A Level Computer Science: Project and EPQ: Are both necessary?

[whatinname]

Hello, DS has computer science which he wants to study in UNI as well. As we know schools were so on and off from the start of year 12 which resulted I suppose in communication gap. So much we can know just by chatting with seniors which is not happening either because of strict bubbles. Very recently DS came to know about a project they need to do for computer science which will run over several months. He reckons that will take bulk of time and he will have very little time for EPQ. His school computer science teacher is yet to discuss these things with them. Can I ask if for computer science both project and EPQ is necessary to get into good UNI? Or just project will do? Apology for my ignorance, trying to understand this process and what is normally followed.

Hope I made all sense :-)

EPQ isn't required but it would strengthen his application

How many students actually do both?

My ds and u have been looking at admissions criteria. For computing at some unis it's AAA. But they'd take AAB if the EPQ is an A. (but the reduced grade can't be in maths or computing). Does that help?

It depends on the uni and his predicated grades. Need more info.
EPQs aren't done universally by any means and if the goal is Russell group generally rather than Oxbridge I wouldn't worry if predicated grades on the A levels are good. I honestly don't think the unis read my DC's personal statements - which is where EPQ is useful because it gives a chance to demonstrate wider knowledge etc.
EPQ was picked up in DS's Cambridge interview as a talk g point.

If the 'computer project' is the NEA component of his A level, then this will definitely be the required one, unless there is a major change to A levels again next year, with the EPQ normally something that a school offers in sixth form (not related to a particular A level subject), but may or may not make a compulsory part of its offer. DS1 and DD did A levels in schools where the EPQ was theoretically compulsory, but nothing was said when either of them decided not to complete theirs (or, in DS1's case, actually start, but he did carry on with all his A level subjects to A2 instead of dropping one, which was the usual plan). At DS2's school, the EPQ is not only not compulsory, it has to be applied for (and he didn't).

No university makes offers actually dependent on an EPQ having been taken, but some, as a pp said, will allow a lower grade in an A level if an EPQ is being taken anyway and (usually) an A* or A is achieved.

DS had 5 offers from Top 20 unis to study CS. Was doing 4 A levels (incl. Further Maths) and an EPQ. Dropped the EPQ work.

Much better to focus on good grades in the A levels (especially Maths) than spread themselves too thinly across extra work IMHO.

At our school all 6th formers do some form of "other thing" alongside their 3 or 4 A levels. This may be EPQ, an Independent Research project, an additional language quailifcation.

This year in particular we have seen more and more universities (some very prestigious ones) recognising the EPQ if at a grade A or A* and reducing their offer by at least one and sometimes two grades which some students find useful (even if they are expected to get top grades as it just relieves the pressure somewhat).

Some do not have it as part of their criteria but it does provide a very useful tool for personal statement and interview fodder.