Computing: Application Development AAQ

From the smartphone in your pocket, to the systems running hospitals, power grids, and global communications, computing isn't just a part of our world - it is the foundation of modern life. Studying Application Development will help you develop a wide range of valuable skills that you can transfer to the modern workplace; such as project planning and management, communication, leadership and product development. You will gain useful skills and knowledge that will enable you to progress to further study, university, apprenticeships and employment in many different industries.

This course, while equivalent in value to one A-Level, contains a greater practical element than an A-level and will allow you to develop skills that are directly relevant to the computing industry. The qualification consists of five units: two of which are assessed by traditional written exams, while the other three are coursework tasks that involve researching and building prototype products to meet the requirements of ‘real world’ scenarios set by the exam board. This course is well suited to students who can demonstrate their abilities through practical coursework and project-based learning, as well as in traditional written exams.

In year 1 you will be taught the first examined unit, which covers the fundamentals of application development. This lays the foundations for the rest of the course. The exam for this unit will be taken in the summer of year 1. During year 1 you will also be working on your first coursework unit: UX and UI Design, which you will complete in the first half of the Spring term. You will then start preparing for your second coursework unit.

At the beginning of year 2 you will extend your knowledge and understanding of how application software is developed in preparation for the second written exam. The rest of the year is spent working on the final two remaining coursework units.

The minimum requirement is 7 GCSE or equivalent passes at grades 9-4 in an appropriate range of subjects, including Maths and English Language at grade 4 or above.

The college will accept one BTEC or CNAT at Level 2 Merit as one GCSE equivalent.

Where a student progresses on to an A-level from a GCSE subject, it is advisable for a student to have a minimum of a grade 5.

No previous IT qualifications are needed for this course, as you will be taught everything you need to know, but some Computer Science knowledge would be an advantage. To be successful you must have a keen interest in design and development, a hardworking attitude, and a willingness to study independently!

Choosing to study Application Development will enhance your immediate employability and also facilitate your progression to Further or Higher Education. The course offers many opportunities to develop a range of skills demanded by employers in the UK today, such as:

• planning

• research and analysis

• working with others

• effective communication

Application Development creates a pathway to careers in web design, games design, project management, product development, virtual reality, cyber security and many other industries and careers.