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AIBU to advise against computer science at uni for DS

38 replies

OnePunnyKoala · 26/10/2025 23:05

DS16 currently studies bio, chem and maths for a level as he's considering a career in medicine. Despite this he's not thinking of switching subjects so that they're more suited for CS. DS is very undecided between medicine and CS. Although he would prefer to study computer science at uni he heard that the job market is very oversatured and AI may replace a lot of jobs. Is studying computer science at uni worth it in 2025?

OP posts:
vivainsomnia · 27/10/2025 07:02

If he's not passionate about medicine, it is not the career for him.

verycloakanddaggers · 27/10/2025 07:01

The two things he's considering are so different in terms of what work would be like - medicine is very people-focused, CS is the opposite. Has he thought carefully about his personality and which job would fit best?

Also, where has he heard this about CS and AI? He needs to take care over his sources of info as there's a lot of opinion about AI now but not all of it is grounded in knowledge.

Travelban · 27/10/2025 02:06

I agree with everyone else and I am in the field myself.

JustSomeRandomOnTheInternet · 27/10/2025 01:16

DS15 is planning on doing A levels in Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A level next year.

These are all his strongest subjects anyway (got 8/8/9 in his mocks) and at the college open evening the other night, we were told this is the nerd trio and having Physics as well is very beneficial to Computer Science.

DS has plans on getting a high paid job where he can WFH, or anywhere in the world, and I think it’s a good choice.

XelaM · 27/10/2025 00:45

My brother was on a six figure salary in his 20's straight out of uni doing Computer Science. A junior doctor's salary (and stress levels) just don't compare

poetryandwine · 27/10/2025 00:37

It’s the low level IT and coding jobs, many not requiring degrees, that are being replaced by AI.

As @titchy implies, it is the computer scientists who are crucial for the AI.

Katemax82 · 27/10/2025 00:20

My stepson studied CS at university he had a very well paid job (the contract ended but it was very well paid)

ScaredAndPanicky · 26/10/2025 23:55

Have you seen how hard it is for graduate doctors to get jobs?
Take the software route if he enjoys it.

jbm16 · 26/10/2025 23:14

Both are great career paths, too much scare mongering, AI will replace some tasks however there is still great demand for people with the right skills, lots of roles in AI, Cypersecurity, Data Science etc.

titchy · 26/10/2025 23:13

Who do you think will be applying the AI? Who will be the AI experts of the future?

inmyera · 26/10/2025 23:12

My son is flying in his CS career, at just 25 he earns as much as I do in Early 50s. My work is also tech related and we are always looking for good computer scientists. I think its a great career move. Saying that, so is medicine!

OnePunnyKoala · 26/10/2025 23:12

MidlandsGal1 · 26/10/2025 23:08

Computer science is one of the best subjects you can study, it’s tied with medicine for the top subjects. Leave it up to him.

A degree in computer science can be useful in the medical field, such as diagnostic equipment, he could do both.

I guess its possible for him to combine his passion for CS with medicine but become a doctor takes a LOT of time so adding CS would just make his time in uni even longer.

OP posts:
MidlandsGal1 · 26/10/2025 23:08

Computer science is one of the best subjects you can study, it’s tied with medicine for the top subjects. Leave it up to him.

A degree in computer science can be useful in the medical field, such as diagnostic equipment, he could do both.

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