Computer Science A-Level

Tech and digital management, and consultancy

• IT managers are responsible for the way technology is used within their organisation; they make policies, set standards and take overall responsibility for data security.
• Project managers oversee the whole process of bringing about major changes relating to technology either within their own organisation or for their clients.
• Product managers are often needed to oversee technical products, such as apps and computer games. They work collaboratively with the developers and product users to make sure that existing, new or improved products meet their needs.
• IT consultants advise their clients on how to best use technology to meet their organisation’s objectives, increase productivity and overcome problems.

Tech and digital support

Software support staff help computer users when they have problems with the programs or apps they are using. They are often based at a helpdesk, dealing with telephone or online enquiries.

Hardware support staff often provide after-sales support to users of their products. Where possible they give advice over the telephone or online. Work involving a high level of technical know-how usually requires the skills of a technician. Technicians may fix the problem on site, or take the equipment to a workshop.

Network support staff ensure that computer networks operate smoothly, and sort out day-to-day problems.

Cyber and information security

Ensuring the security of information held on computer systems is increasingly important and the number of jobs concerned with keeping information secure will continue to grow. Large organisations may employ a team of specialist staff responsible for cyber security, while in smaller organisations cyber security may be the sole responsibility of one manager, perhaps with advice and support from specialist consultants. Areas of work include information security management, risk analysis, penetration testing and digital forensics. 

Creating, maintaining and analysing data 

Organisations obtain and store huge amounts of information (e.g. on sales, stock or finances) on their computers, usually in the form of databases.

Data input staff use various data sources to input new data, delete old data, merge information, update data etc.

Database administrators (DBAs) look after databases – they ensure that security systems are operating correctly, support users, make sure data is backed up, develop the database and make decisions about long-term storage.

Data analysts collect, organise and study data. They may work on projects to address a particular business need, problem or query, or analyse data on a regular basis (e.g. about customer buying patterns). They provide information on which decisions can be based. 

Software design and development (and related work)

• Systems analysts investigate and analyse a need or problem in detail, examine the current system and specify one or more new or improved software designs. Business analysts perform a similar job but with a wider business role.
• Systems designers provide the technical skills needed to design and implement the proposed system; they normally liaise with software developers.
• Programmers use code to design and write programs; software developers also design and write programs, but usually have a broader role.
• Software testers check the software thoroughly to make sure that it does the job it is meant to do, and that there are no ‘bugs’.
• Systems developers/programmers write programs for operating systems.
• Software engineers apply the principles of engineering to software development. They are usually involved in the whole development process from research, analysis and design to testing and implementation.