Our Computer Science courses provides students with the opportunity to learn about an array of topics including software development, data analysis, project management, plus much more.
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What can I study?
Coding Practices Level 3
This qualification is designed for learners who want to increase their knowledge, skills and understanding of coding.
Length: 12 Weeks
Study: Online Learning
Location: Online
Principles of Cyber Security Level 2
This online course is a key starting point for anyone looking to begin their career in cyber security.
Length: 8 Weeks
Study: Online Learning
Location: Online
Understanding Coding Level 2
This online qualification is designed for anyone who is looking to gain an introduction to coding.
Length: 16 Weeks
Study: Online Learning
Location: Online
Understanding Data Protection and Data Security Level 2
Our online course in Understanding Data Protection and Data Security Level 2 will provide you with essential knowledge on data protection compliance.
Length: 12 Weeks
Study: Online Learning
Location: Online
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Good to know
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Application Tips for Adults 19+
Fees and Finance
Levels Explained
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.
What can I do with a qualification in Computer Science?
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:
- 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.
Daily tasks:
- Reports on commonly occurring queries to detect underlying problems.
- Maintains a log of work in progress, calls received, actions taken and problems detected.
- Researches possible solutions in user guides, technical manuals and other documents.
- Refers more complex or intractable problems to appropriate IT professionals.
- Facilitates user access to systems.
- Installs and upgrades hardware, cables, operating systems and/or appropriate software.
- Advises users on how to resolve hardware and software problems.
- Provides technical support to IT users.
Daily tasks:
- Maintains documentation to track and log work in progress and completed.
- Advises on and installs operating soft/firm ware and may carry out upgrades.
- Repairs or replaces defective components.
- Diagnoses hardware related faults.
- Installs, tests and maintains computer-related hardware (processors, memory chips, circuit boards, displays, sensors, data storage devices, printers, etc.) according to given specifications.