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 天堂视频
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 and .
Special offer for ITT applicants with SKE as a condition of offer
As our DfE funding has reached it’s limit, and applications are now closed, we are offering a special, one off discount for the remainder of the 2025/26 academic year. This offer applies to applicants who are due to begin their Initial Teacher Training in September 2026 and who are required to complete an SKE as a condition of their offer *
The standard cost of an SKE is £800 for the first 100 hour unit and £500 for each additional 100 hour unit. Under this offer, each 100 hour unit will cost only £400. For example, a 200-hour course (8 weeks equivalent) would normally cost £1,300.00 (£800 + £500), the reduced cost would be £800.00.
*We will request evidence of the conditional offer following receipt of your application.
This discounted offer will close at the end of June 2026.
Course structure
The 天堂视频 online Computer Science SKE is available as either a Department for Eduacation (DfE) funded or . The course lengths available are:
- DfE funded: eight, 12 or 16 weeks
- self-funded: 100, 200, 300 or 400 hours.
Once you have enrolled, you will be able to select from the following four-week (100-hour) units:
- KS3 Introduction to Programming Scratch (compulsory)
- KS4 Introduction to Programming in Python (compulsory)
- 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 can 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.
Eligibility and funding
There are two possible funding routes for this course – DfE-funded or self-funded.
DfE-funded route
DfE applications for this academic year are now closed and will reopen in the 2026/27 academic year.
SKE courses are funded by the Department for Education (DfE), through an SKE bursary, if you have been offered a place on a PGCE course with enrolment on an SKE course as a condition of acceptance.
You will need one of the following qualifications:
- a bachelor’s degree class 2:2 or above
- a master’s degree
- a PhD.
The SKE bursary is paid in arrears, on completion of each 4-week unit. Once you are registered you will be able to access details of our deadlines and payment dates.
We can only pay the bursary once your teacher training provider has confirmed your eligibility and the DfE have approved the claim (we will do this on your behalf).
If you are still completing your degree, we cannot make any payments until your final grade has been confirmed and sent to us.
You should complete your SKE course before starting your teacher training. If you run out of time, you may be allowed to continue your SKE course at the same time as your teacher training. But if you get an SKE bursary, your payments will stop once your teacher training starts. This is because you may then be eligible for other financial support for example a subject bursary or tuition fee loan.
If you are an international student you may be eligible for the DfE-funded SKE, subject to eligibility checks, but you would not be eligible for the bursary.
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Self-funded route
If you’re not eligible for DfE funding, you can self-fund this SKE.
Learn more about .
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 , 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 , a huge collection of documentaries, schools TV, films and drama that you can stream for free.
Contact us
If you have any queries about studying an SKE at 天堂视频, email ske@sussex.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1273 678783.