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A levels computer science

I start A levels in September in the uk after completing my igcse abroad. I'll be taking Comp Sci, Business, and Economics. Could I get into a good uni with these 3 combined or am I a lost cause? Also, I didn't take Economics in my early years of high school. Is taking it now a bad idea, or do I have enough to time to get the hang of it if I clutch?

Reply 1

No that’s a great combo, although be aware that when applying for certain Uni courses you might not be able to apply without Maths A level (some may accept Economics as a substitute). Many schools in England don’t even offer Econ as a subject below A levels so you’re good there. I don’t take econ my self but I know from people that do that quite a few people dropped it in the first few weeks, not because of difficulty but because it was less maths and more graphs and policies then they expected. Definitely start thinking about what courses you want to do for uni now so that if it requires a specific A level you still have time to change

Reply 2

Original post by Isipho...
I start A levels in September in the uk after completing my igcse abroad. I'll be taking Comp Sci, Business, and Economics. Could I get into a good uni with these 3 combined or am I a lost cause? Also, I didn't take Economics in my early years of high school. Is taking it now a bad idea, or do I have enough to time to get the hang of it if I clutch?

I wouldn't advise taking Business and Economics as there is too much overlap, some unis don't like it. We don't let our students take both because of this.

Reply 3

Original post by acting-earthquak
No that’s a great combo, although be aware that when applying for certain Uni courses you might not be able to apply without Maths A level (some may accept Economics as a substitute). Many schools in England don’t even offer Econ as a subject below A levels so you’re good there. I don’t take econ my self but I know from people that do that quite a few people dropped it in the first few weeks, not because of difficulty but because it was less maths and more graphs and policies then they expected. Definitely start thinking about what courses you want to do for uni now so that if it requires a specific A level you still have time to change

It's not a good idea to take BS and Econ.

Reply 4

Original post by Muttley79
I wouldn't advise taking Business and Economics as there is too much overlap, some unis don't like it. We don't let our students take both because of this.


I took 8 subjects at IGCSE
ENGLISH (A*)
HISTORY (B)
BUSINESS (B)
PHYSICS (C)
BIOLOGY (D)
MATH (C)
ICT (A)
Geography (B)
I didn't write Comp Sci at IGCSE level, but I took the classes and the college said it was okay.

I'm not that confident about taking any of the sciences, or math, cause it was never really my strong suit. What would you suggest I took as my third to replace economics?

Reply 5

Original post by Muttley79
It's not a good idea to take BS and Econ.

Good point, I guess it depends on the degree they want though, cause with CS they have a logical subjects, essay subjects and an analytical subject which is diverse in that sense. I think if they’re aiming for Cambridge specifically then there have been past notices about that, but its not a lost cause which is what OP was asking, if OP wants the best chance and has the option to change I would recommend swapping Econ for Maths but not to be too worried if they can’t

Reply 6

Original post by Isipho...
I took 8 subjects at IGCSE
ENGLISH (A*)
HISTORY (B)
BUSINESS (B)
PHYSICS (C)
BIOLOGY (D)
MATH (C)
ICT (A)
Geography (B)
I didn't write Comp Sci at IGCSE level, but I took the classes and the college said it was okay.
I'm not that confident about taking any of the sciences, or math, cause it was never really my strong suit. What would you suggest I took as my third to replace economics?

What are you thinking of taking at university?

Reply 7

Original post by Muttley79
What are you thinking of taking at university?


As silly as it may sound I'm still a bit unsure, but I want to do something IT related or business on the marketing end of things

Reply 8

Original post by Isipho...
As silly as it may sound I'm still a bit unsure, but I want to do something IT related or business on the marketing end of things

No, it's fine not to know but it might influence a choice of A level. It might be worth looking at a few unis to check requirements.

An essay subject? English, Psychology, Geog or History? Which subjects do you enjoy

Reply 9

Original post by Muttley79
No, it's fine not to know but it might influence a choice of A level. It might be worth looking at a few unis to check requirements.
An essay subject? English, Psychology, Geog or History? Which subjects do you enjoy


Geography and History were quite enjoyable for me

Reply 10

Original post by Isipho...
Geography and History were quite enjoyable for me

Look at the A level specification to see if the content is of interest.

Reply 11

If you want to study Computer Science or Economics at Uni, then you really need to be taking Maths. And, as above, taking both Business and Economics is not a great idea - there is subject overlap, and many top Unis will not accept them both together.

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