specification overview
AQA A-Level Computer Science (7517) is a two-year linear qualification split between a practical on-screen paper, a theory paper, and a non-exam assessment (NEA) programming project. Papers 1 and 2 are worth 40% each, and the NEA is worth 20%. Schools pick one programming language from C#, Java, Python or VB.Net.
subject content
1. Fundamentals of programming
Paper 1- Data types, variables and constants
- Programming concepts (sequence, selection, iteration)
- Subroutines, functions and structured programming
2. Fundamentals of data structures
Paper 1- Arrays, records, lists, stacks, queues
- Trees, graphs, hash tables and dictionaries
3. Fundamentals of algorithms
Paper 1- Algorithm design and analysis (Big-O notation)
- Searching and sorting algorithms
- Graph and tree traversal algorithms
4. Theory of computation
Paper 1- Abstraction and problem-solving
- Regular languages, finite state machines and Turing machines
5. Fundamentals of data representation
Paper 2- Number systems: binary, decimal, hexadecimal
- Character encoding, images, sound and compression
- Encryption
6. Fundamentals of computer systems
Paper 2- Hardware and software; classification of programming languages
- Types of program translator and stages of compilation
7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
Paper 2- Internal components (CPU, memory, buses)
- The stored-program concept and fetch-decode-execute
- Machine code and assembly language
8. Consequences of uses of computing
Paper 2- Individual, social, legal, cultural, ethical and environmental issues
9. Fundamentals of communication and networking
Paper 2- Networks, topologies and protocols
- TCP/IP stack, DNS and web technologies
10. Fundamentals of databases
Paper 2- Entity relationship modelling and relational databases
- Normalisation to 3NF, SQL and client-server databases
11. Big Data
Paper 2- Characteristics of big data and fact-based models
- Graph schema, functional programming and distributed processing
12. Fundamentals of functional programming
Paper 2- Functions, function application and composition
- Higher-order functions: map, filter and reduce; list processing
13. Systematic approach to problem solving
Paper 1- Analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation
- Aspects of software development applied to the NEA
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Sections 4.1-4.4 (programming, data structures, algorithms, theory of computation) plus 4.13 (systematic approach to problem solving), and programming skills | 2h 30m | 100 | 40% | On-screen exam with short questions and programming tasks in an Electronic Answer Document. Preliminary Material + Skeleton Program provided in the chosen language. Raw marks (100) are scaled x1.5 to 150 for reporting. |
| Paper 2 | Sections 4.5-4.12 (data representation, computer systems, architecture, consequences of uses of computing, networking, databases, big data, functional programming) | 2h 30m | 100 | 40% | Compulsory short-answer and extended-answer written questions. Raw marks (100) are scaled x1.5 to 150 for reporting. |
| Non-exam assessment (NEA) | A student-chosen practical problem, solved using a systematic approach | Coursework | 75 | 20% | Programming project including analysis, design, technical solution, testing and evaluation |
The NEA is a substantial programming project worth 20% of the A-Level. Schools choose one supported language (C#, Java, Python or VB.Net) at the start of the course.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. | 30% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including analysing problems in computational terms. | 30% |
| AO3 | Design, program and evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these and presenting conclusions. | 40% |
key tips for success
Start the NEA project early
The programming project is 20% of the A-Level and needs substantial development time. Start scoping the problem in year 12 rather than leaving it for year 13.
Practise Paper 1 in the on-screen format
Paper 1 is on-screen with an Electronic Answer Document, quite different from a written exam. Practise coding under timed conditions using AQA's specimen skeleton programs.
Master the theory of computation
Finite state machines, Turing machines and regular languages are heavily tested on Paper 1. Practise designing and tracing FSMs plus writing regular expressions.
Learn Big-O notation properly
Not just the definitions but the analysis: how to derive Big-O for common algorithms (bubble sort, quicksort, binary search, graph traversal). Comes up frequently.
Know the TCP/IP stack
Application, transport, network, link layers. Understand what protocols sit at each layer (HTTP, TCP, IP, Ethernet). Consistently examined on Paper 2.
Practise SQL and database normalisation
Paper 2 covers relational databases through to 3NF. Practise writing SQL SELECT/JOIN queries and normalising unstructured tables to 3NF.
Where to next
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