Should I do further maths (As level)?

5

I am nearing the end of y1 and I have an option to choose As further maths. I am planning to go to uni to study computer science with maths or computer science with finance. I currently do maths, chemistry and computer science (all Alevel). I thought doing an Aslevel might help me for my uni but I think I heard somewhere that top universities (not including oxbridge) don’t accept Aslevel. So is there any point doing it?

Reply 1

hotpud

18

Original post by Hash7701

I am nearing the end of y1 and I have an option to choose As further maths. I am planning to go to uni to study computer science with maths or computer science with finance. I currently do maths, chemistry and computer science (all Alevel). I thought doing an Aslevel might help me for my uni but I think I heard somewhere that top universities (not including oxbridge) don’t accept Aslevel. So is there any point doing it?

Its a nice to have but not essential. Some universities don't even require maths. I feel like a lot of undergrads get very hot under the collar about which subjects they should be taking when most employers are less concerned about subjects and more interested in employability skills like leadership, teamworking, self-organisation and management and communication skills. Many tech companies are now recruiting grads with pretty much any degree for tech roles and training them up, such is the uselessness of most degrees for the world of work.

Have you considered just doing a degree apprenticeship or similar at 18?

Reply 2

Hash7701

OP

5

Original post by hotpud

Its a nice to have but not essential. Some universities don't even require maths. I feel like a lot of undergrads get very hot under the collar about which subjects they should be taking when most employers are less concerned about subjects and more interested in employability skills like leadership, teamworking, self-organisation and management and communication skills. Many tech companies are now recruiting grads with pretty much any degree for tech roles and training them up, such is the uselessness of most degrees for the world of work.
Have you considered just doing a degree apprenticeship or similar at 18?

I feel like I have an old fashioned view but I would just prefer having a bachelors (preferably master) degrees and find a job after that. Don’t really like the idea of an apprenticeship .

Reply 3

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

18

Original post by Hash7701

I am nearing the end of y1 and I have an option to choose As further maths. I am planning to go to uni to study computer science with maths or computer science with finance. I currently do maths, chemistry and computer science (all Alevel). I thought doing an Aslevel might help me for my uni but I think I heard somewhere that top universities (not including oxbridge) don’t accept Aslevel. So is there any point doing it?

Hey, Coventry University Student Ambassador here! 👋

It's great to hear that you're interested in computer science! We have an excellent Computer Science BSc course that would be worthwhile to look into. Our entry requirements are:

•

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

•

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.

•

BTEC: BSc (Hons): DDM in IT or a technical subject.

As you can see, mathematics isn't a strict requirement, and I personally believe it's outdated to require mathematics, let alone further mathematics to get into a computer science course. Our curriculum introduces the necessary maths within the scope of computing and then focuses on teaching you core computation theory, programming and algorithms, networks, data science, operating systems, and more. Mathematics is only one aspect of computer science and I think what you've chosen so far is more than enough!

It would be useful to join us on our upcoming open days to get a feel for the course, chat with lecturers and ambassadors like myself to help narrow down your decision. Best of luck!

Dorna | Coventry University Student Ambassador

Reply 4

hotpud

18

Original post by Hash7701

I feel like I have an old fashioned view but I would just prefer having a bachelors (preferably master) degrees and find a job after that. Don’t really like the idea of an apprenticeship .

Fair enough. But believe me. It is a very expensive decision to take, especially if like many you get to the end of your degree, discover that actually you are destined to do something else and then discover that you can't get financing to get the training you actually need.

But hey - I remember being young too and I would almost certainly have made the same decisions you are making. It only took me 17 years of misery to discover what I actually wanted to do. Wish I had started earlier on my quest rather than jumping on the conveyor belt everyone expects you to travel along.

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 5

University of Surrey Student Rep

Official Rep

15

Original post by Hash7701

I am nearing the end of y1 and I have an option to choose As further maths. I am planning to go to uni to study computer science with maths or computer science with finance. I currently do maths, chemistry and computer science (all Alevel). I thought doing an Aslevel might help me for my uni but I think I heard somewhere that top universities (not including oxbridge) don’t accept Aslevel. So is there any point doing it?

Hi @Hash7701
There's no harm in taking the subject and seeing how you find it. For context, I also did the same A-levels as you and Further Maths. AS-level Further Maths is helpful for general knowledge but shouldn't matter much when applying to university. Some universities may emphasise that Further Maths is a recommended subject, much like Computer Science, albeit not required.

It's far more beneficial to focus on extracurricular activities such as clubs, work experience, part-time work, volunteering etc. You can then mention these in your CV and your personal statement when applying. Strong sets of results in Computer Science, Maths and Chemistry are already highly regarded by universities. You can top this up by mentioning the transferable soft skills you gain through your experiences.

To study Computer Science at Surrey, we require ABB with Mathematics taken as one of your A-levels. Here are some of the modules we cover in your first year:

- WEB AND DATABASE SYSTEMS

- FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING

- PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS

- COMPUTER LOGIC

- DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS

- OPERATING SYSTEMS

- FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING II

- SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

You can find out more about our Computer Science course here.

We also have some upcoming open days if you are interested. They're a great way to gain an insight into what it might be like to study Computer Science at Surrey. You can also find our YouTube open day video here.

I hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

All the best
Daniel
BSc Accounting and Finance
University of Surrey

Should I do further maths (As level)?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you