Computer Science

Oxford

Why?

Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives, from the cars we drive, to the movies we watch, to the ways businesses and governments deal with us. 

Students study the design, development and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts. Because computers solve problems to serve people, there is a significant human side to computer science as well.

Course

Students studying Computer Science at Oxford in their first year do a number of core modules. They include continuous mathematics, linear algebra and programming.

The second and third year include core courses such as algorithms, and models of computation. There is also the option to study everything from further machine learning, computer security and geometric computing.

Computer science can be studied for three years as part of a BA and can also be studied as part of a four-year Masters. The fourth year allows for an in-depth research project. Applicants do not need to worry about choosing between the two options when they apply. They instead decide at the start of their third year.

Applying

At a minimum, candidates should be expected to achieve A*AA at A Level. Students must be expected to achieve an A in Mathematics. Students who have done Further Maths at A Level or AS Level are expected to achieve a minimum of a Grade A. Furthermore, the A* must be in Further Maths, Mathematics or Computer Science. For those doing IB, students must be expected to achieve 39 points of with a 766 at Higher Level, the 7 must be in Higher Level Mathematics.

However, one should be aware that many students applying will have grades above these.

Students are also required to take the Mathematics admission Test (MAT)

Statistics

2017 - Applications: 427, Offers: 36, Acceptance Rate: 8%