Computer Science and Math Study

I am applying for this course as technology advancements intrigue me and I want be a part of developing new technologies in my future career. My A-Level subjects are all based in STEM and studying them has allowed me to develop my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. This is an essay for computer science study where I will share why I want to study this degree. 

I love Maths because it involves reasoning, logic and problem solving. I’m also keen to continue with Maths studies because I want to do a subject which forms the foundation of today’s technology. Going beyond what I learn in my Maths lessons is something I enjoy doing.  For instance, I recently watched a lecture by Professor Dan Ciubotaru on Introductory Calculus and then worked on the “Ordinary Differential Equations” chapter from the book “Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences”.  I taught myself integration by substitution and parts and separable differential equations. I definitely enjoyed building on my previous knowledge of differentiation and integration.  However, it was solving the longer applied problems that I found especially interesting: these pushed me to use what I had taught myself in a real-life scenario and forced me to think creatively and in-depth as I was tackling the questions. Doing more challenging problems has confirmed to me that I would love to pursue maths to a higher level.  I want to learn more, be stretched and apply my mathematical knowledge.


In year 11, I achieved the “Best in Year” award for the UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge and I still enjoy doing past papers in my free time. Working on the papers allows me to use and develop my problem-solving skills which I find really stimulating. 

To continue why I want to study computer science essay I did computer science at GCSE and although I chose not to do it at A-level I have undertaken activities in my spare time over the past year to develop my understanding of algorithms and my coding skills. For example, I read a book called “Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions”, which detailed how the logic used in computer science extends into all aspects of life. The book introduced me to the logic behind several types of algorithm and I was prompted to consider some of these algorithms more deeply. The chapter on sorting algorithms particularly caught my attention and led me to write my own bubble, merge, insertion and selection sort programs in Python.

Additionally, I watched YouTube videos on Dijkstra’s Algorithm (including a lecture by Professor Srini Devadas, MIT).  These inspired me to write my own program in Python. To further my understanding of the algorithm, I created a GUI for my Dijkstra program using Tkinter. This GUI allows the user to visually track the progress of the program with a diagram which updates as the algorithm runs. Creating this GUI helped me to understand the purpose of every line of the Dijkstra algorithm and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this algorithm in depth.

I also completed a two-week Cyber Security course run by the National Cyber Security Centre this summer. I learned about encryption, encoding, file carving and steganography to name only a few things. The interactive team activities were especially stimulating as I was able to work with others to find a solution to the task we were given.
 I support my friends with their A-level maths and further maths studies. I have found seeing my friends improve very rewarding. As a bonus, I have found that through explaining topics to them I have actually deepened my own understanding.

To end up essay for computer science, my passion for Computer Science and Maths has led me to applying for and attending technology work experience days at GCHQ, Arm and IBM.  These days have affirmed my ambition for a career in technology and I am sure that studying Computer Science and Maths at university level will support me in furthering that ambition.