What A-levels do you need to study computer science?
Are you thinking of studying computer science or computing at university? Make sure your A-level choices keep your options open for when the time comes to shortlist degree courses.
- Essential A-levels for computer science
- Useful or handy A-levels for computer science
- Examples of university entry requirements for computer science
- Other degree subjects with similar A-level requirements
Some computer science courses will require maths at A-level – and for a handful of courses, further maths is also preferred, but many others will accept you with just GCSE-level maths.
A-level subjects for computer science
What A-level subjects are needed or essential for computer science?
To study a computer science at university, you'll usually need to have studied A-level maths, computer science or another science or technology-based subject. Some unis might require further maths.
Generally, maths is the most relevant A-level subject for computer science because it uses a lot of the concepts used in the subject – such as algorithms, data structures, logic, and problem-solving.
What A-levels are useful for computer science?
Other than maths and computer science, here are some A-level subjects that are useful for a computer science degree:
- computing
- further maths
- physics
- philosophy
- ICT
Take a look at individual computer science and computing courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular A-level subjects students studied.
- Read more: what are university entry requirements?
Examples of computer science degree requirements
Below is a range of degrees courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements they ask for (as of 20 December 2024):
University of Leeds: AAA including mathematics. Excludes A-level general studies or critical thinking. You'll also need GCSE English language at grade 4 or above.
Queen Mary University of London: AAA including including either mathematics, computer science or physics. Excludes general studies and critical thinking.
University of Bedfordshire: BBB - BBC. You must also have GCSE English language or literature at grade 4 or above and maths at grade 5 or above.
What are other similar degree subjects to computer science?
Here are some alternative options if you like the sound of computer science, but you still want to keep your options open or explore similar subjects:
- artificial intelligence
- computer information systems
- cybersecurity
- information technology
- robotics
- software engineering
Make sure you check the entry requirements for these subjects as there's a chance they'll be different from computer science.
