Computer Science
Computer science is a fast-moving field that brings together many disciplines, including mathematics, programming, engineering, the natural sciences, psychology and linguistics. Our course provides you with a skillset that's highly prized in industry and for academic research.
| UCAS code | G400 BA/CS |
| Duration | Three or four years |
| Colleges | Available at all Colleges |
| 2011 entry | Applications/places: 5 Number admitted: 71 |
| Open days and events 2012 | College open days (sciences) Cambridge Open Days - 5 July, 6 July |
| Related courses | |
| Contact details | 01223 763505 undergraduate.admissions@cl.cam.ac.uk www.cl.cam.ac.uk |
Overview
Computer Science at Cambridge
Cambridge was a pioneer of computer science and continues to lead its development. There are over 1,000 specialist computing and advanced technology companies and commercial laboratories in the area (known as 'Silicon Fen'). Many support our teaching and employ our students.
Our course is broad and deep - giving skills to create future technology. All aspects of modern computer science are covered, along with the underlying theory and foundations in economics, law and business. You also develop practical skills, such as programming (in various languages, eg ML, Java, C/C++, Prolog) and hardware systems (eg chip design using Verilog).
Facilities and work experience
Our students benefit from the Computer Laboratory's cutting-edge research and the extensive facilities. The purpose-built Computer Laboratory is packed with the latest technology, advanced lecture theatres, dedicated practical rooms, a well-stocked library, and even a café.
Group projects during the course, where small teams of students deliver a product to an external client, ensure relevant industrial experience. Projects often lead to commercialisation, licensing or employment.
Accreditation
Our course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and contributes towards professional membership (MBCS, MIET) and chartered status (CEng, CSci, CITP).
Careers
Our graduates' knowledge and skills embody principles which outlast today's technology, making them highly sought-after by industry and commerce alike. For example, companies at our annual recruitment fair collectively seek to recruit more than our entire annual number of graduates.
About half of our students go on to work in the computer industry, while a fifth pursue further study and careers in teaching and research. Many graduates have founded successful companies while others have easily found employment in banking, consultancy and business.
To get an idea of what's currently on offer to our graduates, visit: www.cl.cam.ac.uk/supporters-club/.
Course outline
Teaching is provided through lectures, practical classes and supervisions.
In Year 1, you can typically expect 20 hours of teaching every week, including up to 12 lectures and practical classes.
Assessment is by three-hour examinations taken in the final term each year. Practical work is also assessed, and is equal to one written paper in the second and third years. You submit a 12,000 word dissertation on your third year project.
Year 1 (Part IA)
Foundations
You take four papers, including two Computer Science papers and at least one Mathematics paper.
The Computer Science papers cover topics including foundations of computer science (taught in ML), Java and object-oriented programming, operating systems, discrete mathematics, algorithms, and digital electronics. The ML, Java and digital electronics topics involve laboratory work
Most students choose to take the Part IA Mathematics paper from Natural Sciences and either a psychology paper from Psychological and Behavioural Sciences or a further Natural Sciences paper from the following:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Evolution and Behaviour
- Earth Sciences
- Physiology of Organisms
Alternatively, you may take the first year Computer Science papers alongside two of the first year papers of the Mathematics course. This is known as Computer Science with Mathematics. You should indicate which option you wish to take (eg Computer Science with Physics, Computer Science with Psychology) on your SAQ.
Year 2 (Part IB)
Core technologies and theories
You take four papers, spanning the core disciplines:
- Theory - including logic and proof, computation theory
- Systems - including computer design, computer networking
- Programming - including compiler construction, advanced algorithms
- Applications and Professionalism - including artificial intelligence, graphics, security
You also work on assessed laboratory work, programming assignments, and a group project which reflects current industrial practice.
Year 3 (Part II)
Specialisation
You select freely from around 20 specialist courses. These are examined across three papers to allow you to concentrate more on systems, theory or applications. The advanced topics are wide-ranging and usually include:
- mobile and sensor networks, principles of communication
- specification and verification of hardware and software, semantics
- quantum computing, bioinformatics, digital signal processing
- human-computer interaction, natural language processing, e-commerce
- advanced artificial intelligence, advanced graphics, computer vision
You also work on a substantial project that demonstrates your computer science skills, writing a 12,000 word dissertation on it. Projects are often connected with current Cambridge research and many utilise cutting-edge technology.
Year 4 (Part III, optional integrated masters)
Research preparation
The fourth year is designed for students considering a career in academic or industrial research. You explore issues at the very forefront of computer science and undertake a substantial research project.
Progression onto Part III is dependent on Part II examination achievement. Successful completion of Part III leads to the MEng qualification, as well as the BA degree attained at the end of Part II.
Entry requirements
Typical offers require
A Level: A*AA
IB: 40-42 points, with 776 or 777 at Higher Level
For other qualifications, see our main Entrance requirements pages.
Course requirements
Essential A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics
Highly desirable AS or A Level/IB Standard Level Further Mathematics (required by some Colleges) and/or a physical science
No prior knowledge of programming required.
The table below relates to A Level (or equivalent) subject preferences of individual Colleges for admission to study Computer Science. See also Entrance requirements and our Subject Matters leaflet for additional advice about general requirements for entry, qualifications and offers.
Essential It is likely that you will be rejected without interview if you do not have this subject
Preferred Qualifications in these subjects are preferred for admission but they are not essential
Useful If you don't have this subject your application will not be disadvantaged, but it may affect your ability to cope with the course and limit the options available to you
C = Chemistry, CS = Computer Science, El = Electronics, FM = Further Mathematics, Ge = Geology, M = Mathematics, P = Physics, Ac = Accounting, BS = Business Studies
| College | Essential | Preferred | Useful | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christ's | M | FM, P | CS | Three science/mathematics subjects required. Ac and BS not considered suitable. |
| Churchill | M | FM | ||
| Clare | M | FM, P | ||
| Corpus Christi | M | FM | ||
| Downing | M | FM, P | Not essential to take CS | |
| Emmanuel | M | FM, P | Not essential to take CS | |
| Fitzwilliam | M | FM, P | Not essential to take CS | |
| Girton | M | FM | P, C, CS | |
| Gonville & Caius | M | FM | P, C, Ge, El | |
| Homerton | M | FM, P | ||
| Hughes Hall | M | FM | P, CS, El | |
| Jesus | M | FM, P | CS, C | |
| King's | M | FM, P | CS, C | |
| Lucy Cavendish | M | FM | CS, P, C | Electronics also considered desirable |
| Magdalene | M | FM | P, C | |
| Murray Edwards | M | FM, P or C | ||
| Newnham | M | FM | CS, P | |
| Pembroke | M | FM or P | CS | |
| Peterhouse | M | |||
| Queens' | M | FM | Another science subject | |
| Robinson | M | FM, P | Strong mathematical ability required | |
| St Catharine's | M, FM | |||
| St Edmund's | M | |||
| St John's | M | FM, P | CS | Further A Level requirements will depend on the first-year option to be studied. See College website. |
| Selwyn | M | FM | Another science subject | |
| Sidney Sussex | M | FM | P, CS | |
| Trinity | Please consult the College website | |||
| Trinity Hall | M | P or FM | CS | |
| Wolfson | M | FM | ||
Admissions tests and written work
The table below sets out the ways in which each College assesses applicants for this subject. For more information about these methods of assessment and why we use them, see the main Admissions tests and written work page.
| College | Assessment of applicant for this subject |
|---|---|
| Christ's | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Churchill | Test at interview |
| Clare | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA); Preparatory study at interview |
| Corpus Christi | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Downing | Test at interview |
| Emmanuel | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Fitzwilliam | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Girton | Interview only |
| Gonville & Caius | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA); Preparatory study at interview |
| Homerton | Test at interview |
| Hughes Hall | Test at interview |
| Jesus | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| King's | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA); Reading preparation before interview; Test at interview (Computer Science with Mathematics applicants only) |
| Lucy Cavendish | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Magdalene | Test at interview |
| Murray Edwards | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Newnham | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Pembroke | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Peterhouse | Test at interview |
| Queens' | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA); Computer Science with Maths will require STEP |
| Robinson | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA); Reading preparation before interview; Preparatory study at interview |
| St Catharine's | Interview only |
| St Edmund's | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| St John's | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA); Problem solving at interview |
| Selwyn | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Sidney Sussex | Interview only |
| Trinity | Test at interview |
| Trinity Hall | Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) |
| Wolfson | Interview only |
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this course, please see our Applying section for more details.
Further Resources
Find out more about Computer Science at Cambridge
- Course website - Explore Computer Science in more detail on the course website.
- Course FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the Computer Science course.
- Course guide - A detailed guide to the Computer Science degree.
- First Year Options - We believe it’s important not to narrow your studies too fast and the first year of our course allows you to choose what you study in addition to Computer Science.
Improve your knowledge of Computer Science
- Preparatory reading and practical preparation - Guidance on preparatory reading for applicants interested in Computer Science, as well as guidance on developing practical experience.
Tools to help you with your Computer Science application
- A-level requirements - Information on the entry requirements for the different subject paths in the Computer Science course.
- Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Preparation - Resources to help prepare for the TSA (required for Computer Science at some Colleges). Includes practice tests, suggested textbooks and further reading.
Computer Science and your future
- Course accreditation - Information on the accreditation of the Computer Science degree by professional bodies.