You are here: Subjects > Computing > National 3
Why study Computing Science?
Computing science is vital to everyday life – on social, technological and economic levels. It shapes the world in which we live and its future. Computing is embedded in the world around us, from systems and devices in our homes to our places of work. It has also changed the way we learn, relax, travel and communicate.
Learning computing science will give you many benefits apart from learning about technology. You will learn valuable transferable work and life skills, such as being able to solve problems in a logical way, think creatively and handle information.
The skills you learn in this course are useful in lots of different job areas. These include science, communications, entertainment, education, business and industry.
What do I need to get in?
The school or college will decide on the entry requirements for the course. You would normally have achieved:
What will I study?
This course aims to help you learn practical skills to create simple digital solutions. You will also learn about today’s world of technology. You will learn how to use development software to create simple computer games, animations or applications.
The course has two compulsory units.
Building Digital Solutions (9 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- become familiar with the features of development software
- use software to build digital solutions such as computer games, animation and other applications.
Information Solutions (9 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- become familiar with a range of applications, such as databases and web page creation software, or a range of web-based tools, such as blogs, wikis and online documents
- learn to use these applications to create, share and locate information.
How will I be assessed?
Your work will be assessed by your teacher or tutor on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- practical work – producing web pages, blogs, games or digital presentations
- class-based tests – online or electronic tests for short answer, multiple choice or true/false scenarios.
You must pass both units to gain the course qualification.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - (National 3)