AQA AS Computer Science specification (7516)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA AS Computer Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA AS Computer Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA AS Computer Science (7516) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
This AS Computer Science course (AQA) provides students with a fundamental understanding of how computers work, programming principles, and the impact of digital technology. It fosters computational thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Students develop both theoretical and practical competencies in areas such as algorithms, data structures, and system architecture. The course is designed to prepare learners for further study in computing and related fields, while building digital literacy relevant to modern technological environments.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Fundamentals of programming
- Programming constructs: sequence, selection, iteration
- Data types, structures, and scope
- Subroutines and recursion
- Object-oriented principles and design
3.2 Fundamentals of data structures
- Arrays and records
- Queues, stacks, linked lists
- Trees and hash tables
- Implementation and applications of each structure
3.3 Systematic approach to problem solving
- Step-by-step problem analysis and solution design
- Structure diagrams and pseudocode
- Modular design and testing strategies
3.4 Theory of computation
- Finite state machines and regular expressions
- Turing machines and the halting problem (introductory level)
- Problem classification: tractable vs intractable problems
3.5 Fundamentals of data representation
- Number systems: binary, denary, hexadecimal
- Binary arithmetic, floating-point, character sets
- Images and sound representation
- Compression methods: lossless and lossy
3.6 Fundamentals of computer systems
- Hardware and software classification
- Role of operating systems and utilities
- Systems software and translators
- Software development methodologies
3.7 Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
- Von Neumann architecture
- Registers, buses, ALU, CU, memory
- Fetch-execute cycle
- Factors affecting CPU performance
3.8 Consequences of uses of computing
- Ethical, legal, cultural, and environmental implications
- Surveillance, privacy, AI, and professional conduct
3.9 Fundamentals of communication and networking
- Network topologies, protocols and layers
- Client-server vs peer-to-peer
- Internet structure, IP addressing, DNS
- Encryption and cyber security principles
3.10 Fundamentals of databases
- Basic concepts: tables, records, fields
- Relational databases and primary/foreign keys
- SQL: queries and operations
3.11 Big Data
- Characteristics of Big Data: volume, variety, velocity
- Data processing using parallel and distributed methods
3.12 Fundamentals of functional programming
- First-class functions and immutability
- Functional constructs: map, filter, reduce
- Recursion and higher-order functions
3.13 Systematic approach to programming
- Modular design and reuse
- Debugging and testing strategies
- Program documentation and maintenance
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Programming and Practical Problem Solving
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40% of AS Level
- On-screen exam
- Short-answer and extended response questions on practical programming and algorithms
- Includes program code and scenarios
Paper 2: Computing Fundamentals
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 60% of AS Level
- Paper-based exam
- Assesses theoretical content from subject specification
Assessment Notes
- Both papers taken at the end of the AS course
- Paper 1 is a practical on-screen assessment
- No coursework at AS Level
- Emphasis on both understanding and applying computing principles
Grading
- AS is a stand-alone qualification, graded A–E
- Not required for entry into full A Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA AS Computer Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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