Year 12 - Uni – unsure between Data Science / CS degrees, looking for advice

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in Year 12, and I'm starting to think about my uni choices, and I'm still unsure on what direction to go in.

My A levels are Maths, Biology, Chemistry and an EPQ that is on AI and disease detection.
I've realised that I quite enjoy maths so far, and I can see myself doing something with it more than my other subjects.

I've done work experience mainly in healthcare settings, as I thought I'd apply for medicine, but I've realised it's not the path I want to take anymore.

At the moment I'm considering:
- Data Science
- Computer Science

I'm aiming to stay in London for uni, and I'm trying to keep an open mind overall about courses.
I don't do further maths, and I know that some of the courses prefer it, so I'm trying to keep my options open.

I'd really appreciate some advice on:
- Whether Data Science/CS is a good choice to keep open
- Pros and cons of data science/CS in the future
- Steps in the application process in general that I should be aware of.

Thank you so much in advance!!

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by pkhahaha

I'd probably lean for CS. It's quite easy to jump into data science from CS, but not the other way around. You said you want to keep your options open.

Obviously the rise of AI is a valid concern, but CS is so broad that it's something that you cannot mitigate.

For the application process, it really depends on the uni as some have admissions tests. You may want to look at learning them in the spring/summer of Year 12 (of course, it will depend what unis you pick).

What part of CS are you interested in?

Reply 2

McGinger

Go to some Uni Open Days this year - usually offered in May/June - and listen to the subject presentations for both subjects. Then do some calm thinking over the summer about which interests you the most.

Reply 3

StaffsRep Aura

Official Rep

Original post

by pkhahaha

Hi everyone,
I'm currently in Year 12, and I'm starting to think about my uni choices, and I'm still unsure on what direction to go in.
My A levels are Maths, Biology, Chemistry and an EPQ that is on AI and disease detection.
I've realised that I quite enjoy maths so far, and I can see myself doing something with it more than my other subjects.
I've done work experience mainly in healthcare settings, as I thought I'd apply for medicine, but I've realised it's not the path I want to take anymore.
At the moment I'm considering:
- Data Science
- Computer Science
I'm aiming to stay in London for uni, and I'm trying to keep an open mind overall about courses.
I don't do further maths, and I know that some of the courses prefer it, so I'm trying to keep my options open.
I'd really appreciate some advice on:
- Whether Data Science/CS is a good choice to keep open
- Pros and cons of data science/CS in the future
- Steps in the application process in general that I should be aware of.
Thank you so much in advance!!

Hey there,
If you want to remain broad in your options I would recommend Computer science, which already has a high overlap with AI and you can easily find many courses that have modules catered towards it, research is key. As of current, data science, ML and AI is requiring many students to go into masters or even PhD unless you are able to get in early. It requires a lot of knowledge as it is a field that is still growing and heavily research based. If you are happy to follow that pathway go for it, however if you are looking for something more practical consider computer science then following into pathways that use AI e.g. AI engineer, data scientist, data management, project management and R&D transformation etc. You can find many brilliant internships in AI as of current for University students such as Google Deepmind too!

At the end of the day please read module descriptors for your top choices to ensure that you are happy with doing the course!

Aura, Uni of Staffs, Computer Science.

Reply 4

Staffs Rep Saira

Official Rep

Original post

by pkhahaha

Hi everyone,
I'm currently in Year 12, and I'm starting to think about my uni choices, and I'm still unsure on what direction to go in.
My A levels are Maths, Biology, Chemistry and an EPQ that is on AI and disease detection.
I've realised that I quite enjoy maths so far, and I can see myself doing something with it more than my other subjects.
I've done work experience mainly in healthcare settings, as I thought I'd apply for medicine, but I've realised it's not the path I want to take anymore.
At the moment I'm considering:
- Data Science
- Computer Science
I'm aiming to stay in London for uni, and I'm trying to keep an open mind overall about courses.
I don't do further maths, and I know that some of the courses prefer it, so I'm trying to keep my options open.
I'd really appreciate some advice on:
- Whether Data Science/CS is a good choice to keep open
- Pros and cons of data science/CS in the future
- Steps in the application process in general that I should be aware of.
Thank you so much in advance!!

Hi! I’m Saira, a second-year Computer Science student at The University of Staffordshire London, so I thought I’d add a quick perspective!

If you’re still unsure and want to keep your options open, Computer Science is usually the broader choice. Most CS courses cover programming, data and AI, which means you can move into data science or AI roles later without specialising too early. Data Science degrees tend to be more focused from the start, which is great if you’re certain that’s the route you want to take.

Not doing Further Maths shouldn’t put you off, many CS courses (including ours in London) don’t require it, so checking entry requirements and module content is really important.
Since you want to stay in London, studying here also gives you access to tech events, internships and industry exposure alongside your degree.

Hope that helps, and feel free to ask if you’ve got any questions about CS in London!

Reply 5

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

Original post

by pkhahaha

Hi everyone,
I'm currently in Year 12, and I'm starting to think about my uni choices, and I'm still unsure on what direction to go in.
My A levels are Maths, Biology, Chemistry and an EPQ that is on AI and disease detection.
I've realised that I quite enjoy maths so far, and I can see myself doing something with it more than my other subjects.
I've done work experience mainly in healthcare settings, as I thought I'd apply for medicine, but I've realised it's not the path I want to take anymore.
At the moment I'm considering:
- Data Science
- Computer Science
I'm aiming to stay in London for uni, and I'm trying to keep an open mind overall about courses.
I don't do further maths, and I know that some of the courses prefer it, so I'm trying to keep my options open.
I'd really appreciate some advice on:
- Whether Data Science/CS is a good choice to keep open
- Pros and cons of data science/CS in the future
- Steps in the application process in general that I should be aware of.
Thank you so much in advance!!

Hello,

Data science and computer science are both very good options to keep open. But it is noteworthy that computer science is broader and there is a current oversaturation in the market, but there are incorporated/specialised courses that offer Computer Science and Artificial intelligence. Instead, it will be useful for you to do a specialised masters after graduating CS, or a good portfolio and experience to break into the job market 😀 . There are other degree subjects that may suit your interest as well, have a read about them: software engineering, cybersecurity, or automation and control engineering).

All the best
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Reply 6

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post

by pkhahaha

Hi everyone,
I'm currently in Year 12, and I'm starting to think about my uni choices, and I'm still unsure on what direction to go in.
My A levels are Maths, Biology, Chemistry and an EPQ that is on AI and disease detection.
I've realised that I quite enjoy maths so far, and I can see myself doing something with it more than my other subjects.
I've done work experience mainly in healthcare settings, as I thought I'd apply for medicine, but I've realised it's not the path I want to take anymore.
At the moment I'm considering:
- Data Science
- Computer Science
I'm aiming to stay in London for uni, and I'm trying to keep an open mind overall about courses.
I don't do further maths, and I know that some of the courses prefer it, so I'm trying to keep my options open.
I'd really appreciate some advice on:
- Whether Data Science/CS is a good choice to keep open
- Pros and cons of data science/CS in the future
- Steps in the application process in general that I should be aware of.
Thank you so much in advance!!

Hi!

Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and an EPQ on AI and disease detection are great subjects and very good as a combination, and the fact that you’ve realised early on that medicine isn’t for you is good. It means you have the choice to change!

If you’re enjoying maths, both Computer Science and Data Science are very sensible options to keep open. Computer Science is a broader field that offers numerous pathways, including software development, AI, and data-related roles. Data Science is more applied and maths/statistics-focused, and it links really well with your EPQ and previous healthcare experience, without committing you to clinical work.
Not doing Further Maths can limit a small number of courses, but many London universities don’t require it and instead look for strong Maths A-level performance and evidence of problem-solving. You’re definitely not ruled out.
In terms of the future, both CS and Data Science have strong career prospects. CS offers flexibility and depth, while Data Science is increasingly important across sectors like healthcare, finance, tech, and public policy. The key difference tends to be whether you prefer building systems (CS) or analysing data and models (Data Science).
For applications, it’s worth:

•

Looking closely at course modules, not just course titles

•

Using your EPQ and growing interest in maths as a core part of your personal statement

•

Doing a bit of Python or data-related learning to explore what you enjoy most

•

Attending open days, especially for London universities, to compare courses properly

You don’t need to have everything fully decided yet; keeping an open mind at this stage is exactly what you should be doing. You’re asking the right questions.
Best of luck, and feel free to ask if you want more specific course or uni advice!

Anthony
Student Rep