Computer Science

Computer Science is all about innovative thinking, problem-solving and harnessing technology! It’s considered to be a foundational science - one which makes other knowledge and ambitions possible through a scientific and practical approach. During your degree you’ll study well-defined methodologies (protocols, algorithms etc), development techniques (agile, DevOps etc) and psychology laws, alongside learning about programming, security and machine intelligence!

Why study Computer Science at Oxbridge?

Computer Science will certainly allow you to apply mathematical concepts to exciting technology, but it’s so much more than that! Technology impacts every professional sector so your degree will explore psychology, ethics, business, medicine and law too. Tech is an incredibly dynamic industry so there’s always more to discover and your graduate opportunities will be diverse (and well-paying)!
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Both Cambridge and Oxford are pioneers of Computer Science and their degree courses are known to be broad and deep. You’ll learn the programming languages Ocaml, Java, C++ and Prolog explicitly at both universities but there’s a focus on learning adaptable skills that allow you to learn any language effectively. It’s all about problem-solving!

In addition to pure Computer Science, Oxford offers Computer Science with either Maths or Philosophy. Cambridge only offers a pure course. 

Lifestyle

Cambridge: 

​Oxford:

Find a Day in the Life article by a Cambridge Computer Scientist here!

Application Process

Ideal Preparation Timeline (year of application)

• January-September:  Explore your studies and boost your personal statement through supra-curriculars!                                                                             Ensure that you are on track for strong A-Level* grades too.
• September-October: Draft your personal statement and register for your entrance exam.
• October-November: Prepare for the TMUA (Cambridge) or the MAT (Oxford) entrance exam
• November-December: Prepare for your interview. 
• December onwards: Focus on your A-Levels*.

Note: Neither Cambridge nor Oxford ask for any submitted written work as part of the application process for Computer Science. 
* Or equivalent. 

Key Dates (2022 Entry)

• October 15 - UCAS Deadline (includes personal statement); TMUA/MAT Registration Deadline
• October 22 - Cambridge Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) Deadline. 
• November 3 - MAT Test (Oxford)
• November 4 - TMUA Test (Cambridge)
• December - Interviews

Some Cambridge colleges will require you to sit the CSAT written assessment on your interview day(s). Please check with the individual colleges to determine their interview process.

Grade Requirements
Cambridge

• A-Levels: A*A*A
• Advanced Highers: A1, A1, A2
• IB: 40-42 points with 766 at Higher Level. 
• Each college has different subject requirements, but all colleges require A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics. See here for requirements by college. 
  
  

Oxford

• A-Levels: A*AA
  • ​Including at least an A in Maths with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computing/Computer Science.
  • If Further Maths A-level or AS-level is taken, at least an A is expected.
• Advanced Highers: AA/AAB with an A in Maths. 
• IB: 39 points with 766 at HL. The 7 must be in Higher Level Maths. 

Recommended A-Level Choices

• Maths
• Further Maths
• Computer Science 
• (Optional) one of: Physics, Economics, Philosophy and Business

Supracurriculars

What are supra-curriculars?

THE UNIREACH GUIDE

Computer Science specific advice

• You need to understand that Computer Science is so much more than just programming!
• ​A strong mathematical ability is more essential than a technical background when it comes to an Oxbridge application. 
• Understand, practice and hone your problem solving skills using websites such as Project Euler & Numberphile. 
• Try to stay up-to-date with all things tech as it’s an extremely fast-moving industry. ​

Assessment

MAT (oxford)

TMUA (CAMBRIDGE)

Personal Statement

THE UNIREACH GUIDE

PERSONAL STATEMENT BANK

Interview

THE UNIREACH GUIDE

INTERVIEW BANK

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Advice Sheet

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Interview Testimonies

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