Computer Science

Computer Science is the ideal degree for anyone with an inquisitive mind and an interest in technology. Our course provides you with a skill–set that's highly prized by a range of industries and for academic research.

Computer Science

Computer science is a fast–moving, exciting field that brings together many different disciplines, including mathematics, programming, engineering, the natural sciences, psychology and linguistics. It can be found in the technologies that run our transport infrastructure, our economics, our homes and our communications systems. At its heart, the discipline is one of problemsolving – seeking out and implementing solutions. It's revolutionised the world we live in and will help to define our future. A Computer Science degree puts you at the forefront of this revolution and develops valuable transferable skills such as analytic thinking and programming.

"Although I loved maths and science at school and was interested in computers, I'd never studied Computer Science formally, so when starting at Cambridge I didn't know quite what to expect. I'm convinced I made the best possible choice; I can't imagine enjoying another course more!" – Chloë

The Cambridge course

Computer science may be a relatively new discipline, but Cambridge was instrumental in its inception and continues to lead its development. The first stored–program computer was built here in 1949, Alan Turing developed the theoretical foundations of the subject here, and the world's first Computer Science course started here in 1953.

Our course today reflects this rich heritage by being broad and deep. You cover all aspects of modern computer science, as well as the underlying theory and foundations in economics, law and business. You explore the nature of information and the operations that can be performed on it. You design, build and test hardware systems and develop software to control them. And of course, you're exposed to the latest technology and the Computer Laboratory's cutting–edge research. As a result, our graduates have knowledge and skills that reflect the latest developments and career demands, and have the ability to create future technology.

First–class facilities

Our students benefit from the latest facilities, many of which are provided by external funds to support our work. The purpose–built Computer Laboratory houses the Faculty itself – a modern and spacious building packed with the latest technology, advanced lecture theatres, dedicated practical rooms, a well–stocked library, and even a café.

Teaching, assessment and accreditation

Our flexible structure teaches you the fundamentals of the subject while allowing you to concentrate on the areas that you find most interesting, particularly in the later stages.

During the first year, you learn the fundamentals of computer science and mathematics, alongside an additional subject chosen from a diverse range of options. You can typically expect 20 hours of teaching every week, including up to 12 lectures and practical classes.

Your second year is devoted entirely to the core principles of modern computer science – theory, systems, programming, applications and professionalism. You continue to develop your practical skills, learning to program in a variety of languages including Java, C/C++ and Prolog. Industrial relevance is ensured by group projects where small teams of students deliver a product to an external client. Projects often lead to commercialisation, licensing or employment.

In the third year, you choose from a variety of specialist options to explore in depth with an expert in that field, and embark on an individual project that allows you to demonstrate your computer science skills to academia and industry alike.

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. Your third year project is assessed through a 12,000 word dissertation.

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).

What are we looking for?

Computer scientists need to enjoy problem–solving, and be able to think logically and beyond what they're taught. We don't require any qualifications in computer science or any prior knowledge of programming. However, since the subject has strong mathematical groundings, it's essential to have Mathematics at A Level/IB Higher Level. Science subjects are also viewed favourably – often more so than subjects such as IT, which are more vocational in nature.

Course flexibility

It's possible to change from Computer Science to another course, such as Natural Sciences (although options available to you will be limited), at the end of the first year. Following their second year, a small number of Computer Science students opt to do Part II in another subject, notably Management Studies.

Careers in tomorrow’s technology

Our graduates emerge with an understanding of principles that will outlast today’s technology, making them highly sought after by industry and commerce alike. For example, at our annual recruitment fair there are typically in excess of 40 companies seeking to recruit more than our entire annual number of graduates. The Cambridge area in general is known as ‘Silicon Fen’ and has over 1,600 companies and commercial laboratories specialising in computing and advanced technology, some of which originated in the Computer Laboratory. We have links with many of these companies; they support our teaching and employ some of our students.

About half of our graduates go on to work in the computer industry, while a fifth take higher degrees and develop careers in teaching and research. Many students have gone on to found successful companies while others have easily found employment in fields such as banking, consultancy and business.

To give you some idea of what’s currently on offer to our graduates, visit: www.cl.cam.ac.uk/ext/supporters-club/.

Course outline

Computer Science is divided into Parts IA, IB, II and III, each lasting a year. In Parts IA and IB, you gain a solid grounding in the principal areas of computer science, while in Part II you can specialise. Part III is an optional year that provides preparation for research and leads to the MEng qualification. Year 1 Part IA Foundations You take four papers, including two compulsory 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 Politics, Psychology and Sociology 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 when you apply by adding it to the course title (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 discipline: 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 designed to reflect current industrial practice. Year 3 Part II Specialisation You take three papers and can choose to concentrate more on systems, theory, or applications. The advanced topics 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–ecommerce advanced artificial intelligence, advanced graphics, computer vision You also work on a substantial project and write 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 who are thinking of a career in academic or industrial research. You explore issues at the very forefront of computer science and have the opportunity to do a substantial research project. Progression onto Part III is dependent on examination achievement in Part II. Those who successfully complete Part III graduate with the MEng qualification, as well as the BA degree attained at the end of Part II.