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Original poster

Which A Levels for Computer Science degree eventually?

58 replies

Gunnersforthecup · 07/04/2024 13:02

DC wants to do either Computer Science or Music at University.

He likes the idea of Music, but also really enjoys, and is good at computing, and sees that it is a more reliable lead into decently paid employment.

He wants to do A levels in Music, Maths and Computer Science.

At one open evening, the sixth form tutor was not very encouraging about Further Maths, saying that most unis did not insist on it; if you were down as attempting Further Maths, you might well get an offer demanding an A*; and as this was difficult to achieve, it could then become a liability.

However, I have just been watching a video about uni application (high end) where the must have is Maths, the desirable is Further Maths, and other options are left open.

I have also seen a very highly selective sixth form (not one he is applying to) insisting in their criteria that people wanting to do Computing Science have to take Computing Science, Physics, Maths and Further Maths.

Can anyone shed any more light on this?

OP posts:
Original poster
Gunnersforthecup · 07/04/2024 13:56

@YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME

Many thanks for the link. Can you explain what "Tariff points 96/96" means, please?

OP posts:
Original poster
Gunnersforthecup · 07/04/2024 13:54

Both his sixth form options offer FM.

He is potentially able enough to apply to Oxbridge.

He does have ADHD/ASD and is strongly considering applying to a RG closer to home, however.

I think London might be out and out too stressful.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gunnersforthecup · 07/04/2024 13:51

We are considering doing some open day visiting after his GCSEs in the summer.

I thought that Open Days might be a good way of exploring which options look like they might be most useful, as well as having a look round unis and a nice day out.

OP posts:
VanillaSugar2024 · 07/04/2024 13:39

Where does your son want to go?

Each uni department lists the A level requirements for the courses so you’ll get a feel for what is needed.

VanillaSugar2024 · 07/04/2024 13:37

DS is in Year 12 and wants to study Computer Science so we have done the rounds of Uni Open Days.

Most of the top tier unis want Maths and FM IF your school offers FM. Newcastle does not stipulate Maths as they spend the first year teaching the necessary maths that is required for Yrs 2/3.

I think Music, Maths and Compsci is a perfect combination and leaves lots of options open for the future.

I spoke to one Compsci student at York Uni and he did A Level Drama.

Original poster
Gunnersforthecup · 07/04/2024 13:31

Many thanks. So it looks as though Further Maths is essential for Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and possibly Warwick.

I have rummaged around Mumsnet and found SACU Student https://sacu-student.com/?page_id=5203 and Informed Choices https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/universities which are tools for looking at the effects of different A Level combos on course options at different unis.

Universities | Informed Choices

The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. Here is a list of all our unive...

https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/universities

OP posts:
SuperSue77 · 07/04/2024 13:11

Hi, you might find you get more answers if you post in the Higher Education section. I found this article there recently:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/higher_education/5016694-double-maths-a-level-for-computer-science-degree

It seems as though it is a tough degree to get onto and the maths is really important. As for the other subjects I’m not so sure but hopefully someone will be able to help.

Double maths A level for Computer science degree? | Mumsnet

DS is in his first year of A levels and is currently taking double maths, economics and computer science. They take the maths A level in May and then...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/higher_education/5016694-double-maths-a-level-for-computer-science-degree