Computer Science A'Level - is is essential?

I would like to do a degree in Computer Science and took Computer Science as a GCSE. I opted to stay on at my school 6th form and applied for Physics, Maths, Computer Science and a 4th A'level as Business. Ive just been informed due to low applications for CS (3) the school has decided not to run this as an A-level
I have been advised I could take an EPQ under CS in Yr12 as an option.

I am still planning to take Physics and Maths, but would like to know, how beneficial is it for me to have CS at A'Level. Alot of posts I've seen say it's not essential for top universities, but then also many posts saying these are the subjects people took?

And what alternative A'level would be beneficial instead? I'd prefer not to apply elsewhere but could consider this

Would be great to hear from others with similar experiences or who are doing the degree and didn't have CS at A'level

Thanks in advance

Reply 1

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Fa7ah

I would like to do a degree in Computer Science and took Computer Science as a GCSE. I opted to stay on at my school 6th form and applied for Physics, Maths, Computer Science and a 4th A'level as Business. Ive just been informed due to low applications for CS (3) the school has decided not to run this as an A-level
I have been advised I could take an EPQ under CS in Yr12 as an option.
I am still planning to take Physics and Maths, but would like to know, how beneficial is it for me to have CS at A'Level. Alot of posts I've seen say it's not essential for top universities, but then also many posts saying these are the subjects people took?
And what alternative A'level would be beneficial instead? I'd prefer not to apply elsewhere but could consider this
Would be great to hear from others with similar experiences or who are doing the degree and didn't have CS at A'level
Thanks in advance

Hey,

That’s a really frustrating situation, especially when you’ve already mapped out your A-levels with a clear goal in mind. It’s great that you’re still focused on studying Computer Science at degree level though, and you’re right to be thinking ahead.

The good news is that Computer Science A-level is not essential for most universities offering CS degrees. This is especially true if you're already doing Maths and Physics, which are typically seen as strong indicators of problem-solving and analytical ability. In fact, many students get into top universities for Computer Science without having done it at A-level. Maths is usually the most important requirement, and some unis may also look for Further Maths, but very few will make A-level CS compulsory.

One helpful step would be to start looking now at the entry requirements for universities you're interested in. You can check on UCAS or the unis’ websites to see what subjects they require or recommend. That way, you can base your A-level choices on what will keep those doors open.

Since CS is off the table at your sixth form, the suggestion to do an EPQ in a Computer Science-related topic is actually a great idea. It can demonstrate your genuine interest in the subject and gives you something CS-focused to talk about in your personal statement or at interview. As for a fourth A-level, subjects like Further Maths, Economics, or even Business (since you’ve already considered it) can still be valuable, especially if you can tie them into computing-related interests.

It’s annoying to have your plans disrupted like this, but you’ve still got a strong path forward.

Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 2

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post

by Fa7ah

I would like to do a degree in Computer Science and took Computer Science as a GCSE. I opted to stay on at my school 6th form and applied for Physics, Maths, Computer Science and a 4th A'level as Business. Ive just been informed due to low applications for CS (3) the school has decided not to run this as an A-level
I have been advised I could take an EPQ under CS in Yr12 as an option.
I am still planning to take Physics and Maths, but would like to know, how beneficial is it for me to have CS at A'Level. Alot of posts I've seen say it's not essential for top universities, but then also many posts saying these are the subjects people took?
And what alternative A'level would be beneficial instead? I'd prefer not to apply elsewhere but could consider this
Would be great to hear from others with similar experiences or who are doing the degree and didn't have CS at A'level
Thanks in advance

Hi Fa7ah,

I am currently in my 3rd Year at the University of Sheffield and I did the exact same thing as you. I had taken Computer Science at GCSE, but Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A-Level with an EPQ on the topic of AI. While I found that at Uni, some people around me were stronger in coding, through the modules I was able to get support and gain more confidence. Maths is a big part of computer science so this is an important subject to focus on. For another A-Level, it is up to you as Maths and normally a science subject is enough to meet the requirements but I would recommend looking at the entry requirements for universities you would like to apply to.

Despite not taking computer science, I was able to show my passion for it through my personal statement. I spoke about books I had read, my EPQ and any projects I had worked on.

I hope this helps!
Let me know if you have any other questions :smile: