Around 20,000 students took A level Computer Science in 2026, and entries are still rising. It is far more than coding: it teaches you how computers work, how to think like a problem solver, and how to build real software. Only about one in five entrants is a girl, so if you’re a girl thinking about it, you’d be helping to change that. Here is what it involves, where it can take you, and how to tell whether it is right for you.
1. What you actually study
Topics include how processors, memory and storage work; software development; networks and the internet; data types, data structures and algorithms; databases; computational thinking and programming; and the legal, moral and ethical issues raised by computing.
2. Who it suits
Students who enjoy logical problem solving and maths, like making things work, and are patient when debugging. You don’t need to be an expert programmer already, but you do need to be willing to practise coding regularly.
3. GCSE grades you’ll usually need
The exam boards set no prior qualification requirement, and some sixth forms don’t require GCSE Computer Science. Many do ask for a good grade in GCSE Maths, often a 6 or above. Requirements vary, so check each prospectus.
4. How it’s assessed
80% exams and 20% programming project. With AQA, Paper 1 is taken on screen, where you write code in a language such as Python, Java or C#. Paper 2 is written, and each paper is 2 hours 30 minutes. OCR sets two written papers of 2 hours 30 minutes, with no calculators. With every board, the non-exam assessment is a substantial programming project of your own design.
5. Skills you’ll develop
Programming, computational thinking, designing algorithms, debugging, logical reasoning, working with data, and managing a long independent project from idea to finished product.
6. Subjects it pairs well with
Maths is the most important partner: Oxford, Cambridge and Warwick all require it for Computer Science. Further Maths is expected by Cambridge where offered and highly recommended by Oxford. Physics, Economics and Design and Technology also work well.
7. Do you need it for a computer science degree?
Often not, but Maths is usually essential. Imperial says you don’t need A level Computer Science. Warwick says it doesn’t require it but does require Maths. Oxford doesn’t require any previous qualification in computer science. Even so, 64% of Cambridge’s past Computer Science entrants had taken A level Computing, so it clearly helps.
8. Degrees where it helps
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Games Development, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, and Information Systems.
9. Apprenticeships it leads to
Tech has some of the strongest apprenticeship routes. Examples include Software Developer (Level 4), Data Analyst (Level 4), and degree apprenticeships such as Digital and Technology Solutions Professional and Cyber Security Technical Professional (both Level 6).
10. Careers it leads to directly
Prospects lists software engineer, cyber security analyst, data analyst, penetration tester, games developer, UX designer and machine learning engineer. The National Careers Service gives software developer salaries as around £30,000 to start, rising to £75,000 with experience.
11. Careers you might not expect
Computing skills are in demand in healthcare, finance, sport, music, film effects, climate science and government. Many roles combine technical skills with another interest, such as bioinformatics, fintech or digital design.
12. Routes that don’t involve university
Tech companies, banks, consultancies and the public sector recruit school leavers onto paid apprenticeships, and many lead to a fully funded degree. Search live vacancies on the government’s Find an apprenticeship service. Your A level programming project is great evidence to show employers.
13. Common myths
- “It’s just coding.” Two theory papers make up 80% of the grade.
- “You need to be a gamer.” Nothing in the course is about gaming. Logical thinking matters far more.
- “It’s for boys.” Girls are a minority, but in 2026 a higher share of girls than boys got A* grades: 7.8% against 6.0%.
14. How hard it really is
Computer Science is demanding: there is a lot of theory to learn, the programming project takes sustained effort, and exam questions need precise answers. Students with strong maths and regular coding practice tend to do best. Start your project early, because leaving it late is one of the most common mistakes.
15. Clubs, competitions and wider reading
UK Bebras is a free computational thinking challenge, running 9 to 20 November 2026. Top scorers can be invited to the Oxford University Computing Challenge. The British Informatics Olympiad is a national programming contest, and Isaac Computer Science is a free A level learning platform.
16. Questions to ask at sixth form open evenings
- Which exam board and programming language do you use?
- Do I need GCSE Computer Science?
- Can I take Maths and Further Maths alongside it?
- How do you support students with the programming project?
- Do students take part in Bebras or the Informatics Olympiad?
17. Is it right for you? A quick checklist
- I enjoy logic puzzles and solving problems step by step.
- I’m confident with GCSE maths.
- I’m willing to practise programming outside lessons.
- I can stick with a long project.
- I’m interested in tech, data, cyber security or engineering.
If you ticked most of these, A level Computer Science is worth serious thought.
Find out more
- AQA A level Computer Science: scheme of assessment
- BCS: Computer Science results 2026 (PDF)
- Teach Computing: A level results 2026
- University of Cambridge: Computer Science
- Imperial College London: Computing admissions FAQs
- Prospects: What can I do with a computer science degree?
Entry requirements change each year. Always check the latest details with the sixth form, university or employer. Browse all our A level subject guides.