Computer Science: A-level or EPQ?

[User11010866]

DS is good at programming. He said he might do an EPQ in Computer Science. I wonder if he should do the A-level, as he will systematically learn the knowledge in the computer science rather than learn from doing a project. Choosing a good project is also an issue. EPQ is not a full A-level and will not add anything for his university application. Any advice?

What other a levels is he thinking of doing, and does he have ideas about what he might want to do at university?

On what are you basing you view that EPQ will not be useful to him?

@GlacindaTheTroll

What other a levels is he thinking of doing, and does he have ideas about what he might want to do at university?

On what are you basing you view that EPQ will not be useful to him?

He will do double maths and Physics as well. For the conditional offer like A*AA etc, I wonder if EPQ can be treated as an A-level.

It's he's doing 3 A levels, I think uni's quite like an EPQ as shows other skills, independent b research etc.

No, the EPQ won't count in his 3 grade offer, though some unis make a slightly lower offer if an A is gained at EPQ.

A top mark in EPQ can result in a lower offer so it’s worth doing, particularly if he might want to do computer science at university

Personally I'd say the A levels he's doing are fairly 'similar' in skills so it might be good to show he can do something else. EPQ also involves a verbal presentation I think and a written piece of work.

Thank you all for the inputs. DS probably also adds a music A-level as he likes the subject. EPQ might be a good choice then. He likely will do maths or computer science at university.