I know that classes, particularly in computing, are quite different in America. The main difference being how available high school classes are in America in comparison the UK (I don't know of a secondary school in my county that offers the GCSE or any other classes). I was wondering if anyone UK based knows how big the gap for Univesity Computer Science is? (which I am considering)
I'm currently doing A-levels (just started) and I want to get into code but I have no experience in any languages. The closest I've come to is messing around with game engines etc (nothing big). Would I need to be confident in C or C++ before even applying for University or would a little knowledge in Python or Java be enough?
Also, what websites or books would you recommend for learning Python for example? I still have 3 years to think about all this mind
Hey, I'm from the UK myself, I'd literally no programming experience before I went to Uni, seriously don't sweat it, learning some yourself before hand would maybe help but the first year they teach you as if you've never programmed before ever, so it's not really an issue. To give you some perspective on how someone without any programming experience before Uni is doing I'm currently on a placement year (3rd year) and I'm basically on track for a 1st when I go back next year, it's all just about how hard you work.
So as for the gap, 1st year of Uni is easier than A-Levels (At least I'd say so). So that being said, your A-Levels are very important to actually get into a Uni which is good for the subject and highly rated, so do your very best and get into the best uni you can, hopefully you're taking Maths aswell as quite a few Uni's require it.
If you have any other questions let me know :D
p.s didn't proof read probably loads of terrible English HI-FIVE!
I am at plymouth university studying computing in my second year now. Most universitys I looked at don't require any previous knoweldge, just a general understanding of the computing basics and a willingness to learn. Oh and don't be surprised if they ask for Maths or Physics, Because the way you are taught to think and process information in maths and physics is simular to the methods you need for programming.
If you want any advice or any questions just drop me a message.
I'm on my second year of Sixth Form myself, and I too am looking to study Computer Science at uni. Ive been looking at universities (since I have to get my applications ready soon), and I am yet to find one that asks for any programming experience. They are very keen on your maths though.
However, learning some basic coding always helps, specially since all programming languages have things in common (ie/"IF statements", "FOR loops", some sort of variable declaration...). Most Computing/CS courses will teach you C/C++ in the first year, so if you can familiarise yourself with some sort of programming it will help.
Thanks for the response guys, and yes I'm taking Maths and Physics (aswell as ICT and Sociology), although I will probably drop maths at AS. I've heard of a fair few people getting in to Uni with a D at AS, of course I'll try my hardest. I imagine myself to be aiming for Plymouth or Exeter as they are close and very good universities.
Seriously, I didn't think I'd get such a good response, thanks!
I know this is your decision, but I would really suggest not dropping Maths at AS. Most universites for CS require a full A2 in Maths and it really will help you in Physics. I'm doing my A2s now hoping to go to uni to study CS (some with Maths :P) but my programming and general thinking skills are so much better because of it. Just something you might consider :).
I was having a simlar problem as you are last year and now doing my A levels and now im doing a broad computing course which isnt the best but we do databases, programing, game design etc. But the thing i did to have a better understanding is either read alot, websites like udemy some coarses are free but some paid but you might get like 80 lessons with that for around about £20-£30, udacity is a very very good which is all free but some are limited to stuff and i dont think they have anything much on the programming side except from html, and last of all and the best try get work experience in it you will be suprised where so of these places are hidden i googled it where i live and turns out there is full development stuio around about 1 mile away.
The most useful class I have ever taken is programing 101, I went into college knowing how to code; however, this class really opened my eyes to concepts that I thought I had already mastered (Loops, functions, ect..) and gave me new ideas on how I can approach old concepts. Do I think you should go into your university knowing nothing? absolutely! For example my brother just graduated with a BS (Bachelors in Science) in computer science, and he switched majors during his second year of college.
Best of luck!
Python
PS: Basic's are the key to programing (putting logic aside).
To me programming is best learned by self exploration or with people you either look up to or are comfortable with.
I have no prior programming education other than the internet and quite a large amount of books on not only programming but the underlying foundation of how computers actually work (that is just me).
It really helps to find something simple, that you're interested in and essentially dive in. There are very very many tutorials online, video tutorials as well. I'm not saying don't goto college because it will help you for sure. But just for a prior knowledge to college go ahead and maybe pickup one of the "For Dummies" Programming books or many other that you could find at a quality book store.
Even if one of the books teaches you say a bad usage of say loops and privating functions or even basic stuff, you'll still be able to ask about it in college and have a prior knowledge which I guess this entire post is for.
If you learn something wrong from one of the books, its not bad. Atleast you can still learn from a professor that it is an incorrect usage of that object or so and can re-learn. But in the end, you will still have the basis of programming.
Sorry if that made literaly no sense. I'm going a bit out of it, I've been working on quite a bit lately :D
-Devon
PS: Stick with basic stuff, it is the basis for EVERYTHING.
I know plymouth required me to have a A-level in maths to get onto the BSc striaght away, which i didn't have so i got stuck doing a foundation year, which is actually quite helpful cause its more about teaching you how to be a uni student. Just a tip from a current student at plymouth. It is a amazing university, But definatly try and get to one of the open days and chat with the course heads, because the first year for all the computing courses are fundamentaly the same. Which means if you can't make your mind up in the first year you get the chance to transfere in your second year.
If you stick with plymouth and just take any of the computing degrees your first year is C# as the main language you will use, second year is java, php, asp.net and there is a optional iOS and android modules in second year as well.
As i said before, just give me a shout if you want any advice or more information.
Personally I had been programming for a good handful of years before taking my high school programming courses (I live in Canada), and let me tell you, they were of little to no help. I feel like the only help they provided was simply in the fact that you were forced to program more often for assignments and whatnot. I am now a Computer Science major and the Computer Science program is open to those who have never programmed before. And as such, all the first year courses do not depend on any knowledge of programming! They teach it all from scratch in first year. It was quite annoying for those of us who knew what we were doing but I'm sure you would have no issues going into a programming-centric program having taken no more than math in high school. (You should teach yourself the basics and take on a small project to start though, as you may find that you hate programming.)