Course Overview
Entry Qualifications
In addition to the standard College entry requirements (see below), this course also requires students to have achieved either a minimum of grade 55 in GCSE Combined Science or grade 5 or above in Physics. A minimum of grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics is also normally required. No prior knowledge of Electronics is required.
What will I study?
The course covers a broad range of principles and applications. Topics covered will include:
- Digital Electronics
- Analogue Electronics
- Properties of Components
- Building Circuits
- Designing Circuits and Systems
- Programmable Control Systems
- Communications Systems
In addition there will be a systems design project.
How will I study?
Practical skills are very important in this subject and students are encouraged to investigate sub-systems themselves wherever possible. There are two pieces of coursework. One is a practical project with programmable control systems. The second piece of project work is more general and requires a degree of creativity and design. It is extremely satisfying to design a system and upon construction see it fulfil your specification successfully.
How is the course examined?
The A-level will be examined in the summer of the second year. Exams will cover all of the two years’ work. There will be two coursework tasks contributing 20% of the total marks.
Where next?
A qualification in Electronics is regarded favourably by Universities and employers alike. An understanding of the discipline is of particular value to any student considering a career or Higher Education in Science, Engineering, Computer Science or IT. Employment prospects for those who have studied the subject are increasingly enhanced with opportunities worldwide. There are also many sponsorship opportunities for higher education which many of our students obtain.
What does the course combine well with?
Electronics combines well with Physics, Computing, ICT and Mathematics but can also complement other subjects such as Design.
College Entry Requirements
We normally expect applicants to have achieved good GCSE passes in at least six subjects, these must:
- demonstrate the suitability for Advanced Level study
- have been achieved at Grade 4/C as a minimum
- include two at Grade 5/B as a minimum
- include English Language – a minimum grade of 4/C
Mathematics – If not achieved within the scope of the above should normally be achieved at grade 3/D. If mathematics is not achieved at grade 4/C then it will be a requirement to continue to study at the correct level until a grade 4 is achieved. Subjects with a mathematical content will require a higher grade.
