Maths and computer science or just computer science

Hi guys im choosing between maths and cs joint degree or cs after a level, please advize thanks.

Reply 1

If you see yourself definitely going into IT, do just comp sci. If you think you could have even a tiny bit of flexibility, do maths with comp sci

Reply 2

StaffsRep Aura

Official Rep

Original post

by aihabjawad

Hi guys im choosing between maths and cs joint degree or cs after a level, please advize thanks.

Hey! I'm Aura, a rep from the University of Staffordshire studying Computer Science.

Choosing a degree after a-levels can be quite tricky so here's some things to consider about the two different courses you mentioned.

1. University
Depending on the University you choose, the courses you mentioned may differ greatly. A computer science degree at the University of Staffordshire has a highly technical focus where you will work on projects to add to your portfolio, learn programming and other core concepts such as networks and cyber. At other Universities, this may look different. Some focus on the theory and computing premises aspect more heavily. Check out some existing degrees and their modules at different Universities to ensure that their modules interest you. You do not want to be studying topics that you find boring for the next 3+ years! You need to understand what aspect of the two subjects is your strongest and that you enjoy doing. If you love learning theories, principles and less of a practical element, choose a degree that combines the two. Be careful with naming conventions though as some Universities will simply state "Computer Science" but may have a majority of mathematics based modules. Thus, always read module descriptors and degree requirements. Are you required to conduct research by the end of it, do you need to make an artefact?

2. Job Prospects
Think about what sort of career interests you the most. If a career in IT, network engineering, cyber security (SOC, threat intelligence, forensics and similar), full-stack or highly technical subjects interests you then you might want to consider a specialised pathway or general computer science. These roles may at times require portfolios with past projects as part of their application processes. Alternatively if you are interested in entering research, cryptography, data science, pure-software development, artificial intelligence and finance, then a combined degree may work for you. You are not limited to any of the above by your degree, computer science by nature is very flexible, simply consider the modules you will be taking to put you on the right path for your roles of interest.

3. Your Strengths and Motivation
Do you love sitting down and decoding complex mathematical equations, reading lots of literature, focusing on text-book knowledge? Or do you prefer coding, project-based tasks and a focus on hardware architectures. You need to understand what you are good at and what you will want to study. Do not put yourself in the deep end if you despise networks and know it will be a core part of your degree! I recommend looking up some free lectures online or concepts that you have not seen before in computer/mathematics to see if they are something you will enjoy doing. The step between a-level and a degree can be scary but it is doable! If your current grade in mathematics is not the best, you struggle with it and know you will be demotivated to learn it, best stray away from it in that case!

I hope this is of use to you, as it's a couple of things I considered when choosing my degree.

Hope it helps,
Aura (Uni of Staffs Rep)

Reply 3

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by aihabjawad

Hi guys im choosing between maths and cs joint degree or cs after a level, please advize thanks.

Hi there,

That’s a really good question, and it’s great that you’re already thinking carefully about your options! Choosing between a joint Maths and Computer Science degree or a straight Computer Science degree depends on what kind of work and learning you enjoy most. Both paths are valuable and can lead to strong career opportunities.

If you love logic, problem-solving, and understanding how things work at a deeper level, a joint Maths and Computer Science degree gives you a strong theoretical foundation. It’s perfect if you enjoy working with complex equations, data models, and algorithms and it can open doors into fields like data science, AI research, quantitative analysis, and machine learning. You’ll get the best of both worlds: mathematical reasoning and technical computing.

However, if you’re more interested in building, designing, and applying technology, a BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree might be a better fit. At London South Bank University (LSBU), this course is BCS-accredited and offers specialist pathways such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Data Engineering. It’s very hands-on, with opportunities to work on real-world projects and gain experience using industry tools like Python, Java, and SQL. Many LSBU students go on to become software engineers, developers, or analysts, and the university’s central London location provides great access to tech companies and internship opportunities.

The good news is that both routes develop strong analytical and technical skills; employers really value graduates who can think logically and solve problems. If you’re still torn, you could choose Computer Science first and take maths-heavy modules (like algorithms, data modelling, or machine learning), or pursue a Maths degree and learn to code alongside it.

To help you decide, I’d really recommend attending LSBU’s Open Day on Saturday 15th November. You’ll be able to speak with lecturers, explore the computing labs, and meet current students who can share what it’s really like studying these subjects.

👉 You can sign up here: LSBU Open Day.
👉 You can also chat with our students through our Unibuddy platform: Chat with our students.

Whatever you choose, both degrees are excellent foundations for exciting careers in technology and data. The most important thing is to pick the course that matches your curiosity and how you like to learn, whether that’s exploring theory through maths or building solutions through computer science.