Science and Engineering careers advice

Having recently decided that a field within Computer Science is a career I'd like to pursue, I started looking at potential universities and - though I was aware of this before I looked - majority of them require Maths.

And although I'm currently taking Maths (alongside Computer Science, Geography and Chemistry, all at AS Level), I'm going to be dropping it this year. I did once enjoy Maths but it's proving to be hard for me right now, and I'm worried this will jeopardize my chances of going to a good university and mean that I won't meet the requirements despite taking Computer Science A Level.

All in all, I have hopes of going to a Russell Group University and my predicted grades are AAA for all of my subjects bar Maths - will this mean that even if I achieve high grades, I won't be able to go to these universities without 'essential' Maths? And are there any universities that don't require Maths which anyone would recommend for Computer Science?

I also just finished reading an article about high unemployment rates among Computer Science graduates... Is this true? And who else here would like a career in CS?

Thanks in advance!

Hi

There is a reason why universities require maths A level for a computer science degree, if you are finding maths difficult now you may wish to consider whether this is the best option for you as you may struggle at university. I suggest you speak to one of your teachers who may have a better understanding of the areas of maths that you find most challenging and could offer extra support. For example to study computer science at Bath University you require an A in your A level maths, however Birmingham requires either computing or maths A level. I recommend that you search through the courses on UCAS as you will find all the information you need.

Regarding computer science graduates, at the science and technology facilities council we always have vacancies for graduate computer scientists and we do not always have the quality of applicants that we require so with a good degree and the right aptitude a computer science graduate will do well.

Reply 21

JennyB98

Hi,
I will be starting a Physics degree in September and I was wondering what sort of opportunities there are for placements/ summer placements in Physics. I have done some research but many placements in big companies are specifically looking for engineering students and not physics students. I also attended a Headstart course last summer where I visited Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. Do places such as this offer placements to 1st year physics students (or during the summer before starting a degree).
Many thanks
Jenny

Reply 22

Grace Thompson

Official Rep

Original post by ravioliyears

I'm considering applying to do Natural Sciences at uni, but before I make that decision, I'm worried about the fact that I won't be able to find a good job after getting my degree. Does anybody know what job prospects there are after graduating with an BSc in Natural Sciences?
My dad is discouraging me from applying to do it because he thinks it would only lead me into teaching - and I would like to prove him wrong!
Thanks for any help x

Hi

I was recently at a graduation ceremony for nat sci graduates from Bath and the chancellor told the graduates that they were some of the brightest and most sought after graduates in the UK. Natural Sciences is seen by employers as very desirable as you will study 2-3 sciences, and maths and it is not an easy option.

I know Natural science graduates who are now working as a business analyst at Centrica, regulatory affairs specialist at a pharmaceutical company, cancer research UK, Barclays as a business analyst, medical communications and a higher number than average go on to study for their PhD's.

If you look at the Nottingham university web site you will see career destinations for natural science graduates.

Its a great degree with fantastic prospects.

Good luck

Reply 23

Grace Thompson

Official Rep

Original post by JennyB98

Hi,
I will be starting a Physics degree in September and I was wondering what sort of opportunities there are for placements/ summer placements in Physics. I have done some research but many placements in big companies are specifically looking for engineering students and not physics students. I also attended a Headstart course last summer where I visited Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. Do places such as this offer placements to 1st year physics students (or during the summer before starting a degree).
Many thanks
Jenny

Hi Jenny

Daresbury is part of the Science and Technology Research Council, we offer approx 50 summer placements at both Daresbury and Harwell and many of them are for physics undergraduates. Our vacation student campaign will go live in the next couple of weeks, last year we had 987 applicants so it is very competitive but very worthwile and a really exciting place to spend your summer. Look on www.stfc.ac.uk/careers and follow the link to vacation students.

Good luck and maybe we will see you next summer.

Grace

Reply 24

Grace Thompson

Official Rep

Original post by tirth268

Could I get some advice on how the computer science course is at A-levels because I would really like to do this course at A-Level but I'm not sure if it would be the right course for me unless the advice helps me I could change my mind

Hi

It is very hard for me to advise you on what course to study. Think about what you would like to pursue after you finish your A levels. The UCAS web site has lots of really useful information about university courses and their entrance requirements. Talk to your teachers and your family and do the subjects that interest you and that will give you the best grades.

Good luck

Reply 25

Sarah SFE

2

Thanks for joining us and thanks to Grace for some great advice. There's still time to ask us your questions. We have live webchats all afternoon and surgeries open all weekend. You should also visit Student Finance England's student finance zone for information, advice and guidance.

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