Computer Science SKE

Our Computer Science SKE is a flexible course where you can expand your knowledge of the Computer Science curriculum in secondary schools.

Study a Computer Science SKE course at Sussex

We offer a range of units for trainees, from KS3 to GCSE, in which you can select from different materials areas. All units are supported by an excellent range of resources, including projects from Isaac Computer Science and Craig n Dave.

Apply now

Course structure

The Sussex online Computer Science SKE is available as an eight,12 or 16-week course. All students must complete the two compulsory modules in July which concludes with a week-long workshop based face-to-face session.

Once you have enrolled, you will be able to select from the following four-week units:

KS3 Introduction to Programming Scratch (C)
KS4 Introduction to Programming in Python (C)
Computational Thinking and Algorithms
System Architecture
Data Representation in Binary (numbers, characters, images, sound)
Cyber Security and Networks
Website Design using HTML and CSS

You will take two compulsory units and choose from a selection of optional units, with more units available later in the year. You’re expected to study 25 hours a week (full-time), made up of independent study and tutorials.

Each unit will be assessed through a range of assignments including a portfolio of work, exercises and projects that allow you to demonstrate student engagement in several ways. You will also prepare materials that can be used in the classroom.

To prepare you for your PGCE you will mainly follow the GCSE Computer Science J277 Syllabus from the OCR exam board. There will also be some KS3 units of work such as Scratch Programming and Online Safety.

16-week course

In the 16-week course you will take the two compulsory units (KS3 Introduction to Programming Scratch and KS4 Introduction to Programming in Python) and two optional units.
12-week course

In the 12-week course you will take the two compulsory units (KS3 Introduction to Programming Scratch and KS4 Introduction to Programming in Python) and one optional unit.
Eight-week course

In the eight-week course you will take the two compulsory units (KS3 Introduction to Programming Scratch and KS4 Introduction to Programming in Python).

Application deadlines

Our SKE courses have different deadlines depending on the length of the course you’re applying to.

See our application page for more information.

Eligibility and funding

SKE courses are funded by the Department for Education (DfE) if you have been offered a place on a PGCE course with enrolment on an SKE course as a condition of acceptance.

Find out more about SKE eligibility and funding.

Self-funded SKEs

We also offer a self-funded SKE route for:

teacher trainees who are not eligible for DfE funding
qualified teachers who want to teach a new subject, or refresh their subject knowledge before returning to teaching after a break
anyone considering teaching as a new career who wants to increase their subject knowledge before applying for teacher training.

Rather than four-week units, self-funded SKEs are based on blocks of 100 hours of study. You can choose which units you want to study and add additional units as you progress.

The cost is £800 for one 100 hour unit, and £500 for each additional unit. Fees can be paid by you or, if relevant, by your school/institution (schools within the Sussex Partnership or PGCE Pedagogy and Practice Partnership can apply for partnership rates).

If you have any questions about self-funding your SKE, email ske@sussex.ac.uk.

Resources

In addition to input from specialist subject tutors you will also receive:

a digital copy of a GCSE textbook for Computer Science
a fully paid subscription to ExamPro, a database of past KS3, GCSE and A-level exam questions
access to thousands of relevant physical and e-books through our Library
licensed software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro
access to Box of Broadcasts, a huge collection of documentaries, schools TV, films and drama that you can stream for free.