IT For a levels

i want to do either cybersecurity or IT for university
Would picking IT at a level help and if yes how much
Or instead of picking it i can do IT work experience within my school

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by rtyhhrt

i want to do either cybersecurity or IT for university
Would picking IT at a level help and if yes how much
Or instead of picking it i can do IT work experience within my school

They key subject to pick at A level of you want to do anything in the Computer Science, Cybersecurity or AI world is Mathematics. Many universities mandate it. Is that one of the A levels you'll be taking?

Also, is the subject you're looking to take really an A level in IT? I only ask as I've not come across such a qualification. An A level in Computer Science is quite common, as is a BTEC in IT. Do you know what exam board is offering an A level in IT?

Reply 2

rtyhhrt

Original post by DataVenia

They key subject to pick at A level of you want to do anything in the Computer Science, Cybersecurity or AI world is Mathematics. Many universities mandate it. Is that one of the A levels you'll be taking?
Also, is the subject you're looking to take really an A level in IT? I only ask as I've not come across such a qualification. An A level in Computer Science is quite common, as is a BTEC in IT. Do you know what exam board is offering an A level in IT?

it is a btec and yes i’m going to pick Maths business and either chemistry or IT

Reply 3

Iucas

Original post by DataVenia

They key subject to pick at A level of you want to do anything in the Computer Science, Cybersecurity or AI world is Mathematics. Many universities mandate it. Is that one of the A levels you'll be taking?
Also, is the subject you're looking to take really an A level in IT? I only ask as I've not come across such a qualification. An A level in Computer Science is quite common, as is a BTEC in IT. Do you know what exam board is offering an A level in IT?

They do offer a-level IT at a place near me.

Reply 4

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Iucas

They do offer a-level IT at a place near me.

Interesting. Perhaps it's the International A level in Information Technology offered by Cambridge International (details here).

The reason I say that is that I can't find a non-International A level in IT offered by any of the main UK exam boards:

• https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects
• https://www.ocr.org.uk/subjects/
• https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels.html
• https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/
• https://ccea.org.uk/subjects

Reply 5

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by rtyhhrt

it is a btec and yes i’m going to pick Maths business and either chemistry or IT

Excellent. As I say, Mathematics is the key thing they'll look for. If you think you can get a decent grade in A level Chemistry, I think that might be better than the BTEC Extended Certificate in IT.

I say that as some unis can be fussy about BTECs, or not accept them at all. However, if you think that you'd get a better grade in IT than in Chemistry, then you'd probably be best to do the IT BTEC.

Pick some unis which you might be interested in, and check the entry requirements for courses which interest you. They'll all be detailed on their web sites. Take care not to mix-up A levels with BTECs, as they're treated differently by unis.

Reply 6

rtyhhrt

Original post by DataVenia

Excellent. As I say, Mathematics is the key thing they'll look for. If you think you can get a decent grade in A level Chemistry, I think that might be better than the BTEC Extended Certificate in IT.
I say that as some unis can be fussy about BTECs, or not accept them at all. However, if you think that you'd get a better grade in IT than in Chemistry, then you'd probably be best to do the IT BTEC.
Pick some unis which you might be interested in, and check the entry requirements for courses which interest you. They'll all be detailed on their web sites. Take care not to mix-up A levels with BTECs, as they're treated differently by unis.

alright so what im gonna do is maths business and chemistry and an EPQ
does that seem good?

Reply 7

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by rtyhhrt

alright so what im gonna do is maths business and chemistry and an EPQ
does that seem good?

It does indeed. :smile:

If you want to demonstrate some IT knowledge in your application, you could give your EPQ an IT focus and then make mention of it in your Personal Statement.