A levels History, Geography and Computer Science?

[jennylamb1]

My Y10 son is starting to consider his A level options. He enjoys History and Geography, however has also said that he likes Computing and would like to do coding as well. He is good at maths (predicted 8 at GCSE), however I understand that he would need to do A level maths (and get an A in it), if he wanted to do Computer Science at university. He could just do Computing whilst looking at History or Geography as a degree.
He says that he doesn't like Politics, but was quite interested in the Environmental Science GCSE when we looked round 6th form college.
Any advice?

If he's primarily interested in coding, check the CS syllabus - some have not very much coding at all.

Maths A Level is generally recommended for those who are interested in pursuing Computer Science at university. However it is not a necessity (and nor is getting an A) at all universities. You should also be aware that Computer Science at top universities (the ones that will want As) tends to be mathematically/theory based. If he wants to code, then these might not be the best choice.

Maths would also complement Geography. I suspect it might also be preferred for Environmental Science.

You might want to look at A Level Explorer www.theuniguide.co.uk/a-level-explorer

Thank you that's really useful.

What would you need to study if you wanted to do coding?

He can get to university to study computing without math.

He might want to consider a degree apprenticeship instead of university.

I suspect your DC's best plan at this stage (and he's a long way off having to firm up any decisions!) is to keep his options open and do lots of research.

Computer Science (and IT type jobs) are very varied and it's a fast moving sector. If he, for example, wants to code machine learning models, then a traditional CS type degree might suit. If he wants to start with more traditional type coding, then some of the more vocational oriented degrees might suit more. Simply doing a maths degree (though then you will get into the dilemma or whether to take Further maths or not) keeps lots of doors open.

Taking a geography (or history or environmental science) degee will not preclude a move into IT later.