Not taking Physics for a level but want to pursue computer science degree

Hey everyone! I'm wondering if I might be hurting my chances of getting into a Russell Group university for a computer science degree if I go with economics instead of physics as my third A-level. I'm not really a fan of science in school, and I'm thinking of going with maths, computer science, and economics for my A-levels. Will this be a big deal? I like coding and have always been decent at maths. And i've already taught myself the OOP concepts in python and c#(c# wasn't relevant to the course but I thought it might be interesting). And alr have a small coding portfolio with like 3 projects(I plan on working on them more and adding more projects too)

Hey Mr Computer whizz Google it!I just did and no Maths and Computer Science will get you in most places.Look up your preferred unis and check but pretty standard.

Should be fine - not having further maths is much more likely to be an issue for the top universities.

Idk, these uni websites don't seem entirely transparent. For example imperial claims further maths a-level is not a requirement but when I dug deeper into forums they all were on the same page that it is almost a requirement. I couldn't find any forums about someone not taking physics and worrying about their cs applications so I thought it might help to ask on here.

Are you aiming for the likes of Imperial.You can always ring admissions and ask or go visit as open days are coming up.You really need to ask yourself can I get an A in Physics.I cannot see anyone insisting on Physics for Computer Science..

I know it will be a problem for universities like Imperial and oxbridge but will it be a problem for slightly lower rg universities like UCL and Edinburgh?

I don’t think that anyone is really clear on this, and even if they were it might change in two years. Cs degrees are hugely oversubscribed which makes predicting what the universities look for rather difficult.

Yes I am trying to think who we have who is an expert on CS.Edinburgh and Durham wanting as high or higher grades than Oxford .

Hey everyone! I'm wondering if I might be hurting my chances of getting into a Russell Group university for a computer science degree if I go with economics instead of physics as my third A-level. I'm not really a fan of science in school, and I'm thinking of going with maths, computer science, and economics for my A-levels. Will this be a big deal? I like coding and have always been decent at maths. And i've already taught myself the OOP concepts in python and c#(c# wasn't relevant to the course but I thought it might be interesting). And alr have a small coding portfolio with like 3 projects(I plan on working on them more and adding more projects too)

Ok @artful_lounger can you help please.I already know he says Physics does not matter.

Physics isn't preferred or required, it's just commonly taken because a lot of students who are good at maths are also good at physics and continue taking it as a result (and/or they are unsure what direction they want to go in, e.g. CS vs engineering, and take physics to keep their options open). You're fine without physics. The only university which used to prefer an experimental science was Cambridge due to the structure of the course, but they've changed that several years ago and this is no longer preferred or required (essentially the old course required students to take 1 or 2 papers from the first year NatSci course, that is no longer the case though).

Note that the primary requirement is strong background in maths. Previous experience with CS or coding is not normally required or expected - but strong preparation in maths is. Thus A-level Further Maths is very useful background, and for a few unis is practically required to be competitive as you've noted. For Oxbridge/Imperial and maybe UCL or Warwick, if your school offers FM you should realistically be aiming to take it (bearing in mind all schools in England can offer FM through the AMSP scheme!). It's probably also especially useful for similarly mathematical courses which don't necessarily expect it in the same way (e.g. Edinburgh, Bristol, Southampton), and generally useful regardless.



Thanks for the tag @Blue_Cow may be able to attest more directly for Edinburgh in particular as well!

I'd like to thank you so much for this detailed answer to my question - it has been extremely helpful! I am terribly sorry but I have a final question, will showing a lot of experience in CS and coding through an EPQ and coding portfolios give me any notable brownie points with CS unis or is it merely a waste of my time? It is something I naturally display interest in and if it gives me any edge over other applicants then it's something I'd like to pursue.

I'd like to thank you so much for this detailed answer to my question - it has been extremely helpful! I am terribly sorry but I have a final question, will showing a lot of experience in CS and coding through an EPQ and coding portfolios give me any notable brownie points with CS unis or is it merely a waste of my time? It is something I naturally display interest in and if it gives me any edge over other applicants then it's something I'd like to pursue.

If programming is your interest, don't go to Edinburgh. In fact, don't go to any of the 'RG' universities and attend a more vocational one like Heriot Watt.

If programming is your interest, don't go to Edinburgh. In fact, don't go to any of the 'RG' universities and attend a more vocational one like Heriot Watt.

Wait, apart from maths will they make me write loads of essays on theory as well??

It's not unusual to have to write reports up - not to mention the dissertation at the end of a degree...

Surely if I want to learn just programming I should simply go on an apprenticeships. I also wanted the prestige of the degree, maths skills and ability to network as it's a very competitive field and I wanted to stand out.