Computer Science is a two-year course which focuses on nurturing confidence and competence in the practical use of computer-based systems to develop solutions for real-world problems. You will develop applications in one of the following computer languages: C#, Python, Java or Visual Basic.
You will be exposed to numerous areas of Computer Science, such as those listed below:
- Fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms
- Theory of computation
- Fundamentals of data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture
- Consequences of uses of computing
- Fundamentals of communication and networking
- Fundamentals of databases
- Big data
- Fundamentals of function programming
- Systematic approach to problem solving
- Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project
Students will need 5 GCSEs grade 5 or above including Mathematics and English, or equivalent international qualifications.
For international students who have taken IELTS, we require an overall score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the reading and writing components. For international students who have taken iGCSE English (Second Language), we require grade 5 or above.
No previous computing experience is required for this course. You do not need to have studied GCSE Computer Science or ICT. It is much more important to be a logical thinker and to enjoy solving puzzles and problems. This subject requires good basic numeracy, and a logical and analytical approach to problem solving. You will need to write a substantial report documenting your coursework, for which a reasonable standard of written English is required.