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
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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?
- maths for some courses
What A-levels are useful for computer science?
- 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 subjects students studied before attending.
Examples of computer science degree requirements
Below is a range of Bachelor of science (with Honours) courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements they ask for (as of 26 April 2018):
University of Leeds: 'AAA, including mathematics or computing. Grade B or above in GCSE Mathematics is required if no Mathematics A-level is taken. Lower offers may be made based on demonstrated interest and aptitude for the subject (typically AAB). Where Maths or Computing are required this must be at grade A. Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade. Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.'
Queen Mary University of London: 'A,B,B. Excluded subjects - General Studies. Please note: You will also be expected to achieve a Pass grade in the practical endorsement for any of the following A levels - Biology, Chemistry, Physics - if taken with one of the Awarding Bodies in England.'
University of Bedfordshire: 'C,C,E-C,C,C'
Other similar degree subjects
You may find these subjects have different A-level requirements to computing, so if you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check the entry requirements of specific courses before you finalise your choices.
