BSc/MComp Computer Science or BSc Mathematics

Mansize_tissue · 29 Feb 2008 at 16:46

I'm off to university next year and I'll either be studying Computer Science or Mathematics.

I'm just interested to know if any of you were in a similar position (torn between 2 degree courses similar to the above) and what you did. Or what you would do being in my situation.

I haven't made my mind up yet as to which course I'll make my firm choice. I suppose a Mathematics degree would be more highly regarded, however I'm guessing I'll find a lot of the modules in the Computer Science course more interesting.

Which ever I do I can spend around 1/3 of my time studying the other. But if I chose the Mathematics degree, for example, I won't be able to do all of the Comp Sci modules that maybe I'd have liked to.

Mansize_tissue · 29 Feb 2008 at 17:00

Ripper said:
What do you want to do after uni?

I'm still really unsure at the moment. I guess that doesn't exactly help this decision process, does it!

Mansize_tissue · 29 Feb 2008 at 18:54

Thank you for your responses so far, guys!

Unfortunately, Tokenbrit, these options aren't available at the university I've applied to. Had they been offered, I'd have probably chosen them.

BUSH, I've applied to both at the same university (UEA), so it's unlikely that either course will benefit with respect to the reputation of the university.

Psyk, you really think that the difference in reputability between the 2 degree subjects is really that small? I was led to believe rather the opposite, which is kind of reflected by the course requirements (BBC for Comp Sci and ABB for Maths).

Mansize_tissue · 29 Feb 2008 at 19:39

Thank you, Tokenbrit.

Well I do really enjoy Mathematics at A-level, and it's always been my forte. Thus, I think I'd also enjoy studying a degree in Mathematics. However, I've been told by some people that the courses are usually a little... dry. Even my current Mathematics teacher started out doing a Mathematics degree but switched over to a Comp Sci one, which still involved a lot of mathematics.

Mansize_tissue · 29 Feb 2008 at 20:01

Nullvoid said:
If it's all at the same university then surely the MComp is the stronger of the three choices? Computer science is still a numerate subject and with that extra year of Master's level study surely you're giving yourself a leg up over the bog standard graduate with a 2.1+ BSc.

I suppose. Although, for the sake of this comparison/decision let's say I'll do the BSc degree in Computer Science, as I'm not sure I'll want to do the extra year. That's a very good point, though, and thank you for bringing it up.

SideWinder said:
What is 'Computer Science'?

A fairly large umbrella term, under which much lies. Take a look at the course structure.

Mansize_tissue · 29 Feb 2008 at 21:28

platypus said:
Do Mathematics man, it's fantastic . I did it to MSc level and loved it. Plus you can do literally anything with a Maths degree.

Sorry for not reading the entire thread, but its past nine and I'm pretty drunk. Where are you going?

I'm really contemplating it. It'll be at the UEA. I kind of wished I applied to somewhere... better, but it's too late now. Where did you do it?

Mansize_tissue · 29 Feb 2008 at 22:40

mpledge52, what don't you enjoy about Comp Sci? Also, if you had taken their advice, what degree would you be doing?

Heh, those courses with a year abroad certainly do look appealing, Nullvoid. However, those are quite popular so I don't know if I'd be able to get in, or even afford to for that matter!

Basically, I think I'm aiming to get into the IT industry. I know that often people say that 3 years of work experience is of more value to an employer than 3 years spent doing a degree, but I still want to have the experience of going to university and gaining a decent qualification, should I need to fall back on it in the future. Also, if I was (were? am? ...meh, language is failing me tonight) to do the CS degree, am I right in thinking choosing the option with a year in industry would be better than doing the straight 3-year course? I mean, it'll put me ahead of other graduates with a bog-standard BSc in Comp Sci when it comes to getting job, wouldn't it?

dowie, I like your thinking! I'd never thought of doing a post-graduate degree at another university. At the end of the day--well 3 years, but whatever--I'll have to see what kind of position I'm in and whether I actually want to continue in education, but that's definitely something to keep in mind. Thank you.