Mathematics or Computer Science (Programming)

I'm considering the possibility of applying to study mathematics as a BSc, though I really don't know what I would do with it afterwards. I know I'm very interested in maths, though I don't really have any desire to become an accountant or a maths teacher.

I read that those interested in mathematics may enjoy programming. Which is something I know nothing about.

If I did decide I'd like to learn about, as an example, C++, ASP.net, CSS, XHTML, HTML, would I be best to study mathematics as a BSc and also a part-time class specialising in such programming?

Or perhaps studying just a computer science BSc? I have looked at the modules of a possible computer science degree and the programming modules are:

1) Fundamentals of programming
2) Games programming
3) Software engineering
4) Concurrent programming
5) Programming language implementation

Perhaps these modules are not too in-depth and I'd be better studying BSc maths plus part-time programming classes?

Any ideas? Thanks!

Perhaps you would enjoy programming, perhaps not. Be warned though that unless you've taken IT or computing A-level you'll most likely be out of your depth studying computer science at degree level. Programming is part maths, part computer experience, and part luck. Or so I've found.

My advice would be to go and try out some programming, like right now. Python is a good language to start with, and there's a slew of information about it on the Internet, for example the Python challenge, which is basically a series of puzzles designed to test your skills with Python. Google around, or ask on the dev forum for advice. Giving programming a go will probably help you with deciding whether you want to pursue it to degree level or not.

P.S. You could also consider doing a joint honours in Maths/CompSci, quite a few good universities offer combined courses.

Thanks very much for the info Dez!


I don't have IT or computing A-level. I suppose I just thought the idea of programming sounded interesting.


Thanks very much for this. I'll take a look now.

Yes, that's a possibility as the university I'm interested in offers Computing Science with Mathematics.

Thanks Dez.

Also, one of my lecturers had degree titles and Phd on Mathematics only. He was teaching C Programming in various departments and his main research is also about programming and algorithms. So I can only assume that a Mathematics degree will also offer you programming skills?

Update: I do not assume anymore, I had a look at University of Birmingham Bsc Mathematics and they do teach programming as a compulsory modules. http://cis67.bham.ac.uk:7782/webhandbooks/WebHandbooks-control-servlet?Action=getProgramList&pgDeptId=029&pgDdesc=Mathematics