Computer Science
Subject overview
| Average offers per year | 4 |
| Course duration | 3 years - BA (Hons) or MEng 4 years full-time |
| Standard offer |
A level: A*A*A IB: 41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level Other qualifications: See entry requirements |
| Course requirements | A-Level Mathematics, and Further Mathematics (if your school offers it); or IB Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches option). |
| Admissions tests |
All applicants for Computer Science for 2025 entry are required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) at an authorised assessment centre. You must register in advance for this test. Please see the admissions test page for more information. |
| Written work | No written work required |
| Interview | 2 x 25 minute interviews |
| UCAS code | G400 |
| Campus code | D |
Computer Science is a rapidly changing and exciting subject, extending from the physical principles upon which digital computers work to the mathematical understanding of the semantics of computation.
The Cambridge course covers the principles of programming, operating systems, computer networks, artificial intelligence, security and numerous other topics. It is also concerned with understanding the theoretical basis of the subject. The course is designed to provide not only advanced practical experience but also to give an understanding of fundamental principles which will outlast today's technology.
Students in their first year take four papers, including three compulsory Computer Science papers - covering topics such as foundations of computer science (taught in OCaml), Java and object-oriented programming, operating systems, and digital electronics, graphics, interaction design - and one Mathematics paper.
In the second year we build on the foundations laid in the first year, teaching core material in theory, systems, mathematics, applications, and professionalism. There is practical work in hardware design, programming (C, C++, Java, Prolog), and a substantial group project where students are given the chance to work in a team, as in a commercial software house.
In the third year, students are allowed considerable choice of subjects to focus their study on. The teaching ranges widely across the whole discipline with particular concentration on Cambridge’s research strengths, computer systems and the theory of computation. Students undertake a substantial personal project which may be on any topic within Computer Science.
Career prospects for Computer Scientists are excellent; there are now more vacancies in Britain than ever before. At least half of our graduates go into jobs directly related to the subject area. Another popular destination for our graduates is banking and investment. Many of our students go on to a Master’s or PhD Degree in Cambridge and elsewhere.
We expect candidates to have a very strong background in Mathematics. Before any candidate is made an offer, they will be invited to interview. Interviews are largely subject-based, although more general questions may also be asked. The conduct of the interview itself is informal, and the types of topic covered are flexible. Background scientific or mathematical knowledge will be useful, but questions may range over a broad spectrum of topics relevant to Computer Science, many of which are not commonly covered at school.