Why?
Oxford’s joint honours course in Mathematics and Computer Science is appealing in its offer of plentiful scope for exploring the links between these areas, emphasising the various benefits of combining the two. The course also allows students to study in depth, and with considerable freedom of choice by third year, the theoretical and practical aspects of both subjects, including advanced module options such as number theory and computational complexity.
Course
The course follows a standard structure for the first three years. In first year, students will study a combination of compulsory units from across Core Mathematics and Core Computer Science, including linear algebra, probability and programming, whilst second year again includes some compulsory Core Maths & Computer Science units but a smaller number, as students have the opportunity to pick options in both areas. Third year is entirely devoted to students’ individual options, which can include modules such as number theory, machine learning and communication theory.
Whilst all students apply for a 4-year course, it forms a matter of individual choice at the beginning of third year whether to achieve a BA, and complete a 3-year course, or continue on to fourth year and receive a Master’s Degree. Fourth year allows students to study these subjects at a more advanced level, in particular through undertaking a research project.
Applying
Candidates are expected to be taking Maths A Level, whilst Further Mathematics ‘is highly recommended’, according to Oxford itself.
The A-Level grades required to study Maths and Computer Science vary in specificity depending on students’ choice of A-Level subjects: a standard offer is A*AA, with an A* in Maths, however students studying Further Maths may receive an offer including A*A achieved between Maths and Further Maths. As with all grade requirements, Oxford admissions tutors will always take into account the contextual circumstances in which your grades have been achieved
When making decisions about applications, admissions tutors will also take into account students’ performance in the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), where they’ll be expected to achieve a score of roughly 60-70+, although this will vary year on year depending on the difficulty of the test.
Ideal Mathematics and Computer Science applicants will demonstrate an enthusiasm for approaching new ideas and unfamiliar problems. The ideal candidate will also illustrate a strong ability in Mathematics and a capacity to work independently.
Statistics
2017 - Applications: 1371, Offers: 209, Acceptance Rate: 13%.
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