ICT A-level vs Computer Science A-level.

I wish to study Computer Science at university, however, my school does not offer Computer Science at A-levels (which is quite frustrating as they offer GCSE Computer Science).

I was wondering that if I studied ICT A-levels, would that disqualify my application for taking on a Computer Science degree later on?

And of course, I understand that Computer Science is the better choice, but I'd also like to know if ICT is still a viable A-level.

Depends on what your other choices are

Computer science degrees ask for maths and usually recommend physics rather than computer science as it is not widely offered. Doing ICT wouldn't disqualify you from doing a degree but it probably wouldn't add anything to your application. Have you considered doing physics instead? How strong is your maths? If you're on track for an 8 or 9, further maths may be helpful.

Depends how high you are aiming in terms of unis.
Almost all of the 'best' unis will want further maths. Surrey doesn't, though, and Surrey is a pretty good university. Take a look around at entry requirements.

I have previously thought about taking physics, but I quite enjoy graphics and history and would like to take one of these further on at A-levels.
As for maths, I have the grade required and enjoy studying it too. I don't think I would be able to handle further maths, however.

Now I am wondering that if I took Maths, ICT, and graphics/history, would this suffice?

Depends how high you are aiming in terms of unis.
Almost all of the 'best' unis will want further maths. Surrey doesn't, though, and Surrey is a pretty good university. Take a look around at entry requirements.

Depends how high you are aiming in terms of unis.
Almost all of the 'best' unis will want further maths. Surrey doesn't, though, and Surrey is a pretty good university. Take a look around at entry requirements.

From what I've gathered, and considering subjects that I'm interested in, Maths, History, and Graphics? And not ICT. At all.

There is no IT A-level anymore anyway.

Any "A-level" being offered by your school would be a BTEC, CamTech or equivalent.



Are you sure on studying computer science at university? (if so, I'd maybe swap one of those)

I have a strong passion for Computer Science and do extremely well compared to my other subjects, so yes. I am set on studying Computer Science.

Also, that means my school is passing off ICT as an A-level when it really isn't? I guess I'll have to look into other colleges. At least they cover the content from the ground up.

How do you find maths? If you're aiming for a "top" uni for computer science (saw that you were considering oxbridge in your post history), further maths will work quite nicely. (you'll find that some courses have more of a concentration on mathematics than others) Some will recommend physics like the above, but imo FM is a better choice for CS if you're tossing between the two. The only strong requirement for most computer science courses is a solid A-level in maths, though, and you plan on taking that, so don't fret.

Unfortunately, yes. I'm unsure about the situation if you happen to live in Wales. (I think WJEC might still be offering an IT A-level but their English branch, Eduqas does not)

Ah, thank you, that clears many of my doubts! I understand that FM is quite appealing to universities, but I honestly do not think I would be able to handle the subject, considering many, many other factors. Maths, however, I am comfortable with.

I've also spoken to someone who has studied Computer Science today and they had picked ICT, Maths, and Sociology.

I think I've settled on 3 subjects now. Thank you, everyone.

I wish to study Computer Science at university, however, my school does not offer Computer Science at A-levels (which is quite frustrating as they offer GCSE Computer Science).

I was wondering that if I studied ICT A-levels, would that disqualify my application for taking on a Computer Science degree later on?

And of course, I understand that Computer Science is the better choice, but I'd also like to know if ICT is still a viable A-level.