A-level Computer Science: programming, exams and the project
What A-level Computer Science covers, the on-screen and written exams, the 20% programming project, and how it differs from the old ICT and Computing.
A-level Computer Science replaced the old A-levels in Computing and ICT, which this site covered before 2015. It is about how computers work and how to solve problems with programs: algorithms, programming, data structures, networks and the theory of computation. The programming project, worth a fifth of the grade, is a chance to build something real.
What you study
- Programming and problem solving, algorithms and data structures.
- Theory of computation, data representation and Boolean algebra.
- Computer systems, architecture and organisation.
- Networking, databases, and the consequences of computing.
- Functional programming and big data (AQA).
- A programming project of your own design (non-exam assessment).
The exact topics depend on the exam board your school or college uses, so check its specification.
How it is examined
Like all reformed A-levels, it is a linear two-year course: you sit all the exams at the end of Year 13, and an AS taken along the way does not count towards the A-level.
| Exam board | Code | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| AQA | 7517 | Paper 1 on screen (2½ hours), paper 2 written (2½ hours), plus the project. |
| OCR | H446 | Two written papers of 2½ hours each, plus the project. |
Coursework: Yes: a programming project worth 20% of the A-level. Calculator: Not needed in most papers.
Grades and how hard it is
About 28% of all A-level entries in England were graded A* or A in 2026. See how subjects compare in the hardest and easiest A-levels.
Entry requirements: Usually a grade 6 or 7 in Maths; GCSE Computer Science helps but is not always required.
Where it can lead
A-level Computer Science is useful for computer science, software engineering, data science, cyber security, games development, AI and engineering.
Goes well with: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Electronics.
Work out what your predicted grades are worth with our UCAS points calculator.
Tips for doing well
- Program regularly, in the language your school uses, outside lessons.
- Choose a project you can finish and document well.
- Take A-level Maths if you can: most computer science degrees ask for it.
Questions people ask
Do I need GCSE Computer Science to take the A-level?
Not always, but you need strong maths and logic, and some programming experience helps a lot.
Is A-level Computer Science hard?
The theory and programming are challenging, and the project takes time. Strong maths students usually do well.
What happened to A-level ICT and Computing?
Both were withdrawn after the 2015 reforms; Computer Science replaced them.
