybersecurity: specialist route into network security and ethical hacking roles.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing: a shorter higher education route if a full degree isn't the right fit yet.
  • Degree Apprenticeship in Software Development: combines university-level study with paid work in a tech role.
Apply on landau-forte.org.uk →
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