A Level: Computer Science or Further Maths?

2

Im in sixth form doing my A levels and I have chosen Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. I was going to try and do all four but my school doesn't allow that. No big deal since I had the idea to try all four and then drop whatever if I didn't feel like doing 4.

But I am doing computer science and I am starting to think that I should do further maths instead. It seems to be more wanted than computer science, and while I got a 9 in gcse computer science I really don't think I am too interested in the theory components, I just like coding. My teacher told me that maths would be enjoyable as I also got a 9. I do like maths.

I don't really know what I want to do in the future, and I don't know if I could really get into a top university since it's supposed to be hard. But it seems that further maths is what they want, not computer science.

So if anybody could tell me whether or not I swap it and why I should, then I would appreciate that. Thanks

p.s I like space and technology and engineering maybe like aerospace if that helps
p.s I also like making games and coding though

im just really unsure. i dont want to make a mistake

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 1

Jenson602

7

I would recommend you the take further maths as computer science inlcudes a lot more than just coding as you will go over how a computer works in hardware (components of a computer) as well as software. I have not done further maths as I was interested in computer science. Further maths will allow you to apply to a variety of different subjects (including computer science) compared to computer science for university.

Reply 2

KWad

11

Drop computer science and take further maths. It's a more versatile and useful A-level. Computer science is practically useless as an A-level, and even most computer science courses don't require it (I say this as someone who takes Computer science and Further Maths, and intends to do computer science at uni).

Further maths will be better for keeping options open, which seems to be what you are after esp with relation to tech and engineering careers.

Not to mention that just because you aren't taking computer science doesn't mean you can't also make games and stuff in your free time.

Reply 3

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post by cas_

Im in sixth form doing my A levels and I have chosen Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. I was going to try and do all four but my school doesn't allow that. No big deal since I had the idea to try all four and then drop whatever if I didn't feel like doing 4.

But I am doing computer science and I am starting to think that I should do further maths instead. It seems to be more wanted than computer science, and while I got a 9 in gcse computer science I really don't think I am too interested in the theory components, I just like coding. My teacher told me that maths would be enjoyable as I also got a 9. I do like maths.

I don't really know what I want to do in the future, and I don't know if I could really get into a top university since it's supposed to be hard. But it seems that further maths is what they want, not computer science.

So if anybody could tell me whether or not I swap it and why I should, then I would appreciate that. Thanks

p.s I like space and technology and engineering maybe like aerospace if that helps
p.s I also like making games and coding though

im just really unsure. i dont want to make a mistake

If you arent taken with computer science, then id change it to further maths.

Reply 4

cas_

OP

2

Original post by KWad

Drop computer science and take further maths. It's a more versatile and useful A-level. Computer science is practically useless as an A-level, and even most computer science courses don't require it (I say this as someone who takes Computer science and Further Maths, and intends to do computer science at uni).
Further maths will be better for keeping options open, which seems to be what you are after esp with relation to tech and engineering careers.
Not to mention that just because you aren't taking computer science doesn't mean you can't also make games and stuff in your free time.

Cool thanks! However I read somewhere that diversity in my subjects is something I should keep in mind, and it seems doing these sort of narrows it down. It is really something I should worry about?

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 5

KWad

11

Original post by cas_

Cool thanks! However I read somewhere that diversity in my subjects is something I should keep in mind, and it seems doing these sort of narrows it down. It is really something I should worry about?

No, not really. I mean obviously it depends on the subjects you are taking and what you intend to do post-18, but as a general rule of thumb, for any kind of highly 'technical' path, be it cs, engineering, physics, etc. having further maths is very advantageous. If you really feel you are missing out then you can always do computer science certifications on the side during 6th form, like CS50 and stuff, which is still quite impressive. I wouldn't worry too much about diversity of subjects though, although that is just my opinion. Again, all depends on what your post-18 objectives are.

Reply 6

nutz99

19

Original post by cas_

Cool thanks! However I read somewhere that diversity in my subjects is something I should keep in mind, and it seems doing these sort of narrows it down. It is really something I should worry about?

Definitely not. If you were thinking of taking maybe Maths, Computer Science or Engineering at Uni then A level subjects that are linked are much more beneficial and if you take Further Maths you literally have the "full house" as far as entry requirements are concerned.

A Level: Computer Science or Further Maths?

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