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Best A-Levels for Games Developer/Programmer

I want to get a job in Games Development or Programming and I'm struggling to choose my A-Levels for it. At the moment, I'm doing a Diploma in Scripting and Programming, alongside Maths and Further Maths. However, my school offers a Diploma in Games Design which covers games development and coding and I really want to do that. Should I drop the Maths and Further Maths and take the Games Design and Scripting and Programming? Or should I drop the Further Maths and Scripting and Programming and do Maths and a Triple Diploma in Games Design (We get the choice of taking Games Design as a double or triple)? As it is the Scripting and Programming already has a Mathematics unit during Year 13 which focuses specifically on the maths that is mainly used in programming.
It all depends on what you want to do in future.
I would advise you to keep maths and further maths as it opens up a lot of different paths to your future. It really depends on your interests but for competitive university computing courses, they tend to look for maths and further maths.
Original post by Katy Kim
It really depends on your interests but for competitive university computing courses, they tend to look for maths and further maths.


As it stands, I have no interest in going to university straight away, rather I would like to go into a job after 6th form
Original post by Cameron-Stuart
As it stands, I have no interest in going to university straight away, rather I would like to go into a job after 6th form


Oh sorry. Then I think it's better to take a diploma in Game design cuz it seems more useful when you do an actual job in that area. I'm taking A level further maths but only some of them (like Decision module) relates to computer science which comes useless later on..?

If you have a firm idea that you want to work in game design sector, I would advise you to only take maths A level and combination of diplomas you want
Original post by Cameron-Stuart
I want to get a job in Games Development or Programming and I'm struggling to choose my A-Levels for it. At the moment, I'm doing a Diploma in Scripting and Programming, alongside Maths and Further Maths. However, my school offers a Diploma in Games Design which covers games development and coding and I really want to do that. Should I drop the Maths and Further Maths and take the Games Design and Scripting and Programming? Or should I drop the Further Maths and Scripting and Programming and do Maths and a Triple Diploma in Games Design (We get the choice of taking Games Design as a double or triple)? As it is the Scripting and Programming already has a Mathematics unit during Year 13 which focuses specifically on the maths that is mainly used in programming.


If you want to go to Uni, it's essential you do Maths and 2 other A Levels, or well-regarded equivalents if you're not aiming for the top unis that require 3 A Levels. Otherwise, A Level Maths and Further Maths are never bad choices, especially the former, and A Level Computing/Computer Science would complement that greatly.

If you don't fancy going uni, I'd say whatever you do, keep A Level Maths. Further Maths is great but not as important - though, I'd do Decision 1 and 2 if you're not already.
Original post by Cameron-Stuart
I want to get a job in Games Development or Programming and I'm struggling to choose my A-Levels for it.


Computing and Mathematics at A-level.

For university admissions, I much prefer seeing an Extended Project Qualification tailored around making a game. This also keeps your options open should you seek to obtain a more general university degree in the future.

Original post by Cameron-Stuart
As it stands, I have no interest in going to university straight away, rather I would like to go into a job after 6th form


If you are not planning to go to university, then you could be in a much stronger position to get a relevant programming job with a Technical Baccalaureate. This is a Level 3 qualification which is based on a mix of A-level Mathematics, a City & Guilds Technical Qualification, an Extended Project Qualification, and an apprenticeship. Relevant work experience is really key because so many important skills including teamwork and version control in the software development context aren't adequately addressed in the school environment.

Should you wish to obtain a degree in the future, the UK government is pushing for degree-level apprenticeships, so that door isn't necessarily closed either.

Original post by Katy Kim
I think it's better to take a diploma in game design cuz it seems more useful


There is considerable variance in the quality of design courses. So much so, that the name of the qualification can be very misleading. Pay careful attention to the curriculum. Avoid those courses that leave you a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. Employers want specialists, not generalists. With programmers in particular, they look for exemplary communication, problem solving, and computing skills---all, of which, take considerable time and attention to develop. A few modules in programming is nowhere near enough. Those courses offering the opportunity to develop a broader range of skills can be great for aspiring indie developers, but only if they combine these practical skills with teaching business and entrepreneurial skills.

With Regards,
Michael
Original post by Cameron-Stuart
I want to get a job in Games Development or Programming and I'm struggling to choose my A-Levels for it. At the moment, I'm doing a Diploma in Scripting and Programming, alongside Maths and Further Maths. However, my school offers a Diploma in Games Design which covers games development and coding and I really want to do that. Should I drop the Maths and Further Maths and take the Games Design and Scripting and Programming? Or should I drop the Further Maths and Scripting and Programming and do Maths and a Triple Diploma in Games Design (We get the choice of taking Games Design as a double or triple)? As it is the Scripting and Programming already has a Mathematics unit during Year 13 which focuses specifically on the maths that is mainly used in programming.

Stick with the math. The math will carry you through any technology and game related field, it's more sought after than design. It depends what you want but you said you want to be a programmer (my degree) so i say go with the math priority. Good luck.

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