The Student Room Group

A-level choice help

So I'm currently in yr 11, and I don't know what to choose as a third option. I really love computer science and maths, so I'm planning on studying that. I want to study computer science at Cambridge, and they require me to study further maths. I don't know if I can handle the workload, and a lot of people are discouraging me because it's hard. I'm also thinking about studying physics, but again, I don't think I can handle the workload.
I'm just confused about what to choose, and I also aim at doing really well at my GCSEs.
Original post
by Provs
So I'm currently in yr 11, and I don't know what to choose as a third option. I really love computer science and maths, so I'm planning on studying that. I want to study computer science at Cambridge, and they require me to study further maths. I don't know if I can handle the workload, and a lot of people are discouraging me because it's hard. I'm also thinking about studying physics, but again, I don't think I can handle the workload.
I'm just confused about what to choose, and I also aim at doing really well at my GCSEs.

If you want to do the specific course and they require further maths, you should probably do it. Why do you think you will struggle with the workload?

Reply 2

Original post
by Provs
So I'm currently in yr 11, and I don't know what to choose as a third option. I really love computer science and maths, so I'm planning on studying that. I want to study computer science at Cambridge, and they require me to study further maths. I don't know if I can handle the workload, and a lot of people are discouraging me because it's hard. I'm also thinking about studying physics, but again, I don't think I can handle the workload.
I'm just confused about what to choose, and I also aim at doing really well at my GCSEs.

Hey @Provs,

As mentioned above, if you want to study Computer Science at Cambridge and they require A-Level Further Maths, you will have to study FM. If you're unsure whether or not you can handle the workload of FM, look at Computer Science courses at other universities and see what subjects they require: not all of them will require FM, but it may be the case that the ones you'd be most interested in applying to do ask for it if possible.

Aside from Cambridge's entry requirements, either A-Level Physics or A-Level Further Maths would be excellent choices that complement your current subject combination. Have a chat with your current teachers about whether or not they think you're capable of studying the subject at A-Level and read through the specifications of both subjects to see which is more appealing.

Best of luck with your choices,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 3

Original post
by Provs
So I'm currently in yr 11, and I don't know what to choose as a third option. I really love computer science and maths, so I'm planning on studying that. I want to study computer science at Cambridge, and they require me to study further maths. I don't know if I can handle the workload, and a lot of people are discouraging me because it's hard. I'm also thinking about studying physics, but again, I don't think I can handle the workload.
I'm just confused about what to choose, and I also aim at doing really well at my GCSEs.


Could you maybe start year 12 with for subjects for the first few weeks, then narrow down after? Some schools allow students to do this if they're unsure of their choices.
Original post
by Provs
So I'm currently in yr 11, and I don't know what to choose as a third option. I really love computer science and maths, so I'm planning on studying that. I want to study computer science at Cambridge, and they require me to study further maths. I don't know if I can handle the workload, and a lot of people are discouraging me because it's hard. I'm also thinking about studying physics, but again, I don't think I can handle the workload.
I'm just confused about what to choose, and I also aim at doing really well at my GCSEs.

If the course you want to do requires further maths, then its probably advisable to do that.

Reply 5

Original post
by Kingston Eve
Hey @Provs,
As mentioned above, if you want to study Computer Science at Cambridge and they require A-Level Further Maths, you will have to study FM. If you're unsure whether or not you can handle the workload of FM, look at Computer Science courses at other universities and see what subjects they require: not all of them will require FM, but it may be the case that the ones you'd be most interested in applying to do ask for it if possible.
Aside from Cambridge's entry requirements, either A-Level Physics or A-Level Further Maths would be excellent choices that complement your current subject combination. Have a chat with your current teachers about whether or not they think you're capable of studying the subject at A-Level and read through the specifications of both subjects to see which is more appealing.
Best of luck with your choices,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Thank you
I'll do that

Quick Reply