This is a three-year course as a BA with an optional fourth year for a Master’s. Computer Science at Oxford covers both the theory and practice of computing to answer some of the biggest questions about modern society. Essential for mobile phones, the internet, the weather, the study of diseases, and other countless uses, computing systems have endless applications and possibilities. It’s a relatively small course with an intake of around 40 each year, of which 14% have been female over the last three years. It’s also one of the 5 most competitive courses at Oxford with an average of 16.1 applicants per place over the last 3 years.
Oxford differs slightly from most UK universities in that, instead of simply learning several computer programming languages, there is also a focus on the theory and the ‘why?’ of using these languages. Students leave Oxford with great problem-solving and design skills, as most of the options within the course feature practical work in the laboratories.
Teaching takes place mainly in the form of lectures, with tutorial classes (usually in groups of two or three) once or twice a week. In the third year, students have the ability to take on an individual project under the supervision of a tutor.
Applicants are not expected to have already learned about programming, as the first part of the course will cover the fundamentals. A strong mathematical ability is required (with an A* at A Level or equivalent in Maths) which will help students in their studies of software and hardware technologies.