Subject choices

I am really overwhelmed I picked maths based subjects and I can't go back.i really like architecture and computing science but I feel like it's a boy thing because I am the only girl in my comp sci class... That is besides the point I need help what kind of subjects do I pick if want to study computing science and I also want to look like a well rounded student

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Tami-i

CS related subjects tend to be very STEM focused e.g. physics, maths, CS, FM. Unis typically don't look for well rounded students for their CS degrees. Those who do tend to be for degrees that are more essay based and are opened to any A Levels in any subject e.g. management, law.

If you want to become an architect, you typically need RIBA accredited degrees, and around 50/55 undergrad RIBA accredited degrees in the country accept A Levels in any subject.

If you want to do a degree in CS, then you will ideally have maths, and having CS is a bonus. Beyond maths, you can pick anything, but I doubt doing less focused subjects would affect your uni application at all (positively or negatively).

Reply 2

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Original post by Tami-i

Hey, Coventry University Student Ambassador here! 👋

Please don't be put off by any course because it has a higher male demographic, we need more girls in computer science! 📢

If you're stuck on what A-Levels to pick, for Computer Science, having a mathematical or technical background is all you need. For Architecture, there is no specific subject, but maths, science, or art subjects are good choices. These subjects keep your university options open since maths and sciences are typical STEM subject requirements.

I'm currently a Software Engineering BSc student, and it was one of the best choices I made. I took Computer Science for A-Levels (first time doing programming 😰), and I chose software engineering instead of computer science because the curriculum included more programming-based modules, data science, web and mobile development, and security. Our modules are shared with the computer science course, particularly in the first year. I would narrow computer science down to those interested more in the theoretical side of programming, but both courses are very similar.

I mention software engineering as another branch of computer science because many people are not aware of its similarities and may find it more interesting if they enjoy hands-on programming. I highly recommend looking at the curriculum for computer science courses to see if they interest you. Attend some open days to speak to lecturers, support staff, and ambassadors like us to help you decide if you definitely want to pursue computer science.

Please don't be disheartened by the male demographic. I am also one of the few girls in my class (including computer science classes), and it isn't as daunting as it may seem. I was lucky to join the Women in Engineering Society to meet up with girls in similar courses, and we are all supportive of one another.

The career prospects for computer science/software engineering students include software developer, web developer, mobile applications developer, IT specialist, network analyst, data scientist, and AI programmer. Our graduates have worked as tech grads at IBM, Red Hat, National Grid, Pfizer, and Motorola.
At Coventry University, our entry requirements are:
Computer Science BSc

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BSc (Hons): BBB to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing, or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies.

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MSci (Hons): ABB to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing, or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies.

Software Engineering BSc

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BBC to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing, or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies.

As you can see, the requirement is only one of the listed subjects. In the meantime, you can also choose a subject that meets the criteria for Architecture BSc, which at Coventry University is ABB in A-Level (no specific course). This can keep your options open, and you never know - maybe you would be interested in architecture instead after attending some open days.

In summary, check out the entry requirements for the computer science courses, attend some open days, and don't worry about choosing maths-based subjects, as that still hits the criteria for many subjects as well as the architecture course at Coventry University. I hope this helps, and feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions! 😊

Dorna | Coventry University Student Ambassador