AQA AS Level Computer Science (7516) Past Papers for 2027+ Exams

Ideal for Students Sitting Exams in 2027 and Beyond

These resources are ideal for students sitting AQA AS Level Computer Science exams in 2027 and beyond. Regular practice with past papers can help you become more comfortable with programming problems, theoretical questions, calculations, algorithms, and the way Computer Science concepts are assessed.

At Exam Papers Practice, we recommend combining past papers, revision notes and topic questions rather than relying on one revision method. In our experience, students who make consistent use of our complete range of online resources can achieve significantly better grades. Results will vary from student to student, but structured and repeated exam practice can make a substantial difference to preparation and confidence.

AQA AS Level Computer Science (7516) Exam Structure

The AQA AS Computer Science qualification is assessed through two written/on-screen examination components, with each paper contributing 50% of the AS qualification. Each component carries 75 marks.

Paper 1 – Programming

Paper 1 (7516/1A, 7516/1B, 7516/1D or 7516/1E) is an on-screen examination lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and accounts for 50% of the AS qualification.

Students take one programming option: C#, Java, Python or VB.Net. The paper assesses programming and the related areas of data structures, systematic problem solving and theory of computation.

Practising AQA AS Computer Science Paper 1 past papers can be particularly useful for developing the ability to understand problems, construct algorithms, write and analyse code, and apply programming concepts under examination conditions.

Paper 2 – Data Representation

Paper 2 (7516/2) lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, is worth 75 marks and contributes 50% of the AS qualification. It focuses on data representation and other theoretical areas of the AS Computer Science specification.

Working through AQA AS Computer Science Paper 2 past papers can help students practise questions involving data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture, networking and the wider consequences of computing.

AQA AS Level Computer Science (7516) Syllabus Summary

The AQA AS Computer Science specification contains nine main areas of subject content.

Fundamentals of Programming

Students develop an understanding of programming concepts and techniques, including variables, constants, data types, operators, selection, iteration, functions and procedures. Programming practice is an important part of preparing for Paper 1.

Fundamentals of Data Structures

This area covers important data structures and their use in programming. Students should understand how data can be organised and manipulated to create effective solutions to computational problems.

Systematic Approach to Problem Solving

Students learn how to analyse problems, design solutions and develop programs systematically. This includes areas such as abstraction, decomposition, algorithm design, data modelling and testing.

Theory of Computation

Students study theoretical concepts associated with computation, including algorithms, computational problems and the principles underlying how computers process information.

Fundamentals of Data Representation

This area focuses on how different types of information are represented digitally. Students need to understand areas such as number representation, character representation, images, sound and data storage.

Fundamentals of Computer Systems

Students develop knowledge of computer systems and the role of hardware and software. Understanding how different components work together is important when answering theoretical examination questions.

Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Architecture

This section covers how computer systems are organised and how components such as processors, memory and storage operate together.

Consequences of Uses of Computing

Students consider the wider implications of computing, including ethical, legal, social and cultural issues associated with the development and use of computer technology.

Fundamentals of Communication and Networking

Students study how computers communicate and how networks operate, including relevant networking concepts, protocols, hardware and security considerations.

Programming Languages for AQA AS Level Computer Science

For Paper 1, AQA provides four programming language options: C#, Java, Python and VB.Net. Students should practise using the programming language relevant to the option they are taking.

Regular programming practice is particularly important because understanding the theory of programming is different from being able to apply it when solving an unfamiliar problem.

Why Practice AQA AS Level Computer Science Past Papers?

Past papers are an important part of effective exam preparation because they allow students to move beyond simply reading revision material and start applying their knowledge to examination-style questions.

By working through AQA AS Computer Science past papers, students can become more familiar with question wording, identify recurring areas of difficulty, practise managing their time and learn how to structure answers effectively.

Past papers can also be used as a diagnostic tool. After completing a paper, students can review the questions they found difficult and then use targeted revision notes and topic questions to strengthen those areas before attempting another paper.

Use Past Papers with Revision Notes and Topic Questions

For the best preparation, combine AQA AS Computer Science past papers with detailed revision notes and topic-specific practice.

Revision notes can help you understand the theory behind each topic, while topic questions allow you to practise specific concepts before progressing to complete past papers. Past papers can then be used to bring everything together under realistic examination conditions.

This approach creates a more structured revision cycle: learn the content, practise individual topics, complete past papers, review mistakes and repeat.

How to Use AQA AS Level Computer Science Past Papers Effectively

Start by completing topic-based questions while you are learning the specification. Once you have covered the major areas, begin completing complete past papers under timed conditions.

After each paper, carefully review your answers and identify where marks were lost. Do not simply record the grade. Look at whether the problem was caused by a lack of subject knowledge, difficulty understanding the question, programming errors, poor time management or an incomplete answer.

You can then return to the relevant revision notes and topic questions before attempting another paper. This makes past-paper practice much more useful than simply completing papers repeatedly without reviewing your mistakes.

AQA AS Level Computer Science Exams in 2027

For the June 2027 examination series, AQA currently lists Paper 1 for 11 May 2027 and Paper 2 for 17 May 2027. Paper 1 has a duration of 1 hour 45 minutes, while Paper 2 has a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes.

Students preparing for 2027 and later examination series should always check the latest information from AQA, as examination arrangements and dates can be subject to official updates.

Build Confidence with AQA AS Level Computer Science Past Papers

Preparing for AS Computer Science requires more than memorizing definitions. Students need to be able to apply programming techniques, understand algorithms, interpret data, explain computer systems, and solve unfamiliar problems.

Using AQA AS Level Computer Science past papers regularly can help you develop the examination skills needed to approach these different question types with greater confidence.

For a complete revision strategy, combine past papers with AQA AS Computer Science revision notes and topic questions from Exam Papers Practice.

Prepare for Your AQA AS Level Computer Science Exams with Exam Papers Practice

Exam Papers Practice provides online revision resources designed to support students preparing for GCSE, IGCSE, AS, A-Level and IB examinations.

Our AQA AS Computer Science (7516) past papers, revision notes and topic questions are designed to work together, helping students revise the specification, practise individual topics and apply their knowledge to full examination-style papers.