The Student Room Group

A level options (For Compsci)

I am currently a student in yr11 and soon I will be needing to pick my A-level options. I want to pursue a degree in computer science but which A-levels should i take? I am definitely taking maths/physics. However I am stuck between chemistry and computer science.

I want to aim for a Russel Group, where they value the more ‘academic’ subjects such as chemistry. However at the same time, jobs in computer science and programming hire the more skilled individuals; is it better to do computer science at A-level instead? So I can get a head start for university.
Original post by fallxcy
I am currently a student in yr11 and soon I will be needing to pick my A-level options. I want to pursue a degree in computer science but which A-levels should i take? I am definitely taking maths/physics. However I am stuck between chemistry and computer science.

I want to aim for a Russel Group, where they value the more ‘academic’ subjects such as chemistry. However at the same time, jobs in computer science and programming hire the more skilled individuals; is it better to do computer science at A-level instead? So I can get a head start for university.

Computer science is considered academic. In fact, unis like Nottingham (Russell Group) don't necessarily require A Level Maths, but consider Physics or Computer Science as suitable substitutes for Maths.

Maths + any 2 other subjects would pretty much open you to any computer science degree in the country. If you only had physics or computer science + 2 other subjects, you can do about 1/2 - 1/3 of the unis that offer computer science out there.
If you have all 3, you won't have issues with subject requirements for any computer science degree.
(edited 1 year ago)
Many of the ‘higher ranking’ Russel group unis would prefer you have maths and Further maths. However if you’re weaker in maths or dislike it don’t take it. Computer science is still academic, Chemistry would open you up for more pathways in case you decided not to do computing. But overall your third can be whatever you want which you’ll enjoy and fo well in
Yep I agree, definitely FM, Maths and Physics are valuable to top unis. Computer Science if you feel like it as a fourth but not really necessary - maths is more important to them at this stage
I'm taking Maths, Computer Science, and Film Studies and I have offers from Russel Group universities.

If I wanted to apply to Oxbridge I wouldn't be taking Film Studies and would've picked a more respected subject. You'll be fine either way.
Original post by fallxcy
I am currently a student in yr11 and soon I will be needing to pick my A-level options. I want to pursue a degree in computer science but which A-levels should i take? I am definitely taking maths/physics. However I am stuck between chemistry and computer science.

I want to aim for a Russel Group, where they value the more ‘academic’ subjects such as chemistry. However at the same time, jobs in computer science and programming hire the more skilled individuals; is it better to do computer science at A-level instead? So I can get a head start for university.

Hi!

For a lot of universities a maths A-level is really the main requirement. However, if you want to make your application more competitive for those top top universities further maths is a great additional although it is extremely hard - I personally didn't take it as trying to get through the maths A-level was enough stress for me. I'd recommend taking computer science if you have space for it as it fun and a good break from other A-levels and it also gives you a little head start when you get to university.

You can definitely do a Computer Science degree without taking A-level comp sci however I found it really made first year a lot easier for me as we were covering topics that I already knew some things about.

If your still feeling a little unsure I'd recommend just searching up universities and see what they're requirements are. As some people have said above, some unis do require comp sci (or give you lower grades needed from other subjects if you have comp sci - which is very nice) so if you have some universities in mind that you like the look of already it'd be good to check that you'll have the option of applying there.

Good luck with your A-levels! I'm sure it'll all go great 🙂

- Jessica
2nd year, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
Reply 6
Original post by fallxcy
I am currently a student in yr11 and soon I will be needing to pick my A-level options. I want to pursue a degree in computer science but which A-levels should i take? I am definitely taking maths/physics. However I am stuck between chemistry and computer science.

I want to aim for a Russel Group, where they value the more ‘academic’ subjects such as chemistry. However at the same time, jobs in computer science and programming hire the more skilled individuals; is it better to do computer science at A-level instead? So I can get a head start for university.

Is your end goal academia or the world of work? If the former, then stay academic. If the later, then it is skills and knowledge that count, not the ability to write a thesis with correct referencing. There is a general obsession with Russel Group universities amongst young people especially those going into tech. They think that prestige is a benefit when applying for jobs but the truth is completely different. Employers don't care where you went, they only care about what you can do and what you know. You are selling your skills, knowledge and time in return for a salary. If a Russel Group uni doesn't deliver that (many don't) then you are effectively unemployable. So focus on skills.

And just for reference the Russel Group was founded when an arbitrary group of university VCs happened to meet up in a bar in Russel Square in London. Ever since, their respective marketing departments have been successfully hoodwinking under grads into thinking that Russel Group means something.
Reply 7
Original post by Heriot-Watt Uni
Hi!
For a lot of universities a maths A-level is really the main requirement. However, if you want to make your application more competitive for those top top universities further maths is a great additional although it is extremely hard - I personally didn't take it as trying to get through the maths A-level was enough stress for me. I'd recommend taking computer science if you have space for it as it fun and a good break from other A-levels and it also gives you a little head start when you get to university.
You can definitely do a Computer Science degree without taking A-level comp sci however I found it really made first year a lot easier for me as we were covering topics that I already knew some things about.
If your still feeling a little unsure I'd recommend just searching up universities and see what they're requirements are. As some people have said above, some unis do require comp sci (or give you lower grades needed from other subjects if you have comp sci - which is very nice) so if you have some universities in mind that you like the look of already it'd be good to check that you'll have the option of applying there.
Good luck with your A-levels! I'm sure it'll all go great 🙂
- Jessica
2nd year, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

I know this was written almost a year ago but my dream career is to be an artificial intelligence engineer. How do i go about it? What course exactly do i take in university? I am in year 11 currently and i am planning on taking maths, physics and computer science. Are these good choices?
Original post by Xiu1234.
I know this was written almost a year ago but my dream career is to be an artificial intelligence engineer. How do i go about it? What course exactly do i take in university? I am in year 11 currently and i am planning on taking maths, physics and computer science. Are these good choices?


Sound fine to me. You've got the core requirement of maths - physics and cs are bonuses. If you want to be able to apply to all UK universities, including Oxbridge, then it would be advised to take further maths as well. If you value your sanity are not planning for Oxbridge etc, then no need for it.
Original post by Xiu1234.
I know this was written almost a year ago but my dream career is to be an artificial intelligence engineer. How do i go about it? What course exactly do i take in university? I am in year 11 currently and i am planning on taking maths, physics and computer science. Are these good choices?

That’s what I took and I already have got 2 offers from unis (I’m applying to standard cs but I might change in yr 2 as the year 1 content is standard or mb I’ll do a masters or smthn after, not sure yet)

Do you know what exam boards you have?
Original post by DRGN3455
That’s what I took and I already have got 2 offers from unis (I’m applying to standard cs but I might change in yr 2 as the year 1 content is standard or mb I’ll do a masters or smthn after, not sure yet)
Do you know what exam boards you have?

I use OCR for computer science, AQA for physics and Edexcel for maths.
Original post by fallxcy
I am currently a student in yr11 and soon I will be needing to pick my A-level options. I want to pursue a degree in computer science but which A-levels should i take? I am definitely taking maths/physics. However I am stuck between chemistry and computer science.
I want to aim for a Russel Group, where they value the more ‘academic’ subjects such as chemistry. However at the same time, jobs in computer science and programming hire the more skilled individuals; is it better to do computer science at A-level instead? So I can get a head start for university.


From my experience I would take alevel computer science. I am currently taking it and it can be very beneficial to giving a basis on what the subject is like
Original post by Xiu1234.
I use OCR for computer science, AQA for physics and Edexcel for maths.

OCR computer science is basically the best one

Idk about AQA physics and Edexcel maths
It’s probably fine

The project for AQA CS is unfairly marked 99% of the time as there’s limits placed. E.G you do bad for one criteria it limits all your marks for all the other criteria

Also AQA exams aren’t great asw, I forgot what about them

my teacher never got a single A* with AQA but has had tones with OCR, she was teaching AQA longer than OCR, they only switched a few years ago to OCR

Physics maths and CS is often called the holy trinity for computer science at uni btw, partly why I took them


You should be fine with whatever you choose, so don’t stress too much if you don’t pick the same.
(Just remember Maths is virtually essential)
GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING
Original post by Xiu1234.
I know this was written almost a year ago but my dream career is to be an artificial intelligence engineer. How do i go about it? What course exactly do i take in university? I am in year 11 currently and i am planning on taking maths, physics and computer science. Are these good choices?

To be an AI engineer, you really should be doing further maths. This lets you take linear algebra modules more easily at university, which are key to understanding AI and ML. It's trickier if you don't already have FM. I'd say if you can take 4 (the ones you've chosen + FM), otherwise if you're focused on AI then drop CS A level imho unless you'd like to do the NEA project, then drop physics.
Original post by Jam.123
To be an AI engineer, you really should be doing further maths. This lets you take linear algebra modules more easily at university, which are key to understanding AI and ML. It's trickier if you don't already have FM. I'd say if you can take 4 (the ones you've chosen + FM), otherwise if you're focused on AI then drop CS A level imho unless you'd like to do the NEA project, then drop physics.

Thamks for the reply. My mock grades and predicted grades in maths are currently at a 7. And in most sixth forms i know of, you need at least an 8. If i do have to do further maths I suppose I have a bit of work to do in raising my maths grade. I really wish to do computer science A levels though. So if i'm advised that 4 A levels will be a lot I could just take maths, further maths and computer science. As my predicted grade for computer science is 8 while for physics its a 6. Thanks so much for the reply!!!
I am considering further maths too since someone mentioned them. A lot of people actually. And someone replied further maths is really useful for AI and ML. Thanks for replying!! Definitely glad i'm doing OCR.
Original post by mesub
Sound fine to me. You've got the core requirement of maths - physics and cs are bonuses. If you want to be able to apply to all UK universities, including Oxbridge, then it would be advised to take further maths as well. If you value your sanity are not planning for Oxbridge etc, then no need for it.

I am now considering further maths. As more amd more people tell me its really important for AI. I suppose it all depends on results day. But thanks so much for the advise.

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