Levelling Up: Maths for Computer Science

Supporting A Level Maths students thinking of studying Computer Science at university.

What is Levelling Up: Maths for Computer Science?

Levelling Up: Maths for Computer Science (LUMCS) nurtures students from underserved groups, particularly women students, who are considering studying Computer Science at university. The aim is to grow their confidence, to inspire them and improve their attainment in A Level Maths. 

The programme supports students studying their A Levels by connecting them with a tutor, usually an undergraduate from a local university, for group sessions offering support with A Level Maths and extension material, as well as advice on the university experience from application to graduation.

The programme aims to make sure young women  are ready to apply for a place at university, and then to succeed once they are there.  

Benefits to students

  • Supported in their transition from secondary to higher education  
  • Increased confidence to apply for a place at university  
  • Maximising their chances of success once they are there 
  • Feeling welcome, valued, and included.  

Benefits to HEIs

  • Maximising retention and success rate on computing courses
  • Evidence of engagement and widening participation from feeder schools 
  • Personal development & CV enhancing experience for undergraduate tutors on the programme
How it works

Teaching sessions are usually online, beginning in the second term of Year 12 and continuing with regular sessions through Year 13 until shortly before the A Level examinations. 

The programme was created by the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and BCS has created the Computer Science content of the programme.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT endorses and supports the scheme, and provides all the necessary materials, but the responsibility for implementing the scheme lies with each participating university.  

What support does BCS provide?
  • All learning materials for the programme – both from the LMS and BCS 
  •  Endorsement of the scheme and the associated use of branding 
  •  Overview of the scheme and general tips/advice on running it 
  • Material for each session (including pre-reading, tutor notes, problems, solutions) 
  • Regular community meetings to share experiences with other participating universities
The responsibilities of the participating university
  • Recruiting, training and paying undergraduate tutors (including DBS checks) 
  •  Setting appropriate definitions of “underserved groups” 
  •  Working with local schools and colleges to recruit A Level students 
  • Selecting A Level students who meet the agreed criteria 
  • Obtaining appropriate privacy statements for use of online conference platforms
  • Providing a platform for the sessions (including safeguarding considerations, etc.) 
  •  Appropriate scheduling of sessions for the duration of the programme 
  • Deciding on additional sessions, as seems appropriate 
  • On-going mentoring for the tutors

How to get involved?

If you are an HEI and would like to take part in LUMCS, please contact us on levellingup@bcs.uk 

If you are a student and would like to take part, here is a list of universities running the programme: 

  • University of Bath 
  • Cardiff University 
  • Sheffield University
  • Queen Mary University London 

Levelling Up: Maths for Computer Science is part of Levelling UP: STEM