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Course overview
- Achieve this internationally recognised GCSE Computer Science qualification from AQA.
- Explore topics such as programming, computer networks, cyber security.
- Ideal for anyone wanting to study computer-related subjects at A Level and beyond.
- If you add on your exams, we will book and pay for them for you!
- Study from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.
This online GCSE Computer Science course is perfect for anyone looking to develop their knowledge of computing and potentially progress to studying computer-related subjects at A Level and beyond. This course is also ideal for anyone looking to learn more about computers to help them in their career.
During this course, you will explore topics such as programming concepts, relational databases, SQL, and character encoding.
This AQA GCSE Computer Science course is the same course as the one offered in schools throughout the UK. This online GCSE allows you to study the same syllabus from home at your own pace, without needing to attend classes. This means that you will sit the same exams and achieve the same recognised qualification.
Please note that you must complete the exams to achieve the full GCSE qualification. You can choose to add your exams to your enrolment, and we will save you the hassle of booking them, giving you more time to dedicate to your studies. If you do not add your exams to your enrolment, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams by liaising directly with your chosen exam centre.
Course fees:
Course Material – Online – £499 / Study Pack – £539
Course Material + Exams – £924 / Study Pack – £964
- Monthly instalment plan available
- No government funding available for this course
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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Duration study load
You will have up to one year to complete your GCSE Computer Science studies from the date you receive your materials.
With this course, you will have the flexibility to study at your own pace, and your only deadlines are the GCSE exams, which typically take place during the summer exam period (May/June).
Entry requirements
You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on this course. However, it is recommended that you have a basic understanding of computers.
Pathways
- A Level Computer Science
Course features
- Dedicated personal tutor support.
- Dedicated learner services.
- Assignment marking and feedback.
- Free XO Student Discounts membership.
- Free CV critique service.
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers.
- Study pack, including pen, highlighter, and notebook*
* Only available with the study pack option.
Assessment
To achieve your GCSE Computer Science qualification, you must complete the exams. There are two written exams for this course which will cover the topics studied on this course. A breakdown of the exam papers can be found in the following section.
When you enrol on your course, you will have the option to add your exams to your enrolment, or you can select the course-only option.
Choosing to add the exam package
If you choose to add your exams to your enrolment, all you need to do is contact us when you are ready to sit your exams, we will book and pay for them on your behalf. Please note that the GCSE exam timetable typically takes place during May and June each year. You are advised to contact us well in advance of when you intend to sit your exams so that we can confirm your place with the exam board (cut-off dates apply).
Please note, our only GCSE exam centre location for this course is Birmingham.
The course-only option
If you do not add your exams to your enrolment, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams yourself. If you select this option, you must source and liaise with your chosen exam centre in order to book your exams, Open Study College will not be able to book your exams for you. In this instance, you are advised to contact AQA exam centres well in advance of their intended exam dates, as cut-off dates sometimes change.
Paper 1: Computational thinking and programming skills
- Type: written exam
- Duration: two hours
- Weighting: 50%
- Total marks: 90
- What’s assessed: A mix of multiple-choice, short-answer questions, and long-answer questions assessing programming, practical problem-solving, and computational thinking skills.
Paper 2: Computing concepts
- Type: written exam
- Duration: one hour 45 minutes
- Weighting: 50%
- Total marks: 90
- What’s assessed: A mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, longer-answer, and extended-response questions assessing SQL programming skills and theoretical knowledge.
Delivery
This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both you and your tutor to monitor your progress.
The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:
- Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials.
- Study online: if you choose this option, you will be sent your login details to our online portal through which you will access your course materials digitally. You can access your course via a desktop/laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Is this the same qualification as a GCSE from school?
Yes! This course is the same as the GCSEs you would study at a traditional school. The only difference is that this course is designed to be studied from home and you receive full tutor support via email.
Subjects
- Representing algorithms
- Efficiency of algorithms
- Searching algorithms
- Sorting algorithms
- Data types
- Programming concepts
- Arithmetic operations in a programming language
- Relational operations in a programming language
- Boolean operations in a programming language
- Data structures
- Input/output
- String handling operations in a programming language
- Random number generation in a programming language
- Structured programming and subroutines (procedures and functions)
- Robust and secure programming
- Number bases
- Converting between number bases
- Units of information
- Binary arithmetic
- Character encoding
- Representing images
- Representing sound
- Data compression
- Hardware and software
- Boolean logic
- Software classification
- Classification of programming languages and translators
- Systems architecture
- Defining networks
- Types of networks
- Topologies of networks
- Network protocols and their uses
- Network security
- TCP/IP layer
- Fundamentals of cyber security
- Cyber security threats
- Social engineering
- Malicious code (malware)
- Methods to detect and prevent cyber security threats
- Relational databases
- Structured query language (SQL)
- Ethical impacts
- Legal impacts
- Environmental impacts
- Risks of digital technology on society
- Data privacy issues
About Open Study College
Established in 2007, Open Study College is a distance learning course provider that has helped over 130,000 learners take the next step towards achieving their ambitions.
With over 700 courses, ranging from A Levels and GCSEs through to childcare and beauty therapy — there’s something for everyone. All of their qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations, fully equipping you for the future.
Why choose Open Study College?
Whether you’re in full-time work or have family commitments, distance learning at Open Study College provides the flexibility to create a study schedule that fits around the busy demands of day-to-day life. Accomplish your goals — at your pace, on your terms.
You will also receive the best possible support from the uber-friendly learner services team, as well as guidance from expert tutors who are on hand to answer any queries you might have throughout the duration of your course.
What makes Open Study College different?
Born from a genuine passion to improve the lives of others through education, Open Study College is a family-run business with decades of experience in the education and distance learning industry.
Seeking a career change? Didn’t get the exam results you wanted? Looking to learn a new skill? Enrol on one of their courses today and forge the future you’ve always wanted — all from the comfort of your own home!
Additional benefits
As an Open Study College learner, your benefits will include an XO Student Discounts membership, exclusive savings on future courses and a complete range of career support — including a free CV critique service, a free employability guide, and job-hunting help from their recruitment experts.
