Unsure whether to do Computer Science or IT at Uni

I am currently studying BTEC Level 3 IT national diploma in my 2nd year I wanted to do the extended diploma but I couldn’t change it, however the most UCAS points I think I can get is around 80 which is only a DM,

I think this hinders my choices and I’m unsure which course would be better for me at uni comp sci or IT as I got three offers Middlesex for IT , uni of west London for comp sci and uni of Hertfordshire for computing technologies foundation degree but I am also retaking maths and I need to get more experience with programming.

Any suggestions?

Reply 1

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by a1_hsn01

I am currently studying BTEC Level 3 IT national diploma in my 2nd year I wanted to do the extended diploma but I couldn’t change it, however the most UCAS points I think I can get is around 80 which is only a DM,
I think this hinders my choices and I’m unsure which course would be better for me at uni comp sci or IT as I got three offers Middlesex for IT , uni of west London for comp sci and uni of Hertfordshire for computing technologies foundation degree but I am also retaking maths and I need to get more experience with programming.
Any suggestions?

Hey,

It's great that you have offers from multiple universities! Deciding between Computer Science (CS) and IT can be tricky, but it really comes down to what interests you the most and your career goals.

Computer Science:

•

Typically focuses more on programming, algorithms, and theoretical aspects of computing.

•

Great if you enjoy coding and problem-solving.

•

Opens doors to careers in software development, AI, data science, and more.

IT:

•

More practical and hands-on, focusing on the application of technology in business environments.

•

Covers networking, systems administration, and IT support.

•

Ideal if you're interested in managing and implementing technology solutions in organisations.

Given your current BTEC Level 3 IT national diploma, retaking maths and gaining more programming experience, here are a few suggestions:

1. Consider Your Offers: Look into the specific content and modules of each course at the universities you’ve received offers from. Some CS courses might be very heavy on maths and theory, while others might offer more practical programming. Similarly, IT courses might have a focus that aligns well with your interests.

2. Foundation Year: Foundation years are designed to bridge gaps and prepare you for the full degree, which might be beneficial if you feel you need to strengthen your maths and programming skills.

3. Programming Experience: If you're leaning towards Computer Science but worried about your programming skills, you could start with online courses (like CS50 from Harvard, or courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube) to get more comfortable coding.

4. Consult Advisors: Don't hesitate to reach out to university admissions advisors. They can provide more details on the course content and help you understand which course might be a better fit based on your background and interests.

Remember, both fields offer great career opportunities, so choose the one that excites you the most and aligns with your strengths and interests. Good luck with your decision!

Best Regards,
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Articles for you

What to do if you’re worried about the cost of university

Try out the app

Continue on web