(URGENT) computer science vs electronics for RAF

If you find Computer Science very easy you're not doing the right kind of Computer Science.

Why would they limit it to CE? I'm also taking triple science and additional mathematics if that helps

Do your degree then go for a commission? I'm applying for computer science and was still thinking of joining the Signal or Intelligence Corps (Army) when I graduate.

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm saying that I've been told that I'm good at it. Do you think that would be better or electronics?

I'm not sure about what the RAF looks for but might mechanical engineering be another good option?

Hi, Im not sure about whether or not I should change to electronics from computer science. I've wanted to either be a pilot or engineer office in the RAF since I was 4.

I find computer science kind of boring (even though I'm very good at it) it's just I'd like to do something a bit more practical. Please let me know your opinions ASAP

thanks

Electronics will give you a great grounding. Computer science is becoming more relevant for the data fusion and situational awareness intelligence elements but is more likely to get you into a ground based role.

(I work for a global aerospace company as a Principle Engineer on missile systems design and development).

As far as being a pilot goes. Will computing or electronics help more?

Yeah, my school does that at a college, but its more "dim" pupils that do it. I might do it when I go to college in a couple years at a higher level. do you know if I have to go to uni for being a pilot or not? and Im guessing that you HAVE to to be an engineer. also if I choose to go for engineering, I might try and get a sponsorship for welbeck defence. (or just pay as a private student)

OK, thanks everyone for your help. I'll speak to someone about changing tomorrow

You would be best advised to study courses that would give you a good range of choice at A-level and then university.

My recommendation would be to aim for these A-levels:

AS Compulsory subjects:

Mathematics
Physics

Plus two others from:

Further Mathematics
Chemistry
Geography
English Literature
History
Modern Foreign Language

Then at A2 level

You will need 3 good demanding and rigorous subjects to get into the best engineering universities but must include:

Physics, Mathematics, plus 1 other subject from the previous list.

You should aim for AAB at least (preferably higher).

With these A-Levels under your belt, you will have the full choice of engineering degrees including mechanical, electronics, aeronautical, electrical and computer science open to you from the best regarded universities in the UK.

Theoretically, you could get onto a Pilot Officers Training programme with just A-levels.
However, competition is intense and fierce, so be warned.

Becoming a fast-jet pilot (or any RAF pilot) is a long road and at each selection stage, most will fall by the wayside. Your aptitude, mental attitude, health and fitness, agility, ability to handle extreme mental pressure under stress, how you handle success and disappointment etc. will play an equally (if not greater) part of getting you through each stage of the selection process and most tests are the kind you cannot prepare for in advance.

Which is why many choose the university route, as the engineering degree qualification gives a fall-back solution in the event that you do not get selected for Pilot Officer training.

Joining up would offer you bursaries and expenses which would normally come out of your student loans. Do check with the RAF careers website before going down this path though. It's a tad more committed than simply filling out a UCAS application!

If it's your dream, do everything you can to enable your career, but prepare yourself for some disappointment too because a dream is one thing and the reality is quite something else.

Good luck and best wishes.

You would be best advised to study courses that would give you the widest range of engineering and science related subjects at university.

My recommendation would be to aim for these A-levels:

AS Compulsory subjects:

Mathematics
Physics

Plus two others from:

Further Mathematics
Chemistry
Geography
English Literature
History
Modern Foreign Language

Then at A2 level

You will need 3 good demanding and rigorous subjects to get into the best engineering universities but must include:

Physics, Mathematics, plus 1 other subject from the previous list.

You should aim for AAB at least (preferably higher).

With these A-Levels under your belt, you will have the full choice of engineering and science degrees including physics, mechanical, electronics, aeronautical, electrical and computer science open to you from the best regarded universities in the UK.

Theoretically, you could get onto a Pilot Officers Training programme with just A-levels.
However, competition is intense and fierce, so be warned.

Becoming a fast-jet pilot (or any RAF pilot) is a long road and at each selection stage, most will fall by the wayside. Your aptitude, mental attitude, health and fitness, agility, ability to handle extreme mental pressure under stress, how you handle success and disappointment etc. will play an equally (if not greater) part of getting you through each stage of the selection process and most tests are the kind you cannot prepare for in advance.

Which is why many choose the university route, as the engineering degree qualification gives a fall-back solution in the event that you do not get selected for Pilot Officer training.

Joining up would offer you bursaries and expenses which would normally come out of your student loans. Do check with the RAF careers website before going down this path though. It's a tad more committed than simply filling out a UCAS application!

If it's your dream, do everything you can to enable your career, but prepare yourself for some disappointment too because a dream is one thing and the reality is quite something else.

Good luck and best wishes.

Sound advice.

Just stop saying 'Pilot Officer', it's just 'Pilot'
They're all officers so there's in need to add that in!