What A-levels are necessary to do CyberSecurity/Computer Forensics at University?

I'm in Year 11 right now and I'm really interested in doing CyberSecurity/Computer Forensics at Uni. I haven't done my GCSE's yet, but I have my mocks coming up in less than a month, and I'm in the middle of applying for the Sixth Form at my school. I just wanted to know what to do for A-levels. Right now, I was thinking of doing Computer Science for my first subject, Maths 2nd, Business Studies 3rd and Digital Media 4th. Are these good subjects for getting into CyberSecurity/Computer Forensics? If not Digital Media I was thinking of maybe taking Electronics for my 4th Subject. Thank you.

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

Killerpenguin15

Your choices sound like a good mix for CyberSec/Computer Forensics. A level Maths and Computing would be a big plus, but by no means necessary as they'll teach you most of the necessary content in your first year. I would say replace media studies with Electronics if you feel you must do a fourth A level. Most universities typically require applicants to have 3 A levels unless you're applying to Oxbridge/Imperial. So don't put unnecessary stress on yourself by taking a fourth A level.

Doing A levels you know you'll do well in would be much more beneficial than forcing yourself to take subjects which you may not like. Therefore make choices based on the subjects you enjoy.

Reply 2

Beast_of_Wakanda

Thank you so much.
I was really starting to stress about what A-levels I should take, but this really helped. Thank you again.

Original post by Killerpenguin15

Reply 3

Doones

Original post by Killerpenguin15

Most universities typically require applicants to have 3 A levels unless you're applying to Oxbridge/Imperial. .

They also only require 3 A-levels :wink:

The only time anyone should *consider* doing 4 is if two of them are Maths & Further Maths, and even then Maths & FM plus one other is almost always absolutely fine.

Reply 4

Beast_of_Wakanda

Thank you very much, I'm not the best at Maths so I think I'll avoid Further Maths

Original post by Doonesbury

They also only require 3 A-levels :wink:

The only time anyone should *consider* doing 4 is if two of them are Maths & Further Maths, and even then Maths & FM plus one other is almost always absolutely fine.

Reply 5

Doones

Original post by Beast_of_Wakanda

Thank you very much, I'm not the best at Maths so I think I'll avoid Further Maths

CompSci and Maths are excellent for your intended course and career. If you enjoy electronics I think that would be an good 3rd subject - although it's not commonly taught - so if it's available at your school go for it.

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 6

Beast_of_Wakanda

So I should drop business for electronics?

Original post by Doonesbury

Reply 7

Doones

Original post by Beast_of_Wakanda

So I should drop business for electronics?

Do whichever you think you will enjoy the most and get the best grade in.

Reply 8

Beast_of_Wakanda

OK, I think I'll take business over Electronics, but I've put Electronics as a 4th 'spare' subject anyway.
Thank you very much for your time and your help.

Original post by Doonesbury

Do whichever you think you will enjoy the most and get the best grade in.

Reply 9

Doones

Original post by Beast_of_Wakanda

OK, I think I'll take business over Electronics, but I've put Electronics as a 4th 'spare' subject anyway.
Thank you very much for your time and your help.

I'd suggest doing an EPQ in preference to a "spare" 4th AS.

Reply 10

Killerpenguin15

Original post by Doonesbury

They also only require 3 A-levels :wink:

The only time anyone should *consider* doing 4 is if two of them are Maths & Further Maths, and even then Maths & FM plus one other is almost always absolutely fine.

Thought as such.

Original post by Doonesbury

I'd suggest doing an EPQ in preference to a "spare" 4th AS.

This. I done an EPQ in year 12 and not only did it help massively with university applications, it sets students up really well for the kinds of work assigned to you at university also.

Reply 11

Beast_of_Wakanda

How do I do an EPQ? What courses count as one?
Thank you

Reply 12

Doones

Original post by Beast_of_Wakanda

How do I do an EPQ? What courses count as one?
Thank you

It's not a course it's an extended project. Eg you could write an essay (also known as a dissertation) about a topic related to cyber security.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_Project_Qualification

Reply 13

Beast_of_Wakanda

Ah, I see. I was planning on doing one anyway; I thought it was mandatory. Thank you very much.

Reply 14

Doones

Original post by Beast_of_Wakanda

Ah, I see. I was planning on doing one anyway; I thought it was mandatory. Thank you very much.

Definitely don't do 4 subjects PLUS an EPQ. :nope:

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 15

Beast_of_Wakanda

An EPQ can just be a dissertation, right? I wasn't really planning of doing 4 subjects, but does that mean I would have to do one for each 4 subjects?

Reply 16

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper

Id check the unis websites to make see if theres any specific subjects they require.

Reply 17

Beast_of_Wakanda

I've checked pretty much all the Uni's in my area and none of them say what specific A-levels to do. They all say something like "ABB/BBC"

Reply 18

yt7777

Original post by Beast_of_Wakanda

I've checked pretty much all the Uni's in my area and none of them say what specific A-levels to do. They all say something like "ABB/BBC"

Check out the 2 Cyber Security degrees that have been certified by GCHQ/NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre a part of GCHQ)

Royal Holloway, University of London - BSc Computer Science (Information Security) - AAB-ABB with (one of) Computer Science, Maths or Physics A level required
University of Warwick - BSc Cyber Security - AAB with STEM subjects preferred