BSc/MComp Computer Science or BSc Mathematics

Mansize_tissue

Mansize_tissue

Mansize_tissue

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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 said:
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.
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Sounds like you only want the kudos that goes with a Maths degree, where you'd obviously enjoy the computer science degree, and get a better grade because of it.

Computer Science.
 
I ended up doing BSc Physics with Computer Science (75% physics, 25% comp sci). The physics gives the degree much more clout than comp sci on its own (sorry, but certain subjects are harder than others)...

Assuming you can get the same degree classification in either subject, a degree with 'Mathematics' in the title will look better on the CV than 'Computer Science'.
 
I did a maths degree (well, mathematical physics but it was run by the maths department) and now work as a software developer.

Had I the oppotunity to go back and pick my course again I would probably choose to do computer science.
I became a software developer because that's what I enjoy doing, however I chose my university course because I was good at maths at school.

I spent 3 years at uni loathing my course and was bored stupid by it.
 
I couple of years ago I was considering either an MEng or an Masters in Physics and Philosophy. I ended up chosing the engineering as I felt it'd leave me more employable after 4 years.

However, maths is about as well regarded as subjects come, despite not being particularly "vocational". It's a tricky decision...
 
From my experience pick what you think you'll enjoy more, nothing worse than studying something you have no interest in.

As for how well regarded the degree is, it will probably matter more which university you go to than whether you did maths or computer science.
 
They are both well respected subjects. Perhaps maths is more respected overall than CS. But the difference is small enough so it's insignificant compared to how much you enjoy the subject.

Chances are, you'll be able to switch after the first year if you do a few modules from both. So if you pick one then realise you hate it and prefer the other, you'll be able to change.
 
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).
 
Anybody who tells you a CS degree is as respected as a maths degree is almost certainly a current/past CS student living in "self denial land". Having said that CS is more vocational and there are certainly jobs which you would be better qualified for with a CS degree.
Student attitude is something that comes up a lot in discussions amongst the staff in my maths department. Inparticular we see that the students who want to learn maths will generally do at least decently well. On the other hand we see the students with no passion for the subject and who just want a good degree struggling a lot (bar some gifted exceptions).
I would suggest that you think about whether you would enjoy a maths degree, if you think you would then my answer would be to go for it.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
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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'? :o
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A fairly large umbrella term, under which much lies. Take a look at the course structure.
 
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?
 
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?
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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?
 
Someone once told me to do a degree that you will enjoy, not one that you're good at. I didn't follow their advice and have regretted it ever since. I'm a final year student in computer science btw.....
 
Realistically, a mathmatics degree will probably get you further, although I would strongly suggest that you do what you enjoy as you'll be spending the best part of three years immersed in it.
 
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