CS A-level or Computing BTEC

Hi! I have just started year 12 and i have taken A-level Maths, Computing Level 3 BTEC and IT BTEC, i was wondering if these are the right options or not?
I want to advance into Cybersecurity, AI or Data Science.
I had an option of being able to pick CS A-level but i just thought that the essay based subject was not for me, i heard that CS alevel is more essay based and less programming but i didnt want that. However, oxbridge ask for cs alevel?
I wonder why?
So, my question is should i switch to cs alevel or stick with btec computing?
Will it be easy for me to get into universities with btec computing, btec IT and math alevel and then to be able to advance into professions like Cybersecurity, AI or Data Science?
Is there anything i should drop or take?
Will there be any lacking behind in terms of knowledge than those who take CS alevel to advance into these professions?
Please can anybody guide me on this

Why did you take Computing and IT as a BTEC? There's a lot of overlap there...

Such as? All i know is that is is more about skill rather than just theory...

Yes, BTECs are more practical.
There will be overlap in things such as mobile app development and website development amongst other things. It would have been ideal if you took a diploma instead of a certificate, so you could delve deeper.

I see! Thankyou so much!!
But my BTEC qualification is Computing LEVEL 3 Extended Diploma and same for IT? Is that okay...? +what do you mean by a certificate...

I see! Thankyou so much!!
But my BTEC qualification is Computing LEVEL 3 Extended Diploma and same for IT? Is that okay...? +what do you mean by a certificate...
My main questions is like basically i wont really have any trouble in advancing into like Cybersecurity, AI or Data Science right with my BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma qualifcations?

Uhh yea... what do you mean by it doesnt add up...? Umm i havent started doing coursework yet but will start in year 13... but its like 2 years... just like how i will give my math alevel in summer 2026 and then go to uni in sep 2026

BTW, A level computer science is not "essay based". Half the course is programming and the other half is theoretical with only a few extended writing questions.

Of course, you do not require Computer science A level for most Computer Science Universites. What the unis want is proof of proficiency in Maths. However, for the top level Unis you will need to take 3 A levels, at A*A*A or above, one of which being Maths, and another being a science based subject. A science subject could be any of the following: Further Maths (recommended), Computer Science, or Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
I don't want to be pessimistic but btecs will not cut it for the top Unis (Oxbridge, Imperial, UCL etc). The above guide is generalised (each of those uni has slightly differing entry requirements), but I don't know what Unis your specifically aiming for. Oh, and even achieving the grades I described above is not a guarantee for a place at the top level unis. Computer science Is incredibly competitive when it comes to places at the top end. You're welcome to ask any more questions. Good Luck.

I see!! Thank you so much!!
So, since i take Math A-level, Computing and ICT BTEC, will it be okay for me to drop ICT BTEC and perhaps do Physics A-level?

I see!! Thank you so much!!
So, since i take Math A-level, Computing and ICT BTEC, will it be okay for me to drop ICT BTEC and perhaps do Physics A-level?

It would help but you still need to do three A levels, is that Computing a Btec or an A level?

BTEC Level 3 extended certificate

That's not good enough for the best universities, it's near impossible to get into the elite unis without 3 Alevels in the criteria I mentioned above. What unis do you intend to go to and what GCSEs did you get, if you don't mind me asking?

I see...
Yea no prob! I got a grade 7 in maths and was 2 marks away from an 8, 7 in CS and 7 in physics