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Can i still go to university?

Hi, I want to be a software engineer/developer. I'm taking a T Level in Digital Production Design and Development starting in September at college. I've been researching university requirements and it seems that I need an A Level in Mathematics and the T Level. I am unable to take an A Level in Mathematics at the same time as the T Level already takes up all of my week. How is this a doable entry requirement? Can I get around this somehow and still get into university with just my T Level qualification? I also struggle with maths but do quite well in programming and enjoy it. I'm aware I will need an understanding of some mathematics topics to do well in this career path, but I'm not sure how it's going to be possible.
What could I do?
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Bigsnake
Hi, I want to be a software engineer/developer. I'm taking a T Level in Digital Production Design and Development starting in September at college. I've been researching university requirements and it seems that I need an A Level in Mathematics and the T Level. I am unable to take an A Level in Mathematics at the same time as the T Level already takes up all of my week. How is this a doable entry requirement? Can I get around this somehow and still get into university with just my T Level qualification? I also struggle with maths but do quite well in programming and enjoy it. I'm aware I will need an understanding of some mathematics topics to do well in this career path, but I'm not sure how it's going to be possible.
What could I do?

Not all universities mandate A level Maths in addition to a T level for their Software Engineering / Computer Science degrees. You simply need to apply to those which don't.
Reply 2
Original post by DataVenia
Not all universities mandate A level Maths in addition to a T level for their Software Engineering / Computer Science degrees. You simply need to apply to those which don't.

Will the course be the exact same? They will teach the same content and I'll get the same final qualification? Thank you for your reply :]
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Bigsnake
Will the course be the exact same? They will teach the same content and I'll get the same final qualification? Thank you for your reply :]

Exactly the same? No. Different universities will teach different topics / content in different ways. That would be true even for those which required A level Maths. The same final qualification? Yes.

Think of it like a GCSE or an A level, where different exam boards are concerned. Does GCSE Maths have the same content if the exam board is Edexcel or AQA? No. Do you get the same GCSE qualification? Yes.

Universities are effectively their own exam boards. So they get to specify what content will be covered and how it will be assessed. Having said that, although you, I and everyone else on the planet would consider Edexcel GCSE Maths to be equal to AQA GCSE Maths, that would not (necessarily) be the true for universities qualifications. BSc Mathematics from University of Cambridge (for example) is probably considered somewhat differently to BSc Mathematics from University of Wolverhampton. But it's the same qualification - BSc Mathematics.
Original post by Bigsnake
Hi, I want to be a software engineer/developer. I'm taking a T Level in Digital Production Design and Development starting in September at college. I've been researching university requirements and it seems that I need an A Level in Mathematics and the T Level. I am unable to take an A Level in Mathematics at the same time as the T Level already takes up all of my week. How is this a doable entry requirement? Can I get around this somehow and still get into university with just my T Level qualification? I also struggle with maths but do quite well in programming and enjoy it. I'm aware I will need an understanding of some mathematics topics to do well in this career path, but I'm not sure how it's going to be possible.
What could I do?
Hi,

I'm a 2nd year computer science student at Lancaster. Lancaster does accept T levels in the majority of degrees: Undergraduate entry qualifications - Lancaster University however you will need to speak with the admissions team to check whether that T level will be accepted for this degree and what grade you will need to get. You can call them on: + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or email: [email protected] and they'll be able to answer any questions!

Here is the link for the software engineering degree should they accept your T level: Software Engineering BSc Hons (G602) - Lancaster University

With regards to your worries about maths, there is something called MASH (Maths and Stats Hub) MASH (Maths and Stats Hub) | ASK - Lancaster University and the FST hub to support you. MASH run regular sessions on specific maths topics but also offer one-to-one sessions while the FST hub offer help with lectures, coursework, workshops etc. and you can just turn up whenever. As well as this, any maths is taught from the basics as the degrees are taught from the understanding that nobody has studied computer science before as neither computer science nor maths nor any subjects for that matter are required.

If there are any subject specific questions or questions about studying at Lancaster please do get in touch!

Hope this helps, Ella - Lancaster University Student Ambassador
Reply 5
Original post by DataVenia
Exactly the same? No. Different universities will teach different topics / content in different ways. That would be true even for those which required A level Maths. The same final qualification? Yes.
Think of it like a GCSE or an A level, where different exam boards are concerned. Does GCSE Maths have the same content if the exam board is Edexcel or AQA? No. Do you get the same GCSE qualification? Yes.
Universities are effectively their own exam boards. So they get to specify what content will be covered and how it will be assessed. Having said that, although you, I and everyone else on the planet would consider Edexcel GCSE Maths to be equal to AQA GCSE Maths, that would not (necessarily) be the true for universities qualifications. BSc Mathematics from University of Cambridge (for example) is probably considered somewhat differently to BSc Mathematics from University of Wolverhampton. But it's the same qualification - BSc Mathematics.

Although just to be extremely pedantic - and before anyone from the relevant institution gets offended - note that Cambridge (and Oxford) don't "do" BScs - their degrees are all BAs, including Maths, Natural Sciences, Economics etc :smile:
Original post by davros
Although just to be extremely pedantic - and before anyone from the relevant institution gets offended - note that Cambridge (and Oxford) don't "do" BScs - their degrees are all BAs, including Maths, Natural Sciences, Economics etc :smile:

I fully accept your pedantry, with thanks for the correction. :smile:

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