A level choices help

Hi I have opted to study Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama and Theatre Studies (specialising in lighting, sound and set design rather than acting) and Mathematics at A Level from September.

Are these good choices for me to go to one of the top universities (russel group etc.) to study Computer Science?

Thanks!

Reply 1

Lit34

Original post by joshualh

I would say so, as long as you get good grades and meet the entry requirements i dont see why not. Also maths and chemistry are good as they are facilitating subjects. good luck :smile:

Reply 2

34908seikj

Why computer science without maths? You will need maths to do aSTEM subject like comsci. Figure out what you want to do; arts or science. Drama and theatre studies are useless if you want to go into STEM chemistry and computer science aren't very helpful if you want to do drama.

I would suggest you drop drama and theatre studies and pick up biology and maths.
E: instead of maths maybe physics or FM?

Edit I miss read you are doing maths, but my advice still applies I guess.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 3

ExoIceCream99

I would look up a Russell Group University you're interested in and look. And Russell Groups are usually better but not always. It depends what you're studying. When you come to looking around universities look at the ones that suit you, not just Russel Group ones.

Reply 4

username2088165

I don't intend to sound harsh in any way! However I would suggest swapping Drama and theatre studies for Physics or Further Maths. Drama is irrelevant for Computer Science and is seen as 'soft' by top universities :smile:

Reply 5

ExoIceCream99

Further maths is hard though. I've been told only take it if you really love maths.

Reply 6

Lit34

Original post by ExoIceCream99

Further maths is hard though. I've been told only take it if you really love maths.

Yeah, exactly. Either way, i think you should definitely choose subjects you enjoy, it makes things a whole lot easier.

Reply 7

computationchive

Hi, I've applied for computer science (in September). The general entry requirement for most RG universities is an A in maths. Top universities (oxbridge, imperial etc) will really want you to have further maths and do physics or something really STEM orientated.

Reply 8

joshualh

Thanks for the advice. However, despite me doing triple science GCSE, my physics is very poor and I would definitely struggle at A level! And further maths, I wouldn't enjoy and would struggle with. I admit both subjects would probably be better to get into university for my course, I wouldn't be able to achieve well in them.

I understand universities ask for 3 a levels though, so would the combination of computer science, maths and chemistry suffice the entry criteria and drama and theatre studies act as an extra? I've read the list of subjects on the trinity college Cambridge website an I know maths and chemistry are both in A1 and that computer science and drama are both in list B. Am I right in saying that usually a combination of 2 list A subjects and a list B subject is usually acceptable? I'm aware that you try to stay clear from list C though (unless you just do it as an extra or 4th).

The drama is supposed to be a more enjoyable 4th option for myself, whilst also developing technical skills in sound and lighting (which I currently do as an extra curricular and thoroughly enjoy) which could compliment my computer science (there's a lot of binary, physics theory with sound also applies). Then there's an element of English literature which I enjoyed at GCSE when it comes to analysing plays and live theatre in the exam.

Thanks!

Reply 9

joshualh

I've also just looked at University of Birmingham and University of Warwick (both close to me) and the typical offer is 3 a levels, AAA, including A level maths. Birmingham prefer having Computer Science as well at A level.

Reply 10

computationchive

Original post by joshualh

Hi,

If you are hoping to go to a Russell Group university the subject choice you have suggested should be completely acceptable (computer science, maths and chemistry) with drama for enjoyment - given good enough grades.

However, if you are really hoping to go to oxbridge/imperial your application will be considered 'less competitive' without further maths (unless your college does not offer the course). Yes, having a good chemistry and CS grade will help but it seems for oxbridge/imperial they really value that FM. If you apply without FM they will likely want you to do the STEP exam and I think Cambridge have a compulsory exam for CS admission.

I was in the same boat as you pondering about FM, knowing I probably wouldn't do great at it. In the end I went for Maths, Computer Science and Business studies. All of which enabled me to get an offer from a RS uni for CS. :smile:

Hope this helps :smile: