GCSE Computer Science

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 Content

AQA specification code: 8525 

Unit 1 Fundamentals of algorithms

• Representing algorithms
• Efficiency of algorithms
• Searching algorithms
• Sorting algorithms

Unit 2 Programming

• 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

Unit 3 Fundamentals of data representation

• Number bases
• Converting between number bases
• Units of information
• Binary arithmetic
• Character encoding
• Representing images
• Representing sound
• Data compression

Unit 4 Computer systems

• Hardware and software
• Boolean logic
• Software classification
• Classification of programming languages and translators
• Systems architecture

Unit 5 Fundamentals of computer networks

• Defining networks
• Types of networks
• Topologies of networks
• Network protocols and their uses
• Network security
• TCP/IP layer

Unit 6 Cyber security

• Fundamentals of cyber security
• Cyber security threats
• Social engineering
• Malicious code (malware)
• Methods to detect and prevent cyber security threats

Unit 7 Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)

• Relational databases
• Structured query language (SQL)

Unit 8 Ethical, legal and environmental impact of digital technology on society

• Ethical impacts
• Legal impacts
• Environmental impacts
• Risks of digital technology on society
• Data privacy issues