A-Level option for AI/ML/Data Science etc.

Hi, I'm going into college next year and have started to think about careers etc. My A-Levels - not finalised - are maths, comp sci, english lit and an EPQ. I want to go into AI etc. and I know that they're very maths based. I'm not entirely sure if these potential options would suit a career or even get me an offer so I'm considering ditching the EPQ for FM and maybe fit physics in somewhere as I've heard it is a good option for AI.
I'm not even sure if AI at this stage would be a viable career or not so advice on any front would be appreciated.
As for my GCSEs I am predicted eight 9s and an 8 (in German)

Reply 1

lot.burgstra

I'd say if you're looking to study mathematics or computer science at university, they generally would like (and/or expect) you to have taken further maths if you have the option to take it alongside mathematics.
I also looked at for example Oxford's A-level subject requirements if you want to study their Computer Science BSc and it doesn't mention a need for taking A-level Computer Science.
Therefore, rogue take but could be helpful, have you considered ditching A-level Computer Science altogether?

While I can see that it would definitely be useful to get an A-level in Computer Science if this is your intended career path, in my experience of being in University for 5+ years, I have seen that most of first year content is just a revision of the full A-level syllabus. Therefore, should you study a Computer Science degree, you are likely to be taught most of the A-level content within the first semester of year one at university. So yes, you could take a computer science A-level, but it could leave you bored at the start of the year at university while you could have used that A-level choice for a different option.

I would say, if you are interested in a career in AI, you might change your mind after a few years. However, if you're interested in that, it suggests you are interested in applied mathematics in some way.
Have you thought about the combinations: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, EPQ? Maths, Further Maths, English Lit, Physics or any combination like that which does not involve Comp Sci? Could even take Chemistry instead of Physics or English Lit as it would be an even broader field with even more options and taking Maths, Further Maths and Physics together could be tough (Although completely doable if you don't mind working hard! Nothing good is every easy!)

The reason I haven't necessarily suggested taking out English Lit is because A-levels are hard and you want a subject that you enjoy and could take your mind off hard subjects every now and then too! Take my advice with a pinch of salt though. I am not a university adviser, but from personal experience I'd say that it is nice to have a subject in there that might be a bit easier to you and that you really really enjoy, which I assume is your reason to put English Lit alongside STEM heavy subjects

Reply 2

McGinger

Look at the 'entry requirements' for the types of course you want to do on different Uni websites (their requirements may be different) - which A level subjects are essential or preferred?

Examples to start with :
2025 entry - Department of Mathematics - The University of Manchester
Undergraduate Computer Science courses - University of Birmingham
Computing and Digital Technologies - Oxford Brookes University

Reply 3

sh12r

Original post

by lot.burgstra

I'd say if you're looking to study mathematics or computer science at university, they generally would like (and/or expect) you to have taken further maths if you have the option to take it alongside mathematics.
I also looked at for example Oxford's A-level subject requirements if you want to study their Computer Science BSc and it doesn't mention a need for taking A-level Computer Science.
Therefore, rogue take but could be helpful, have you considered ditching A-level Computer Science altogether?
While I can see that it would definitely be useful to get an A-level in Computer Science if this is your intended career path, in my experience of being in University for 5+ years, I have seen that most of first year content is just a revision of the full A-level syllabus. Therefore, should you study a Computer Science degree, you are likely to be taught most of the A-level content within the first semester of year one at university. So yes, you could take a computer science A-level, but it could leave you bored at the start of the year at university while you could have used that A-level choice for a different option.
I would say, if you are interested in a career in AI, you might change your mind after a few years. However, if you're interested in that, it suggests you are interested in applied mathematics in some way.
Have you thought about the combinations: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, EPQ? Maths, Further Maths, English Lit, Physics or any combination like that which does not involve Comp Sci? Could even take Chemistry instead of Physics or English Lit as it would be an even broader field with even more options and taking Maths, Further Maths and Physics together could be tough (Although completely doable if you don't mind working hard! Nothing good is every easy!)
The reason I haven't necessarily suggested taking out English Lit is because A-levels are hard and you want a subject that you enjoy and could take your mind off hard subjects every now and then too! Take my advice with a pinch of salt though. I am not a university adviser, but from personal experience I'd say that it is nice to have a subject in there that might be a bit easier to you and that you really really enjoy, which I assume is your reason to put English Lit alongside STEM heavy subjects

Yeah, English Lit is just a break from the load of STEM subjects I'd have to go through, I quite enjoy it as well. Thank you for the advice - I'll most likely just ditch Computer Science for Physics as I feel like I have more of an interest in it anyway. Thanks.