Computer Science

Computer science is a fast-moving field that brings together disciplines including mathematics, engineering, the natural sciences, psychology and linguistics. Our course provides you with skills highly prized in industry and for research.

Computer Science at Cambridge

Cambridge was a pioneer of computer science and continues to lead its development. There are more than 1,000 specialist computing and advanced technology companies and commercial laboratories in the area (known as ‘Silicon Fen’), and 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 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).

Additional course costs

Year 1

• Required: A University approved scientific calculator - Estimated cost £17
• Strongly recommended: Copies of core textbooks for Part IA options (students that don't have their own copies may be disadvantaged) - Estimated cost £150
• Strongly recommended: Laptop - a modern entry-level laptop is sufficient but we would recommend dedicating at least half of the main drive to a bootable Linux system, such as Ubuntu - Estimated cost £300

Year 2

• Strongly recommended: Copies of core textbooks for Part IB options (students that don't have their own copies may be disadvantaged), number/costs dependent on options chosen - Estimated cost £150

Year 3

• Strongly recommended: Copies of core textbooks for Part II options (students that don't have their own copies may be disadvantaged), number/costs dependent on options chosen - Estimated cost £150-£250

Year 4

• Strongly recommended: Copies of core textbooks for Part III options (students that don't have their own copies may be disadvantaged), number/costs dependent on options chosen - Estimated cost £150-£250

Careers

Our graduates’ knowledge and skills embody principles which will 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 software, hardware, the games industry, finance, communications and commerce. 

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 

in the second and third years, and you submit a dissertation on your third-year project.

Please note that successful applicants are required to do some preparatory reading and complete a pre-arrival online course before the start of the first term. Students will be sent details after their place is confirmed.

Year 1 (Part IA)

You take four papers, including two compulsory Computer Science papers – covering topics such as foundations of computer science

(taught in ML), Java and object-oriented programming, operating systems, and digital electronics – and at least one Mathematics paper.

• The fourth paper is chosen from:a third Computer Science paper (students not taking this paper in Year 1 must take it in Year 2)
• a social psychology paper from the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences course
• one of Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Evolution and Behaviour, Physics or Physiology of Organisms from Natural Sciences

Alternatively, you may take the compulsory first-year Computer Science papers alongside two of the first-year papers of the Mathematics course. This is known as Computer Science with Mathematics, and some Colleges require applicants who want to take Computer Science with Mathematics in their first year to take STEP Mathematics.

You should indicate which combination you wish to take in your first year - Computer Science, Computer Science with Social Psychology, Computer Science with Natural Sciences, or Computer Science with Mathematics - in your Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ).

Year 2 (Part IB)

Core technologies and theories

You take four papers, spanning the core discipline through topics including:

• 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 undertake a group project which reflects current industrial practice. 

Students who don’t take the third Computer Science paper in Year 1 must take it in Year 2, instead of one of the Part IB papers (which must then be taken in Year 3).

Year 3 (Part II)

Specialisation

You can choose 15 topics from a large selection (some options may not be available to those students taking a Year 2 paper in Year 3). 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
• human-computer interaction, natural language processing, e-commerce
• advanced artificial intelligence, advanced graphics

All students also work on a substantial project demonstrating their 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 to 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.

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.
• Required by all Colleges: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics

Admissions assessments

All applicants for Computer Science are required to take the Computer Science Admissions Test (CSAT) at interview if interviewed.

Assessment format

• CSAT Maths-based problems (100 minutes)

You do not need to register or be registered in advance for the assessment at interview – the Colleges provide details of arrangements in the letters inviting applicants to interview.

Please see the dedicated CSAT website for full details, questions and preparatory material.

Please note that your performance in the assessment at interview will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.

In addition to the at-interview assessment, applicants who are invited to interview are required to take a College-set written assessment at interview at the following Colleges (see individual College websites for details): King's (Computer Science with Maths).

For Computer Science candidates interviewed overseas, a written Maths assessment will be administered by the overseas interviewing team instead of the CSAT. This will then be made available to the Cambridge College along with the overseas interview report.  

Submitted work

Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some may be asked by their College to do some reading in advance of their interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in the letter inviting the student to interview.

• Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).