How essential is maths in IT?

Just wondering how essential maths is in IT.

I got a C in my maths GCSE, but I wasn't taught the subject in years 8,9 or 10. Do I need a maths A level for a course such as computer science?

If I were to do an IT degree, I would go on a foundation course for 1 year. And I'm also thinking of going to the Zenos IT academy before university for more qualifications and knowledge from them (my friend went there, now he's studying in Kent).

I don't really like ICT but I am interested in IT, I have been since I was a kid, just wondering how essential maths is.

Thanks for any replies. :smile:

Edit: I'm not looking at high ranking unis for CompSci like York or Edinborough, but places like UEA, if that helps at all?

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 1

michaelhaych

For Computer Science it is essential

For ICT (making spreadsheets, etc) it isn't relevant.

Reply 2

BoyBettaKnow

It's pretty important and is actually a fundamental part of a course such as Computer Science.

Reply 3

blair turgott

I have done AS ICT and I am doing A2 ICT and maths is not important at all.

Reply 4

zawmbee

It's apparently very important for Computer Science -- high demand and high priority. But for Networking, Management, Administration, and general Computing, it's irrelevant.

Reply 5

Kronic

Damn.

Shame really, maths was my strongest subject until I wasn't taught it for 3 years. I didn't do well in class on the subject in year 11, but when taught in small groups or 1 on 1 I understood it clearly.

If I go to the Zenos IT academy, I get qualifications in:

IT Technical Training and Certification
Microsoft Technical Associate (Networks)
Microsoft Technical Associate (Windows 7)
Microsoft Certified Technology specialist (Windows 7) - optional
CompTIA's A+ PC Technician
Advanced Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals
Advanced Diploma in ICT Professionals Competence
Employ-ability Award
Key Skills Maths, English and ICT

Would they not help with the maths side of it?

Also, would a foundation year help for computer science and IT?

A friend of mine left college with no A level grades and only a C in GCSE maths and is now going to a top UEA, so I guess it's possible.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 6

Kronic

Bump.

I'm good at maths when I'm taught it, but only struggled in year 11 due to everyone having 3 years of maths education behind them and me nothing. It was originally my strongest subject till I was no longer taught it.

Would a foundation course be good or not for CS?

I'm not looking at a high ranking CS uni like Edinborough, but somewhere like UEA if that helps?

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 7

zawmbee

Unis that don't require Maths at A-Level:
Lancaster - 9
Kent - 34
Queen Mary - 36
Cardiff - 37
City University - 41
Keele - 44
Aberystwth - 49
Brunel - 50
Plymouth - 53
Hull - 62
Portsmouth - 81
London Metropolitan - 115

The number next to them is ranking in the UK University League 2012

Not a bad set of choices. Cardiff, Kent, and especially Lancaster are great Universities with great courses.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 8

Kronic

Hi,

Thanks for that list, very helpful. :smile:

However, with my grades at A level I wouldn't be able to get into them (BCD (History, politics, ICT).

I'm mainly looking to do a course with a foundation year, as I believe that will help me into the course given that I have a C in GCSE maths. I've found UEA so far, trying to find others but no succes...

Don't suppose if anyone knows though if a foundation course actually helps with the maths side of things though? :s-smilie:

Thanks for the replies btw people. :smile:

Reply 9

cloudracer

I'm in the exact same situation but I'm on a Gap year. Looking forward for an answer to this thread.

Reply 10

Matty919

CS != IT. You don't need any maths ability for IT but you do for CS. IT is mainly learning about and how to use different software. CS is more about the theory of computation and how computers work.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 11

cloudracer

Original post by Matty919

CS != IT. You don't need any maths ability for IT but you do for CS.

what areas of maths does CS use and will a gap year and foundation year be enough for me? i got GCSE grade C like Kronik

Reply 12

Matty919

Original post by cloudracer

what areas of maths does CS use and will a gap year and foundation year be enough for me? i got GCSE grade C like Kronik

The truth is that a C in Maths at GCSE means you will definitely struggle with CS. You would have to practice your maths quite a bit. The maths is mainly discrete mathematics (google it).