Computer Science
Within our Computer Science course, you will immerse yourself in the possibilities, build something unique from scratch and solve problems yet to be solved.
You will learn about software development, games development, web development, data analysis, software design and project management. Throughout the course, you will be given the opportunity to join your classmates on trips to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, the Berlin Museum of Computer, Budapest and multiple games expos!
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Computer Science at West Lancashire College
What can I do with a career in Computer Science?
Daily tasks:
- Stays abreast of relevant legislation, considers its impact on the organisation.
- Considers alternative work procedures to improve productivity.
- Examines and reports on company and departmental structures, chains of command, information flows, etc. and evaluates efficiency of existing operations.
- Develops and administers salary, health and safety and promotion policies.
- Undertakes industrial relations negotiations with employees.
- Provides or arranges for provision of training courses.
- Oversees the monitoring of employee performance and career development needs.
- Oversees the preparation of job descriptions, drafts advertisements and interviews candidates.
- Determines staffing needs.
Daily tasks:
- Ensures that new technologies are researched and evaluated in the light of the organisation.
- Prioritises and schedules major IT/telecommunications projects.
- Considers the required IT/telecommunications staffing levels, oversees recruitment and appointment of staff and directs training policy.
- Develops the periodic business plan and operational budget for IT/telecommunications to deliver agreed service levels.
- Directs the implementation within the organisation of IT/telecommunications strategy, infrastructure, procurement, procedures and standards.
- Develops in consultation with other senior management the IT/telecommunications strategy of the organisation.
Daily tasks:
- Examines quality of merchandise and ensures that effective use is made of advertising and display facilities.
- Authorises payment for supplies received and decides on vending price, discount rates and credit terms.
- Oversees the maintenance of financial and other records and controls security arrangements for the premises.
- Ensures customer complaints and queries regarding sales and service are appropriately handled.
- Ensures that adequate reserves of merchandise are held and that stock keeping is carried out efficiently.
- Liaises with other staff to provide information about merchandise, special promotions etc. to customers.
- Appoints staff, assigns tasks and monitors and reviews staff performance.
Daily tasks:
- Reports on IT activities to senior management.
- Plans and monitors work and maintenance schedules to ensure agreed service levels are achieved.
- Supervises the technical team and coordinates training.
- Takes responsibility for managing the development of a specialist aspect of IT provision such as user support, network operations, service delivery or quality control.
- Liaises with users, senior staff and internal/external clients to clarify IT requirements and development needs.
- Plans, coordinates and manages the organisation.
Daily tasks:
- Reports on project or programme to senior management and/or client.
- Coordinates and oversees implementation of the project or programme.
- Monitors progress including project/programme budget, timescale and quality.
- Manages third party contributions to the programme or project.
- Coordinates and supervises the activities of the project/programme team.
- Plans the stages of the project or programme, reviews actions and amends plans as necessary.
- Works with client or senior management to establish and clarify the aims, objectives and requirements of the IT project or programme.
Daily tasks:
- Works closely with clients to implement new systems.
- Researches, analyses, evaluates and monitors network infrastructure and performance.
- Examines existing business models and flows of data and designs functional specifications and test plans for new systems in order to meet clients.
- Provides advice and assistance in the procurement, provision, delivery, installation, maintenance and use of IT systems and their environments.
- Communicates the impact of emerging technologies to clients and advises upon the potential introduction of such technology.
- Undertakes feasibility studies for major IT developments incorporating costs and benefits, and presents proposals to clients.
- Liaises with internal/external clients in order to analyse business procedure, clarify clients.
Daily tasks:
- Writes operational documentation and provides subsequent support and training for users.
- Plans and maintains database structures.
- Implements and evaluates the software.
- Writes code for specialist programming for computer games, (for example, artificial intelligence, 3D engine development).
- Tests and corrects software programs.
- Develops user interfaces.
- Writes and codes individual programs according to specifications.
- Undertakes feasibility study to design software solutions.
- Examines existing software and determines requirements for new/modified systems in the light of business needs.
Daily tasks:
- Activates the 'live' website.
- Tests website interaction and performance prior to going 'live'.
- Writes and publishes content for the website.
- Establishes methods to ensure appropriate website security and recovery.
- Designs and develops web interfaces for relational database systems.
- Develops the website and applications.
- Designs web pages including graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness and facilitate appropriate access.
- Presents design options to the client.
- Liaises with internal/external client in order to define the requirements for the website.
Daily tasks:
- Deals with and reports on breaches in security.
- Examines IT system for potential threats to its security and integrity and draws up plans for disaster recovery if security is compromised.
- Makes recommendations concerning software/system quality.
- Develops quality standards and validation techniques.
- Develops, implements and documents test plans for IT software, systems and computer games.
- Undertakes the testing of software, systems or computer games for errors, identifies source of problems and proposes solutions.
Daily tasks:
- Acts as a liaison between users, outside suppliers, and other technical teams.
- Performs server backup and recovery operations and restarts systems following outages.
- Identifies problems, agrees remedial action and undertakes emergency maintenance if required.
- Analyses systems and makes recommendations to improve performance.
- Schedules and performs system maintenance tasks, such as loading user applications, programs and data.
- Configures and sets up new server systems.
- Administers, monitors and supports internal/external networks, servers, email, database and security systems.
Meet our students and tutors
Angelo
Computer Science StudentI’m enjoying studying Computer Science to get qualifications so that I can be accepted into a course focused on artificial intelligence at University. Artificial intelligence will shape how our society develops and how people will live their lives in the future, so having a job relating to the field will be very beneficial and is my end goal.
Aron
Computer Science LecturerPrior to teaching at West Lancashire College, I obtained my Honours Degree and Masters Degree in computing specialising in Games Programming and Visual Computing. I am a lecturer for the BTEC Level 2 and 3 Computing Course, which utilises my specialisms very well. With plenty of programming units to teach and a game specialised unit, I can plan lessons around my own knowledge and pass these on to learners that want to know more. I want to share my passion for programming and computing with students who aren’t sure about computing and think it to be too technical, but I want to highlight to them that with practice and commitment, it can be engaging and fun.
Jules Halder
Computer Science LecturerI have a degree in Web Systems Development and a First Honours Master’s Degree in Cyber Security. I got into teaching to show students that computing isn’t just about how to create Word documents or spreadsheets; it’s much more interesting! I’m here to provide students with the building blocks they need to learn a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours in computing.
Kian
Computer Science StudentMy future ambitions will be linked to the course I am studying now; I want to establish myself within the fields of cybersecurity or artificial intelligence This will be possible by gaining experience in these fields through an apprenticeship at a university or by choosing a course that links both of these subjects together.
Lewis
Computer Science StudentI’m currently in my 2nd year, studying Level 3 Computer Science with one of my favourite aspects being how well the tutors treat the students and allow everyone to feel included. Within my course, I thoroughly enjoy using the software, coding units as well as how the course can progress me towards university and future jobs. In regard to universities, I have applied for Edge Hill, John Moores and UCLAN, who have all offered me a place. I would recommend West Lancashire College to any high school student who is already thinking about their future. The facilities within the IT department are exceptional, in comparison to other educational systems and as a former student at another college, I have seen the difference. West Lancashire College is extremely supportive within a friendly and safe environment. I would highly recommend to all.
Caleb
Information Computing and Technology Level 2I chose the course because I’m interested in computing and how computers work, as well as playing games. I have enjoyed learning about how to make a website and HTML. The trip to Arcains in early 2023 was great.
Daniel
T Level Digital StudentI chose to study the T Level Digital course as I enjoy working with computer and doing tasks such as programming and digital art. Creating Python programs by using new techniques has been my favourite element. I will be progressing to studying Game Design at Edge Hill University.
Dean
T Level Digital StudentChoosing the Digital T Level was the ideal option for me as I really want to pursue a job in the IT industry. I have enjoyed all the topics that have been covered so far and the trips that we’ve been offered.
Jack
T Level Digital StudentI am interested in game design and programming, as well as learning about the other aspects of IT which meant this course was the best choice. I’ve enjoyed the trip choices, the chance to go into a work environment and the course modules.
Jayden
T Level Digital StudentI've always been interested in computers, so the T Level course seem perfect for me! I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities we’ve been given, such as trips to different Universities and arcades.
Contact our team
Upcoming events
Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 25th April 2024
4:30pm - 7:00pm
Apprenticeship Information Event
West Lancashire College
Wednesday 1st May 2024
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Trade Fair
West Lancashire College
Tuesday 14th May 2024
4:30pm - 6:00pm
