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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Computer Science at a good university

34 replies

Goorwait · 23/08/2020 11:19

My daughter now has A A B at A level. (Missed her firm and did not have an insurance.) Unfortunately this wasn’t in time for clearing and she now has a place at what I suppose is a mid rank university. Should she wait and apply again next year? Are there any top universities that would accept A A B for Computer Science? They all seem to be asking for much more and I have no idea if they had places in clearing because at that time my daughter had A C C. I’m worried that she may struggle in the future if her degree isn’t from one of the top universities but does this matter?

OP posts:
HerstoryInTheMaking · 23/08/2020 11:58

With her grades she may struggle to get into the most competitive unis for CS. However it is a very good degree.

I believe Sussex is in clearing for BCC, it is a good university and my nephew went there for CS and is now on a very good graduate scheme.

Computer science is such an in demand degree that institution matters less than it does for history for example.

Original poster
Goorwait · 23/08/2020 12:52

Thank you - that is reassuring. I did not go to university and I worry when I read about young people leaving university with no greater job prospects than when they went in. She is quiet and introverted and so is unlikely to gain much from the social side. So I really want there to be some benefit!

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Annasgirl · 23/08/2020 13:01

Hi OP,

Do you know anyone who works in a computer industry? These are the people who can tell you what is best. Could you look up the stats of the college your DD got into to see how many go straight to employment? Do not count "went on to higher degree" as that is a code for "none of our grads are employable after their initial degree" - and I say this as a grad of some major universities in 2 separate careers.

A friend has a son who does computer science. His son has autism so, while one of the Universities had, on paper, a better degree, he chose the one where he had done a Summer camp and where he knew his way around and felt secure.

What I am trying to say is, where your DD will feel happy and get the bet support is probably as important a consideration.

Also, have you considered the apprentice scheme with BT? they take on A level graduates and they work while they study for a computer science degree.

SeasonFinale · 23/08/2020 13:52

Clearing is still open so she should get on and look as next year places will be more competitive so she would do better to get somewhere to start this year.

Oratory1 · 23/08/2020 14:24

Could you tell us where her place is so we could advise more fully? As mentioned up thread there may be some others still in clearing. Sussex has a great reputation for CS. Just checked and Swansea, Aston, Cardiff, Liverpool, Leicester and Loughborough are still in clearing too and would all be good options (though I haven't checked the grades required)

Original poster
Goorwait · 23/08/2020 15:27

My DD has accepted a place at Royal Holloway.

OP posts:
topology444 · 23/08/2020 15:34

Royal Holloway is one of the best places in the world for information security! Especially if she wants to go into this area this is a very good place to be.

CraftyGin · 23/08/2020 15:36

Has she looked at Swansea?

Original poster
Goorwait · 23/08/2020 15:39

No hasn’t looked at Swansea I don’t think - better that Royal Holloway? Or does it depend on your interest?

OP posts:
CraftyGin · 23/08/2020 15:39

Ignore last post. Royal Holloway is fab. DD1 went there.

CraftyGin · 23/08/2020 15:41

Do you know much about RHUL? I think a lot of students go there through clearing and can be disappointed (Because it is not central London), but it is really a great place.

Original poster
Goorwait · 23/08/2020 15:46

Yes she has visited. I just cannot help wondering if she could do better now that she has her CAGs. I should probably stop worrying and just support her decision!

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CraftyGin · 23/08/2020 15:49

She needs to put the doubts behind her and look forward to her course.

Congratulations, miniGoorwait!

We live in Egham and happy to provide information (and Sunday lunch, when allowed).

Oratory1 · 23/08/2020 15:51

Royal Holloway is great for CS. Good choice. Probably on a par with those I listed above and better than some. DS was applying to A*AA Unis for CS and looked at it for a possible insurance. Previous poster is right in that it does pick up a lot of students through clearing but that may be a tactic to pick up people with decent grades that miss their aspirational offers. Some are disappointed that it is a bit quiet and out of London but it is a lovely campus with a real community feel and those I know who have been there have loved it. If that's what she is looking for she would find it hard to better it for a CS.

MoseShrute · 23/08/2020 15:59

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons.

CraftyGin · 23/08/2020 16:02

Maybe start another thread, Mose. Let’s celebrate Goorwait’s DD.

Original poster
Goorwait · 23/08/2020 16:06

Thank you CraftyGin. Xx

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Divoc2020 · 23/08/2020 18:22

Has she considered York? We know someone who went there for CS after missing their first choice and is having a fab time. Russell Group uni which ranks highly for research and is one of the Uni's biggest departments - has had big investment into the department. Also a good reputation for links with industry and placements.
Think it is AAA for 2021, but used to be AAB and was in clearing I think for BBB.

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 23/08/2020 18:26

Does she know what she wants to do after uni? Core Computer science may not offer the career prospects she thinks they might (depending on what the curricula covers). There may be other degree courses which will offer the same if not better career choices.

CraftyGin · 23/08/2020 19:00

@RockingMyFiftiesNot

Does she know what she wants to do after uni? Core Computer science may not offer the career prospects she thinks they might (depending on what the curricula covers). There may be other degree courses which will offer the same if not better career choices.
Is this for real?
RockingMyFiftiesNot · 23/08/2020 19:02

Absolutely. I worked in the IT industry for 30+ years and it's a myth that a computer science degree is the be all and end all when it comes to employability.

Oratory1 · 23/08/2020 19:56

No it’s not the be all and end all to get a job in the CS industry. In fact maths may be more sought after. But .... it is certainly a degree with a great employment rate compared to many. If you want to study computer science it’s not going to do you any harm

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 23/08/2020 20:07

@Oratory1

No it’s not the be all and end all to get a job in the CS industry. In fact maths may be more sought after. But .... it is certainly a degree with a great employment rate compared to many. If you want to study computer science it’s not going to do you any harm
No of course it isn't, but some students and parents honestly aren't aware of any other options, and some other IT related degrees may open more doors.
Original poster
Goorwait · 23/08/2020 20:14

Do you have any examples? Goodness it’s a minefield and I feel so ill equipped to advise Sad.

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RockingMyFiftiesNot · 23/08/2020 20:19

There are so many - hence my original question about whether your DD had an idea yet about what she would like to do after university. She may not but in broad terms what she is interested in.