Can you do computer science at uni without doing it at a level?

Yes, you can study Computer Science at university without A-Level Computer Science, but strong maths skills (A-Level Maths highly recommended, sometimes required) are usually essential, with foundation years or alternative subjects like Physics bridging gaps for some universities; however, top universities often prefer A-Level Maths or even Further Maths, so checking specific university requirements is crucial.

Can I do a computer science degree without computer science A Level?

Generally, you will need to have studied maths, computer science, or a science-based subject to be considered for this. Some universities may still deny you entry on their course if you do not have an A Level in maths, regardless of whether or not you have studied a BTEC.

What A levels are needed to study 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.

What do you need to study computer science at university?

Contextual offer information

A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics required. English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4. A total of 20 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics.

Can I study CS if I'm bad at math?

Yes, you can major in CS if you're bad at math, just get good enough to pass the math classes.

Studying Computer Science degree without A level Maths at Loughborough University, students insight.

Was Elon Musk a coder?

Yes, Elon Musk was a self-taught programmer who started coding as a child, creating his first video game, Blastar, at age 12 and selling its code, which laid the foundation for his tech ventures like Zip2 and X.com (PayPal). While he's known more as an entrepreneur and visionary now, programming was a fundamental skill that enabled his early success and remains crucial to his companies, with languages like C++, Python, and Java used at Tesla and SpaceX. 

Is computer science very math heavy?

Yes, computer science is generally math-heavy, especially in degree programs, requiring calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and statistics for core concepts like algorithms, data structures, and logic, though the intensity varies by specialization, with areas like Machine Learning and Computer Graphics being particularly math-intensive.
 

Is CS full of math?

Computer Science is built on maths, and it's going to be a large part of your next 3 years, but you'll be able to get the tools and learning required to make some amazing stuff using it. Just to show you a few examples, here's a demonstration of particle pollution using waves, represented in matrices.

Which university in the UK is best for computer science?

The Best Computer Science Degrees in the UK

• University of Oxford.
• University of Cambridge.
• University of St Andrews.
• Imperial College London.
• University of Birmingham.
• University of Edinburgh.
• University of Dundee.
• Durham University.

Is CS better or AI?

AI is a specialised branch focused on intelligent systems, machine learning, and automation. CSE is broader and offers more general IT roles like software development, database management, and systems engineering. If you are passionate about data, algorithms, and smart machines, AI is ideal.

Is computer science a hard A Level?

A-Level Computer Science can be a formidable challenge that places a strong focus on maths, computational thinking, and programming. The curriculum includes a wide range of computer science topics, such as computer architecture, algorithms, programming languages and problem-solving.

How much does computer science cost in the UK?

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

Understanding the financial aspects of pursuing a Master's in Computer Science in the UK is essential. Tuition fees for MSc Computer Science programmes range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year, translating to approximately ₹1,500,000 to ₹3,000,000 for Indian students.

What level of math do I need for computer science?

How Much Math Does a Computer Science Degree Require? Typical undergraduate computer science curriculum spans calculus, probability, algebra, discrete math and statistics coursework, including classes like: Calculus 1. Linear Algebra.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Yes, a software engineer can make $500,000 annually, typically at senior levels in major tech companies (like FAANG) or successful startups, through a blend of high base salary, substantial stock grants (RSUs), and bonuses, often requiring specialized skills, high-impact work, and strategic job moves. This compensation usually comes with significant equity upside, especially at early-stage companies, but also requires intense focus on system design, problem-solving, and continuous learning, notes Quora. 

How hard is computer science in university?

Computer science is often regarded as one of the most challenging majors to pursue in college—but why is that? The field's complexity, rigorous mathematical foundations and emphasis on abstract thinking contribute to its perceived difficulty.

Is 27 too late to start coding?

No, 27 is absolutely not too old to learn programming; many people successfully switch careers into tech at this age or older, proving age is less of a barrier than passion, dedication, and practical skill-building, though you might focus on leveraging existing experience (like data analysis) rather than expecting to become a top-tier software engineer by 30. Employers value what you can do, so build marketable skills, create a strong portfolio, and remember that persistence pays off, even if the learning curve feels steeper at times. 

What is the top 1 university in computer science?

There isn't one single "number 1" computer science university, as rankings vary, but the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) consistently ranks at or near the top globally and in the US across most major lists like U.S. News, QS, and Times Higher Education, often followed closely by Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Other top contenders include UC Berkeley, Princeton, and UIUC. 

What are the top 3 universities in the UK?

All of the league tables also rank universities in individual subjects. As of 2025, the top-five ranked universities in the United Kingdom are Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), St Andrews, and Durham, with Imperial College London, Bath and Warwick also appearing in the top ten of all three rankings.

Did Bill Gates go to Math 55?

Yes, Bill Gates took Math 55 at Harvard, the famously rigorous introductory math course, and reportedly did reasonably well, though not first in the class, as he balanced it with other challenging graduate-level courses and his early work on Microsoft. He took the one-year sequence, covering Honors Abstract Algebra and Honors Real & Complex Analysis, during his freshman year before dropping out. 

What degree has the least math?

Degrees with the least math are generally in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, such as English, History, Philosophy, Communications, Foreign Languages, Art, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Education, and some Business fields like Marketing or Management, with most requiring only basic math or introductory statistics instead of calculus. 

What's the hardest math class?

The "hardest" math class is subjective, but Real Analysis (Advanced Calculus) and Topology are often cited for undergraduates due to rigorous proofs and abstract concepts, while Harvard's Math 55 (covering multiple years) is famous for its extreme difficulty, and graduate-level courses like Measure Theory or Spectral Sequences are considered exceptionally challenging at the university level. Difficulty often stems from the shift from computation to rigorous proof and abstraction, moving beyond introductory calculus.
 

What is the hardest subject in CS?

9

• Algorithms & Data Structures. Abstract concepts & rigorous analysis make it challenging.
• Theory of Computation. Formal languages, automata, and complexity theory are tough.
• Operating Systems. ...
• Database Management Systems. ...
• Computer Networks. ...
• Compiler Design. ...
• Computer Graphics. ...
• Software Engineering.

Which is harder, math or coding?

Neither coding nor math is inherently "harder"; they demand different skills, with math often focusing on abstract proofs and deep concepts while coding emphasizes logic, problem-solving, and organization to build tangible things, though complex programming fields like AI or graphics require significant advanced math, while many web/app roles need only basic arithmetic. Math builds upward into complex theories, whereas coding provides tools (like libraries) to solve problems in manageable steps, making it more accessible initially but challenging at advanced levels, depending on the specific domain. 

Is it easy to get an A* in computer science?

No, getting an A* in Computer Science (especially at A-Level or university) is generally not considered easy; it requires significant discipline, consistent practice, strong problem-solving, and deep understanding beyond basic concepts, involving complex algorithms, mathematics, and extensive programming, though it's achievable with strategic effort. Success depends on mastering fundamentals, applying theory, consistent revision, and excellent exam technique, making it time-consuming and rigorous rather than inherently simple.