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GCSE Computer Science

Course Codes

OSC1423 / OSC1424

Achieve your GCSE Computer Science qualification from home, without needing to attend school or college!

  • 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 your own home, at your own pace.
Please choose a course option to see prices

Course overview

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 Duration

12 months.

Course Outcome

Once you have successfully completed your exams, you will receive your GCSE Computer Science qualification.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements to study this course.

Assessment

Two written exams.

Course content

AQA specification code: 8525 

Extra info

Course duration

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). 

Study method

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 yourself 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. 

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 exams 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. 

Course outcome

Upon successful completion of your exams, you will be awarded your GCSE Computer Science qualification issued by AQA.  

What next?

After completing this course, you can develop your knowledge further by progressing to studying the subject at A Level, or an alternative level 3 route.  

This course will also benefit those looking to expand their computer science knowledge to enhance their career prospects or knowledge.  

Exam details

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. 

Q&As

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