or Computer Science and Philosophy (IV15)

BA/Master’s in Computer Science (G400), Mathematics and Computer Science (GG14)

Computer Science is about understanding the mathematical,
scientific and engineering principles underlying every kind of
computing system, from cloud servers and supercomputers
to smart phones and games consoles. At its heart, Computer
Science is about problem solving: finding correct, efficient
and elegant solutions to problems.

BA/Master’s in Computer Science,

Mathematics and Computer Science
or Computer Science and Philosophy
www.cs.ox.ac.uk/undergradcourses
Oxford has one of the longest-established Computer Science
departments in the country. Today it is home to world-class research
and teaching. Research activities encompass core Computer Science,
including computational biology, quantum computing, machine
learning, security, computational linguistics, information systems,
software verification and software engineering. Practical applications of
Computer Science include artificial intelligence, big data, fighting cancer
and protecting endangered species.

Why Computer Science at Oxford?

n Knowledge that endures. Our courses teach n The outstanding mix of people. Join a
the principles behind whatever technology community where you live and study alongside
you are using, rather than just the rules of a people who are as passionate about your subject
particular programming language. By the time as you are. Learning and debate doesn’t stop when
you leave Oxford, you will be able to pick up a you leave the lecture theatre but continues in
new programming language in half a day and social areas and over meals.
begin to use it productively straight away. n Active student societies: the Oxford University
n Personalised tuition from internationally Computer Society (CompSoc) and Oxford Women
recognised subject experts, through the world- in Computer Science Society (OxWoCS) both
famous Oxford tutorial system. Our tutorials are organise academic, social and career events,
mainly given by members of academic staff, not talks by invited industry speakers and provide
graduate students. We have an excellent staff networking and mentoring opportunities.
to student ratio: the department is a home to n Cutting-edge science in a historic setting:
around 170 academic and research staff, and join one of the top-ranked Computer Science
has over 260 undergraduates, making for a institutions in the world1, and become part of the
friendly and supportive atmosphere. oldest university in the English-speaking world,
n Strong industry links and our reputation which has been educating world-changing leaders
for excellence means our students are highly for over 800 years. The department is in the heart
sought after. We host regular guest seminars of our small city, so everything you need is just a
and lectures by visiting international academics short walk or cycle away.
or industry representatives. Oxford has also n World-class resources, not only for academic
produced a number of highly successful startups, work, but also for sporting, artistic, creative and
including Dark Blue Labs, DiffBlue and Natural social activities. The University of Oxford has over
Motion. 100 libraries, so our students rarely have to buy a
n Practical experiences: many of our students book. There’s an undergraduate social area in the
undertake paid internships during the summer department, where you can help yourself to a free
vacations. The Careers Service and the coffee, relax, catch up on your email or discuss
department can help you find positions. Oxford Computer Science with fellow students.
is well placed for internships. A recent ‘Tech n Generous financial support. Oxford offers some
Nation’ report recognised Oxfordshire as a major of the country’s most generous financial assistance
digital cluster. With around 25,000 people in to UK and EU students from lower income
digital tech economy jobs, the city is especially households to help with the cost of undergraduate
known for its expertise in cyber security, app study. Around a quarter of first-year students are
and software development, gaming and cloud given an Oxford bursary, which they never have to
computing. Many placements lead to well-paid pay back. A variety of scholarships and prizes are
employment amongst top organisations. available during the course of the degree.

1
First in the world in the 2018 Times Higher Education 2017-18 rankings for Computer Science.
 “I love how much freedom I have studying Computer Science and
Philosophy; I’m taking courses from Knowledge and Reality to Lambda
Calculus, allowing me to learn how to produce rigorous arguments
both quantitively and qualitatively. This diverse skill set is great prep
for almost any career.” Maninderbir Sachdeva
4th Year, Computer Science and Philosophy

Which course is right for me?

We are looking for students who have a real flair for mathematics: these are the skills needed for reasoning rigorously about the
specific behaviour of programs and computer systems, and also for applications such as computer graphics, machine learning and
scientific computing.

Computer Science Mathematics and Computer Science

To be a successful Computer Science Computer Science and Philosophy
student, you will need a curiosity about The Mathematics and Computer Science Our Computer Science and Philosophy
how things work, and the ability to use joint degree gives you the chance degree allows you to study fascinating
mathematics to solve problems creatively. to combine Computer Science with topics that are both intellectually exciting
Computer Science at Oxford starts advanced study of pure mathematics, and creative right from the start: in
with the fundamentals of computers and will suit you if you are interested in Computer Science through the design of
and programming, so it is not necessary using computers to solve mathematical computer programs, and in Philosophy
to have studied Computing or ICT as a or scientific problems, or in the deeper through the working out of arguments
formal subject. We do however expect mathematical basis of Computer Science and systems of thought. The two
to see evidence of genuine interest and itself. By its nature Computer Science is disciplines meet in many fruitful ways,
engagement with the subject. very mathematical, applying deep and including artificial intelligence, artificial life
beautiful mathematics to real-world and modelling, information ethics, logic,
problems. robotics and virtual reality.

All undergraduate level programmes are offered as three-year (BA) and four-year (Master’s) degrees. You do not need to decide between
the three- or four-year option when you apply: everyone applies for the four-year option, and chooses at the beginning of the third year
whether to stay for one more year or two.2
For further details on course content, and options visit: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/undergradcourses
© Oxford University Images /Rob Judges Photography

More than just a degree...

The ‘city of dreaming spires’, Oxford is opportunities to do that. Equally, if you just
famous the world over for its university, like to kick a football around occasionally,
history and beautiful buildings. A bustling there will be a place for you in one of your
cosmopolitan place, its industries include college’s teams.
motor manufacturing, publishing, and
a large number of information technology The University of Oxford offers
and science-based businesses. Oxford unsurpassed opportunities to get involved
has plenty of student-oriented pubs, in activities outside the confines of your
restaurants and clubs, and for those who subject. From music and arts to politics and
© Oxford University Images /Greg Smolonski

can be lured away by the bright lights, cultural groups, most students have one or
London and Birmingham are both little more more passions that they pursue with others,
than an hour away by public transport. either within their college or with students
from other colleges. At eight weeks, Oxford
Oxford provides excellent facilities for terms are very short, but somehow you will
sport at every level, from the Boat Race find the time to fit it all in.
to college darts. If you can play a sport
at international level, then there will be

2
Students need to achieve a 2:1 at the end of their third year in order to progress to the fourth year.
BA/Master’s in Computer Science
First Year: lays the foundations for the work you
How are the courses structured?
will do later in the degree. The emphasis is on using Computer Science (CS) Mathematics (M) Philosophy (P)

KEY
the power of mathematics to help design programs Compulsory subject: l Optional:
and to explain why they are correct. You will study
the basics of Computer Science, beginning with
1st/2nd year Core Computer Science Courses CS M&CS CS&P
how to write a good computer program, taking
Continuous Mathematics l l
compulsory core Computer Science courses.
Design & Analysis of Algorithms l l l
Second Year: you will take more core Computer
Science courses, plus you will choose Computer Digital Systems l
Science options in the areas that interest you Discrete Mathematics l l
most. You will also take part in a group design Functional Programming l l l
practical, working with a group of fellow students
Imperative Programming l l l
to design a solution to a practical problem. Many
group projects have the support of well-known Intro to Formal Proof l
international companies. Linear Algebra l
Third Year: brings more flexibility to your timetable. Probability l l l
You will choose from a range of Computer Science Algorithms & Data Structures l l l
options. Single honours students undertake an
Models of Computation l l l
extended project, usually with the aim of developing
a substantial computer program, or analysis of a Concurrent Programming l
computer system. Compilers l
Optional Fourth Year: you will spend about Group Design Practical l l l
two-thirds of your time taking research-oriented
Computer Science advanced options. You will also 1st/2nd year 1st/2nd year
do a research-oriented advanced project. Core Mathematics Courses Core Philosophy Courses
Algebra Intro to Complex Numbers Elements of Deductive Logic

How the joint honours degrees Analysis Intro to Pure Mathematics

General Philosophy

Intro to Logic
differ from single honours Complex Analysis Linear Algebra
Turing on Computability &
BA/Master’s in Mathematics and Computer Science Groups & Group Actions Metric Spaces Intelligence
During the first two years of the course you
will split your time roughly equally between the
Computer-Aided Formal Verification Ethics
two subjects. You will take (compulsory) core
Computer Architecture
Mathematics courses and core Computer Science Knowledge & Reality
courses. During the second and third year you will Computer Graphics
Philosophical Logic
choose from a range of Mathematics options and
Example 2nd/3rd/4th year

Computer Security
Computer Science Options

Philosophy of Cognitive Science

Computer Science options. In the third and fourth Concurrency
Example 2nd/3rd year

year, you have freedom to specialise more in one Philosophy of Mathematics

Philosophy Options

Databases
subject or the other if you wish. (But, unlike the Philosophy of Mind
single honours students, you won’t undertake an Intelligent Systems
extended project.) In the optional fourth year, you Philosophy of Science
Logic & Proof
will spend about two-thirds of your time taking Machine Learning Philosophy of Logic & Language
Mathematics advanced options and Computer
Principles of Programming Languages The Rise of Modern Logic
Science advanced options, plus completing
a Computer Science project or Mathematics
Banach Spaces Integer Programming
dissertation.
2nd/3rd year
Mathematics

BA/Master’s in Computer Science and Philosophy Communication Theory Logic

Example

Options

In the first year you will take (compulsory) core Graph Theory Set Theory
Philosophy courses and core Computer Science Hilbert Spaces Topology & Groups
courses. During the second year, you will take
further core Computer Science courses, plus
Advanced Security
Philosophy options and Computer Science options. Algebraic Topology
During the first two years, your time is split Automata, Logic & Games
roughly equally between the two subjects, but Computational Game Theory Axiomatic Set Theory
Computer Science Advanced Options

in the third and fourth years, you can specialise

Mathematics Advanced Options

Computational Learning Theory

in one subject if you wish. In the third and fourth Combinatorics
Computer Animation
years, you will take Computer Science options and
Computer Science advanced options respectively, Concurrent Algorithms & Data Structures Elliptic Curves
plus Philosophy options. Unlike the single honours Database Systems Implementation
Example 4th year

Godel’s Incompleteness
students you will not take a third year project, but
Example 4th year

Physical Based Rendering Theorems

you may undertake either a Computer Science
Probablistic Model Checking Hyperbolic Equations
project or Philosophy thesis in the fourth year.
Probability & Computing
Probabilistic
Quantum Computer Science Combinatorics

For further details on course content, and options visit: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/undergradcourses

The courses listed above are illustrative and may change. This information is intended as a simplified, rough guide. A full list of current options is
available on the course website.
How will I be taught?
Our courses concentrate on creating links between theory and practice. You will also gain practical problem-
solving and program design skills. The majority of subjects within the Computer Science elements of our
degrees are linked with practical work in our well-equipped laboratories.

Tutorials normally consist of a one-hour meeting be building a compiler for your own programming
between two students and a tutor. They are based in language, guided by a member of staff. Practical
colleges, and are an opportunity for you to spend an work might occupy two afternoons a week.
hour discussing some aspect of Computer Science.
In your own time, you will write solutions to a set of Problem classes: in later years of the course, you
problems, and your tutor will mark your work and will also take part in small classes for the specialised
then discuss it with you for an hour. Students typically topics that you have chosen to study in your degree.
have two or three tutorials or classes each week. These small classes are taught by people with
specialised knowledge in the topic.
Lectures bring together students from all colleges
to hear about some aspect of Computer Science, Project work: you will have the opportunity to
often from a world expert on that part of the make a more extensive exploration of some of the
subject. Our students typically attend eight to ideas from your course by doing a project. You will
twelve lectures a week. have a project supervisor to guide your work, and
might meet once a week.
Practicals give you an opportunity to work on
real programs that reflect the principles you have Assessment: at the end of your first, second
learned, and are a way to become familiar with up- and third years you will sit exams. Most fourth
to-date computing and programming technology. year options are assessed by a take-home exam
One week you might be creating interactive that you will complete during the Christmas or
computer graphics, and another week you might Easter vacation.

What qualifications do I need?

A-Levels: We will normally make an offer of A*AA on three A-Levels including at least an A in Mathematics:
• Computer Science, and Computer Science and Philosophy: the A* must be in Mathematics, Further
Mathematics or Computing. Those taking Further Mathematics A-Level or AS Level are required to achieve
at least a Grade A.
• Mathematics and Computer Science: if Further Mathematics is taken, then including A*A between
Mathematics and Further Mathematics; otherwise including A* in Mathematics. Those taking Further
Mathematics AS Level are required to achieve at least a Grade A.
Further Mathematics is strongly recommended as the best preparation for our courses. Computer Science or
another science is recommended. Most successful candidates will have taken Further Mathematics to A2, but it
isn’t a requirement.
International Baccalaureate: 39 points, including core points. Higher Level grades of 7 6 6 with
the 7 in Mathematics. For those taking the revised IB Mathematics syllabus (examinations from 2021) we will
accept both Mathematics courses at HL.

For further information, including details of the wide range of alternative qualifications we are happy to accept,
see: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/howtoapply

What is the role of the college?

Each Oxford college has its own particular history, ethos and architecture but the degree is identical. The
Computer Science courses are organised and largely taught by the department: lectures, classes, practicals,
projects and exams are all provided centrally. Your college will provide you with tutorials, where you and
another student will meet with a tutor to discuss problems you have attempted to solve, or other aspects of
Computer Science. This individual tuition is one of the University’s great strengths. In addition, your personal
tutor will advise you on your studies and monitor your progress: the relatively small number of students at each
college allows for close support to be given to your academic development and your welfare.

Your college will be your home for much of your time at Oxford, and act as a social hub. You won’t have to find
somewhere to live before you come to Oxford: colleges provide affordable accommodation for at least two (and
often more) years. You will normally only pay for your room during term-time, rather than for a full year, so it’s
cheaper for you. Colleges also offer affordable food and drink.
You can choose to apply to a specific college, or make an Open Application and we’ll pick one for you.
See www.cs.ox.ac.uk/collegelist for a list of colleges that offer Computer Science and joint degrees.
How do I apply?

All of our applicants must sit the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT). We are unable to consider your application without it. Most
students sit the test in their own schools or at a local test centre. Using the MAT score, and everything else we know about you, we decide
whom to interview; this is normally about a third to a half of all applicants. As part of the process, you will stay in college for several days,
giving you the opportunity to sample college life. All meals and accommodation are provided free of charge. (Skype interviews can be
arranged for candidates outside of Europe.) All shortlisted candidates who come to interview in Oxford will be interviewed in at least two
colleges. More information: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/ug/apply

After you graduate

Our graduate and postgraduate employment rates are exceptional. Recent employers of our graduates include IBM, Google, Amazon,
A Sunday Times league table of graduate salaries, released in 2017, Palantir Technologies, Cisco, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs,
placed Oxford Computer Scientists top. Six months after graduation with jobs such as senior software engineers and developers,
our students enjoyed a mean salary of £45,000: higher than analysts, chief technology officers, games programmers, and
graduates of any other UK undergraduate degree course. technical leads.

All of our degrees allow graduates to enter into technical, managerial, We have also seen students going into teaching, government and
academic, financial or commercial posts, both in the UK and abroad. policy organisations, management consultancy and law. Others
In recent years, our graduates have progressed to careers in many have continued onto PhDs and academic or research careers, or
fields that need an understanding of computer systems, what such started up their own companies.
systems can (and cannot) do, and how to design them.

Get in touch...
Visit the Computer Science admissions website for detailed information on course content,
advice on applying, sample MAT papers and interview questions, and frequently asked
questions: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/undergradcourses
Plus, learn more about the Oxford admissions process (not Computer Science specific):
www.admissions.ox.ac.uk
Attend an open day or schools’ event: www.cs.ox.ac.uk/opendays
Funding and fees: www.ox.ac.uk/feesandfunding
Help for international students: www.ox.ac.uk/international

Department of Computer Science,

University of Oxford
Wolfson Building, Parks Road
Oxford, OX1 3QD
Phone: +44 (0)1865 273821
Email: [email protected]

www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/