Good A level combinations for computer science A- level?

What pairs well with computer science A level, I was already considering maths bit now I'm not sure what else as I definitely do not want to anything like physics or economics I think it would be too difficult/ boring

Reply 1

mesub

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Yinbeemie

What pairs well with computer science A level, I was already considering maths bit now I'm not sure what else as I definitely do not want to anything like physics or economics I think it would be too difficult/ boring

Wat do you want to do in the future?

Also, have a look at Informed Choices.

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 2

Labradoodle1

19

If you're considering studying a CS degree definitely take a level maths.

Reply 3

Yinbeemie

OP

13

Original post by mesub

Wat do you want to do in the future?
Also, have a look at Informed Choices.

Something in tech I'm thinking software developer / engineer or data scientist

Reply 4

Yinbeemie

OP

13

Original post by Labradoodle1

If you're considering studying a CS degree definitely take a level maths.

But what else should I partner with it since I have to pick a minimum of 3

Reply 5

Labradoodle1

19

Original post by Yinbeemie

But what else should I partner with it since I have to pick a minimum of 3

Are you aiming for Imperial, Cambridge, or Oxford? If so it should be further maths. Otherwise, it could be a whole bunch of things. Are there any subjects you think you could be good at and find interesting?

Reply 6

CatiCollector

10

Original post by Yinbeemie

Something in tech I'm thinking software developer / engineer or data scientist

Maybe economics/business and maths? Although really for your degree or whatever you decide to do next, CS and maths would be way more important, so you could pick a fun subject as your third A Level.

Reply 7

CatiCollector

10

Original post by Labradoodle1

Are you aiming for Imperial, Cambridge, or Oxford? If so it should be further maths. Otherwise, it could be a whole bunch of things. Are there any subjects you think you could be good at and find interesting?

I disagree with this as I know many people go to these unis without further maths (not all sixth form/colleges provide it) and they’ve still done well. I know someone at UoB doing engineering and he couldn’t study further maths and has caught up fine :smile:

Reply 8

Labradoodle1

19

Original post by CatiCollector

I disagree with this as I know many people go to these unis without further maths (not all sixth form/colleges provide it) and they’ve still done well. I know someone at UoB doing engineering and he couldn’t study further maths and has caught up fine :smile:

UoB isn't one of those three universities though? Yes you are correct that further maths isn't a hard requirement even for those three universities, but the vast majority of applicants have it, and the very small minority who don't have it often have a valid 'excuse' such as it not being offered to them like you mentioned. I wouldn't see why you wouldn't take it if it was offered to you though - it would put you at a massive disadvantage at those unis because they go through that content really, really quickly and it's useful to know it beforehand (they strongly recommend it for a reason).

Reply 9

McGinger

20

CS and Maths make sense, plus a subject that interests you and you will enjoy studying.
The majority of Unis dont care about what other subject(s) you take outside any specific requirements, all they care about is the extra grade. Don't worry about what 'looks good', pick something that you actually want to study.

Reply 10

Yinbeemie

OP

13

Original post by Labradoodle1

Are you aiming for Imperial, Cambridge, or Oxford? If so it should be further maths. Otherwise, it could be a whole bunch of things. Are there any subjects you think you could be good at and find interesting?

I plan to do a degree apprenticeship...

Reply 11

Yinbeemie

OP

13

Original post by CatiCollector

Maybe economics/business and maths? Although really for your degree or whatever you decide to do next, CS and maths would be way more important, so you could pick a fun subject as your third A Level.

But I don't enjoy any other subject that I'm doing rn enough to do them for a level

Original post by Yinbeemie

What pairs well with computer science A level, I was already considering maths bit now I'm not sure what else as I definitely do not want to anything like physics or economics I think it would be too difficult/ boring

Maths would be the most important, maybe something like media, fm if you want a top uni (some places only do it as a fourth so check that), maybe dt. If you dont wanna do physics or econ that’s fine, do what will interest you.

Reply 13

mesub

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Yinbeemie

I plan to do a degree apprenticeship...

Okay, we're getting there. Degree apprenticeship in what field???

Reply 14

Muttley79

20

Original post by CatiCollector

I disagree with this as I know many people go to these unis without further maths (not all sixth form/colleges provide it) and they’ve still done well. I know someone at UoB doing engineering and he couldn’t study further maths and has caught up fine :smile:

All schools in England can offer F Maths :smile:

Reply 15

McGinger

20

Original post by Yinbeemie

I plan to do a degree apprenticeship...

Any BTECS that sound interesting?

Reply 16

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

16

Original post by Yinbeemie

What pairs well with computer science A level, I was already considering maths bit now I'm not sure what else as I definitely do not want to anything like physics or economics I think it would be too difficult/ boring

Hey!

I think that your A-Level choices should be a combination of what you want to study/do in the future and what you enjoy. If you are thinking of pursuing computer science beyond A-Level, then Maths A-Level is definitely a good subject to select, as most universities require it for CS courses.
Further Maths has been suggested already, and it is a subject that you should take if you are looking to apply to certain universities with the highest entry requirements or additional admission tests. Otherwise, it is not a necessity and I would not suggest selecting it if you are not interested in mathematics.

As for other subjects - you can choose almost anything you fancy! If you are interested in data science, you might enjoy the statistical and experimental parts of scientific subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry, economics, etc. However, creative and essay-based subjects are also a valid choice if that is what you are drawn to.

What subjects would you like to study for the next two years of your A-Levels?

As a current Computer Science student at Lancaster, my A-level choices were Biology, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths. However, I also have a friend who studied Psychology, Computer Science, and Art (a less scientific combination) - they now are doing well on a Software Engineering course.
Think about what you want to do after finishing your A-Levels and check university/apprenticeship entry requirements. As long as you have the required subjects on your list, and preferably the highly recommended ones for more competitive universities, you are free to select any subject you enjoy and can do well in! Keep in mind that some top universities - such as Lancaster, as an example, do not even require Maths or Computer Science for Computing degrees due to the inclusive and efficient first-year course structure.
Consider what you have enjoyed throughout your GCSE experience, and good luck with making your choices!

Hope this helps,
Polina,
Lancaster University Computing and Communications Ambassador.