Help my son choose his college courses (IT related)

[£15]

My 16yr old son has got the GCSE grades to go to a local academy to study Maths/IT. He wants to go into programming. He's currently chosen Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science, all at A-Level. He went to the school today for an 'orientation day' and got chatting with one of the tutors. The tutor has suggested he swap his Computer Science A-Level for their IT Diploma in Scripting & Programming, which is apparently worth 2 A-Levels. If he were to do this, he would have to drop Further Maths (he's only allowed to study up to three A-Levels, or equivalent). He has the time to change his mind, but is unsure what to do.

The tutor explained that 50% of the students that do the Scripting & Programming secure a sponsor to put them through University and that the course would suit him better.

I do not know enough about the subjects to be able to advise him on the matter, other than to say we'd support him whatever. But I thought I'd ask here (as there are so many of you in the IT field) for any advice you may be able to give that could help him choose?

Thanks

 

[£15]

Thanks to all who took the time to respond.

He wants to go to Uni to study programming. Manchester seems to be at the top of his list. Their entry requirements are Maths and a 'science' - which appears to include Computer Science, but not sure about the diploma (we'd need to call them).

From what he's told me, the scripting and programming course will be more 'specific', potentially offer more experience/work placement opportunities and even lead to a sponsorship. He appears to now be leaning towards that.

He's in the ATC and I've been encouraging him to explore the opportunities the RAF may be able to provide in the IT field.