Computer Science What would I study and how do courses differ? Computer Science at degree level varies in content and may include software engineering, programming languages, artificial intelligence, data processing and graphics. All students follow broadly the same programme for the first year and then in subsequent years tailor their degree according to their own interests. There are many related degrees which can be studied, for example, Business Systems Engineering, Computing, European Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology, to name a few. You must do your own research by looking at the individual university websites for details as well as www.ucas.ac.uk where there is a very useful tool called Course Search which gives a great deal of information on courses. What are the typical entry requirements? IGCSE Maths and English are obviously required. GCSE Physics is preferred. Highly competitive universities will demand A*AA with the A* in Maths. It must be mentioned here that when a university says “Further Maths (FM) is recommended or encouraged” then it really means “if your school offers FM, you must take it”. Imperial is very highly rated. It is seen as a balanced course with emphasis on both theory and practical applications. The degree leads to a B/MEng. The employment rates are high. They will want A Level Maths (A*) and would ‘encourage’ you to take FM. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? At highly competitive universities it is a definite advantage to be able to offer Further Maths. You do not need to have studied Computer Science at sixth form level, but Maths or a Science A Level is essential. Without one of these your choice of Universities will be severely restricted. You must speak to your Maths teacher/ Head of Maths to ask about your suitability to study FM. Which are the best universities for Computer Studies? Go to www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk to find the top ranked universities for Computer Science. Currently they are Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford, St Andrews and Durham. However, the top ranked universities may not necessarily be the most suitable for you. You must do your research; visit them on special open days and so on. Do you like a Campus or a City University? Does their course content appeal to you? There are lots of factors involved – think about all of them.
9
