Computer Science - AS
About this course
The Computer Science AS Level programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.
The study of Computer Science encompasses a substantial accepted body of knowledge, and the purpose of the A-Level and AS examinations in Computer Science is to recognise this with a reputable qualification that is relevant to a student who intends to pursue a career in either the Arts or Sciences, Computing or Mathematics.
Computer Science integrates well with subjects across the curriculum, and demands both logical discipline and imaginative creativity in the selection and design of algorithms, and the writing, testing and debugging of programs. Furthermore, it:
- relies on an understanding of the rules of language at a simple level
- encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems
- extends the students' horizons beyond the school or college environment in the appreciation of the effects of computer applications on society and individuals
For these reasons, Computer Science is as relevant to a student studying Arts subjects, as it is to one studying Science subjects. Computers are widely used in all aspects of government, business, industry, education, leisure and the home. In this increasingly technological age, a study of Computing and particularly how computers are used in the solution of a variety of problems, is not only valuable to the students themselves, but also essential to the future well being of the country.
What you will study
The course covers the following two units:
Unit 1 – Fundamentals of Computer Science
Written examination (2 hours) 100 marks - 25% of the qualification
This unit investigates computer architecture, communication, data representation, data structures, software applications, programs, algorithms, logic, programming methodologies and the impact of computer science on society.
Unit 2 – Practical programming to solve problems
On-screen examination (2 hours) 60 marks - 15% of the qualification
This unit consists of a series of set tasks completed on-screen by candidates. These tasks will assess the practical application of knowledge and understanding and will require the use of Python as a programming language.
Entry requirements
Individual Subject Entry Requirement Maths Minimum B B in GCSE ICT
Teaching and assessment
Written exam and online exam
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Start date
End date
Time of day
Full Time
Course code
Qualification
Facilities
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“Cardiff and Vale College teachers and the facilities were always available to me which was very helpful during exam season, and it helped me achieve my grades.”
Career prospects & further study
On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Economics
- ICT
- Mathematics
- Physic
Need to know
Learning Support
