Computer science, Where would you recommend?

[Serin]

DS2 wants to study computer science, we have no experience in this field at all. He is doing ok academically (pretty much all 7 and 8 at GCSE and doing maths, CS, and physics at A level , all predicted A grades).

Does anyone have any experience of studying CS at university? Where is recommended?

[ReflectentMonatomism]

The a level barely scratches the surface of the subject.

it's getting a hell of a lot better. A couple of years ago I would have said the same. But last year and this year the students with it look very good indeed.

[ReflectentMonatomism]

But I agree with this:

As the a level is only relevant to a single degree in the stem field I would still go for maths and physics as it keeps more degrees open as options.

The most flexible combination is Maths, Further Maths, Physics. If you can do four A Levels then that plus CS would be good. If you're only doing three then you're right.

The main point is that compared to thirty years ago, Maths, Physics, Chemistry is less of an obvious default STEM combination of A Levels than it was.

[JITSOG]

My DD loves biology and is on track to get a 9. She really wants to continue biology at A-Level rather than physics.

She’s planning on taking biology, computer science, maths and further maths.

Is taking biology over physics detrimental?

[ReflectentMonatomism]

Is taking biology over physics detrimental?

For admission to CS? No.

In terms of keeping engineering options open? Yes. It rules out a load of interesting engineering degrees.

[ErrolTheDragon]

I'd guess that it might mean that some courses/options within a course will suit her better than others. Given that maths/FM and CS is a fine combination, adding biology shouldn't be a detriment, if you look at it that way. If the courses she applies to don't have physics as a requirement (and AFAIK CS courses don't - maybe crossover subjects like robotics would) then they won't assume that knowledge.

If she's in doubt, I'd recommend she emails the admissions tutors of a few courses which look interesting to her - my DD did this when she was weighing up her A level choices (for elec eng) and wasn't sure on her 4th subject. She had some very nice replies, straight from the horses' mouths (and essentially it was that it didn't really matter). Possibly try to choose a time when they're not in the throes of offer making or clearing so maybe around June?

[ErrolTheDragon]

In terms of keeping engineering options open? Yes. It rules out a load of interesting engineering degrees.

Yes... my previous reply was predicated on definitely preferring CS not eng.

The other thing which may be useful, and (IMO) fun is to have a casual look round a couple of uni open days, check out the different courses - there's usually some just after GCSEs which is usually slack time schoolwise.

[Oratory1]

Lots of great advice on here, thank you. And thankfully ties in with what we believed already !

Interesting point though about uni and apprenticeship. DS (year 12) is adamant at the moment he wants to find a CS apprenticeship but is toying with the idea of applying for uni too, partly because everyone tells him he should and it will get the school off his back come UCAS time ?!, and partly because he knows people change over the two years of sixth form so he may change his mind. But I can also see the benefit you describe of him of (hopefully) holding two offers on results day and making a real choice then, rather than trying to decide in September/October of year 13.

Also agree re CS A level and Maths. I think there is a lot of good content in CS A level now, and in the new GCSE, but still think maths/further maths is more useful. He seems to be doing the optimum of Maths, FM, Physics and CS (because they were his favourites not for career path !). FM was added in last minute with a view to dropping it if the workload got too great but we are wondering now, as he is enjoying the maths, whether he should drop CS if the going gets tough and he wants to go down three.

Great discussion - thanks again. He's booked on to the Southampton taster week (CS and Electronics) but will try and find some work experience too

[celtiethree]

Last year my DS applied for CS degree and for a degree apprenticeship. He kept his options open until as late as possible. Finally took the apprenticeship and withdrew from UCAS. The apprenticeship has turned out to be a fantastic option for him and the combination of work/study suits him very well.

[Oratory1]

Thanks celtiethree. I think that may suit DS too, he s not interested in studying for studying sake and eager to start work.

[MadameJosephine]

My DS is at Imperial. Don’t let the cost out you off, they have a very generous bursary scheme to off set the cost of London rents. DS gets a student loan which just about covers his rent and then lives off his bursary. It’s a good job as it’s pretty full on and he wouldn’t have time to get a job. His offer for joint maths and computer science was AAAA

[Holidayshopping]

How do CS degree apprenticeships work and how do you go about finding them? Do you work for a company and then get released a day a week or something to do your degree? Do you apply directly to a company? Do you not have tuition fees/student loans?

[celtiethree]

For my DS he works Monday to Thursday and has day release on Friday, a lot of the actual learning is done on line, with work released each week for completion on a two week cycle. For degree apprenticeships you apply directly to the company, if they offer you a place you then complete your application for a university place outside of UCAS, the company will help on this and would be the bridge to the university.

Often the offer of a place will be conditional on exam results in order to meet uni requirements.

The company picks up and fees through drawing down on the apprenticeship levy that certain size companies are expected to pay. You won’t need a student loan as the company pays you as an employee - there are minimum amounts but many employers pay higher than the minimum.

My DS is actually on a pretty good deal, is able to save every month and even has a pension through his employer. Currently living at home but could move out next year into shared accommodation and pay for all his own expenses.

You can find degree apprenticeships through internet searches, the student room often has chats about them. UCAS also provide some info:

www.ucas.com/alternatives/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-england/what-apprenticeships-are-available/degree-apprenticeships

[HostessTrolley]

@jitsog - if she’s not already involved with them, have your daughter take a look at cyber challenge uk. They do amazing work identifying and developing aspiring cyber security bods.

My ds won their masterclass a couple of years ago. On the back of that he got an unconditional offer for the accredited masters at royal Holloway (which was his top choice anyway) and has a very well paid and engaging part time job that fits around his studies - plus he won about £10k worth of professional courses. He’s had a great time representing the uk twice at the European cyber challenge teams event, and will be in a really strong position when he graduates, with a masters plus four years paid work in threat intelligence.

He did maths, further maths, physics (AAA) plus a sport qualification but said there are people from all kinds of backgrounds on his course.

[JITSOG]

Thanks everybody for all your helpful tips

[fluffyhamster]

Also check out the CyberFirst courses for summer: www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/cyberfirst-courses

[Serin]

Oratory1 Our DS is also booked on the Southampton summer course for CS and electronics!

HostessTrolley Your son sounds like he has really found his niche there. He has done amazingly well.

[littlecloudling]

Look around. Students are there for 3/4 years so need to like the environment and enjoy living there. That's more important than the league tables. Nottingham is a great campus university.

[impostersyndrome]

I agree with PP on the oxbridge courses. Not applied enough. Maths and more maths for A levels is the best preparation. Check out their industry links as well. Practical experience during the summer can be invaluable. I’ve DM’d you, OP.

[PostNotInHaste]

Lurking with interest as suspect that might be way DS headed. He was gutted when his school ditched CS GCSE and looking forward to taking it for A Level.

[BasiliskStare]

OP - Bristol for CS ? My information is out of date a bit but may be worth looking at. It is out of date but I think a student could vary between maths and CS - just a thought.

[ZandathePanda]

My youngest Dd wants to be an actress with a computer programmer as a back up . So, at the moment, in a couple of years time, her A level choices will be computer science, maths and drama . She is in a class of male introverts and I think she bemuses/ scares them in equal measure. She doesn’t get the highest marks in tests but her brain works differently so when the teacher gave them some coding puzzles she cracked them quicker.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Good for her! my DDs gcse options were CS, electronic products and drama - but in a girls' school this wasn't too remarkable.

[Ashmount]

Just seen this thread - better late than never! Based on DS2's experience there are a few potential routes onto CS courses. He took maths, physics and CS at A level, getting BBB. He'd already decided though that he wanted to go to Manchester, so went through their Foundation Year Science and Engineering, then onto CS.

That has worked out. He has completed his first two years and is on course for a first. This year is his year in industry, which is in cyber security with a fintech company, paying above national average wage. Reportedly some of his course mates on £40k plus for their intern year - no doubt that demand for CS grads is huge

[SunburstsOrMarbleHalls]

Really interesting information on this post. DS is in yr 12 and wants to study CS at university. His A levels are Maths, Further Maths, CS and History. He knew he would be taking a risk picking history over physics but he just loves the subject.

The only drawback DS has is that he opted to do his CS GCSE a year early on the old syllabus and in hindsight it was the wrong choice. He and two other students were barely taught anything by the teacher and had to self study using you tube tutorials as guidance on some topics. He was only 14 at the time (one of the youngest in the year) and was not mature enough to independently study. He achieved a B grade and it was one of the main reasons he switched to a different school that had a more robust CS department for A level.
His other GCSE's were a mix of 9s 8s 7s a 6 and a 5 (french)

He is just starting to look at CS degree choices and at the moment he likes the look of Durham, Southampton, Surrey, York and Lancaster. They are a mixed bag regarding entrance requirements and hopefully his decision not to take physics wont adversely affect his options.

Good luck to your DS Serin

[Serin]

Thanks Sunbursts, it sounds v much like our DS is considering very similar universities to yours. Good luck to him and to all the others considering CS.