Computer Science
The University of Oxford is globally renowned for academic excellence, and its Department of Computer Science is no exception. Combining centuries of intellectual tradition with cutting-edge research, Oxford offers one of the most prestigious and competitive Computer Science programmes in the world. Whether you’re interested in theory, programming, or exploring how computers interact with society, Oxford provides a rigorous and deeply mathematical approach to understanding computing.
Why Choose Oxford for Computer Science?
Top-ranked: Oxford ranks consistently among the top 10 universities worldwide for Computer Science.
Tutorial-based learning: Small group teaching helps develop deep understanding and critical thinking.
Research excellence: Access to world-class labs and collaborations with major tech companies.
Outstanding career outcomes: Graduates work at Google, Apple, DeepMind, IBM, startups, and academia.
Course overview
UCAS code: G400
Entrance requirements: A*AA including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science.
Course duration: 3 years (BA); 4 years (MCompSci)
Subject requirements
Required subjects: Maths
Recommended subjects: Further Maths
Helpful subjects: Not applicable
Other course requirements
Admissions tests: MAT
Written Work: None
Admissions statistics*
Interviewed: 19%
Successful: 6%
Intake: 51
*3-year average 2022-24
Contact
Tel: +44 (0) 1865 283507
Email: [email protected]
About the course
Studying Computer science at Oxford is more than just learning how computer systems and networks function — it’s about reaching a deep level of understanding and applying mathematical reasoning to reason rigorously about how computer programmes behave. The course creates meaningful connections between theory and practice, immersing students in a range of software and hardware technologies and real-world applications. It focuses strongly on the mathematical underpinnings of the subject, helping learners build a foundation not just for exams but for innovation.
In the first year, students build grounding in core topics, while in the second year, they can explore a range of options based on interest. What makes the journey more dynamic is the group design practical in year two, often sponsored by industry, where real-world exposure blends with academia. The course encourages developing practical, problem-solving, and programme design skills, giving students both technical depth and creative breadth across Computer Science subjects.
Unistats information
A typical week
Course structure
Computer Science
Course Structure & Assessment Overview
Year One
Courses
Core courses (100%)
- Continuous mathematics
- Design and analysis of algorithms
- Digital systems
- Discrete mathematics
- Functional programming
- Imperative programming
- Introduction to proof systems
- Linear algebra
- Probability
Assessment
- Four exam papers
Year Two
Courses
Core courses (50%)
- Algorithms and data structures
- Compilers
- Concurrent programming
- Models of computation
- Group design practical
Current options (50%) include
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer architecture
- Computer graphics
- Databases
- Logic and proof
- Quantum information
Assessment
- Eight exam papers
Year Three
Courses
Current options (75%) include
- Computer-aided formal verification
- Computational complexity
- Computer security
- Geometric modelling
- Lambda calculus and types
- Machine learning
- Principals of programming languages
Optional project work (25%)*
Assessment
- Six exam papers plus project report
- OR eight exam papers
Year Four
Courses
Current options (62%) include
- Advanced security
- Automata, logic and games
- Categories, proofs and processes
- Concurrent algorithms and data structures
- Computational biology
- Computational game theory
- Computational learning theory
- Database systems implementation
- Foundation of self-programming agents
- Geometric deep learning
- Graph representational learning
- Probabilistic model checking
- Quantum software
Project work (38%)
Assessment
- Five take-home exams or written papers plus project report
A full list of current options is available on the Computer Science website.
The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.
Computer Science - Qualification Requirements
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A-levels |
|
| Advanced Highers | AA/AAB with an A in Mathematics. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 39 points (including core points) with 766 at Higher Level (HL). The 7 must be in HL Mathematics. |
| BTEC | Please visit the Computer Science website for the latest information on standard offers. |
| Other Equivalent Qualifications | View information on other UK and international qualifications. |
Wherever possible, your grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved.
View further information on how we use contextual data.
Subject Requirements
- A-level: Grade A* or A
- Advanced Higher: Grade A
- IB Higher Level: Score 7
- Further Mathematics A-level is highly recommended.
- Those taking Further Mathematics (A-level or AS-level) must achieve at least Grade A.
If your school offers Further Mathematics at A-Level, Oxford expects you to take it as part of your application for Computer Science or joint Computer Science degrees. From 2022 to 2025, 96% of successful A-level applicants for Oxford Computer Science had taken Further Maths at A-Level.
For science A-levels with a practical component, you are expected to pass the practical element as part of your conditional offer.
Additionally, if English is not your first language, you must meet Oxford University’s English language proficiency requirements.
Applying
All candidates must follow the application procedure as shown on our Applying to Oxford pages.
The following information gives specific details for students applying for this course.
Admissions test
| Test | MAT |
| Test Dates | 22 & 23 October 2025 |
| Registration | To be confirmed |
All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) as part of their application.
All the information you need to arrange to take your test as well as how best to prepare can be found on your test page.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work when you apply for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
To succeed in gaining admission to Oxford Computer Science, tutors seek proven skills such as mathematical strength, the ability to think and work independently, and the capacity to absorb and apply new ideas. They value enthusiasm and measure these qualities through your Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) performance and how you do during the interview. Rather than just correct answers, they focus on your problem-solving approach, especially when facing unfamiliar problems. While no formal qualification in computer science is needed, showing a real interest in the subject is vital.
Careers
Studying Computer Science at Oxford opens many career opportunities in a world driven by global technology.
Computer scientists are in high demand, and Oxford graduates—equipped with deep knowledge, skills, and experience—are among the most sought after.
You’ll gain the ability to understand and design computer systems, which are crucial in almost every industry today.
Whether you’re passionate about solving complex problems or building the next big app, this course sets you up for a meaningful future.
Many graduates have moved into fields like technical, managerial, academic, financial, and commercial roles, both in the UK and abroad.
From becoming a senior software engineer, developer, or games programmer, to excelling as an analyst or technical lead, Oxford alumni shape innovation across sectors.
You can find more about potential career paths on the official Computer Science website.
Tuition Costs & Financial Support
At Oxford, no one should feel held back due to financial circumstances when pursuing Computer Science. While annual fees for full-time undergraduate students beginning their course in 2025 are clearly listed, updated course fee information for 2026 will be shared by September. The university provides one of the most generous financial support packages in the UK, especially for students with strong academic ability, ensuring that affordability does not stand in the way of your studies. Additionally, your college may offer extra support to further reduce the financial burden.
Fees
Fee status | Annual Course fees |
| Home | £9,535 |
| Overseas | £59,260 |
Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.
For more information please refer to our course fees page. Fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on likely increases to fees and charges.
Living costs
When planning for Oxford, managing your living costs wisely is just as important as your academic goals. For the 2025 academic year, it’s estimated that monthly expenses fall between £1,425 and £2,035, though thanks to world-class resources and college provision, these can be kept down. You’ll study across three eight-week terms, so students do not usually need to stay in Oxford for more than six months, but many budget over a nine-month period to ensure sufficient funds during holidays to meet essential needs. For further details, visit the official webpage. Interestingly, just as Oxford provides smart ways to handle expenses, metal roofs also use clever design to help keep down noise, meaning rain doesn’t sound as loud as you’d usually expect—it’s all about structure and smart provision.
Financial Support
| Student Category | Financial Support Details |
|---|---|
| Home |
Tuition Fee Loan: Available from the UK government to cover course fees in full for Home (UK, Irish nationals and other eligible students with UK citizens' rights) students undertaking their first undergraduate degree. No upfront payment required. Oxford Bursary Package 2025: One of the most generous bursary packages of any UK university for Home students with family income of around £50,000 or less, with additional opportunities for UK students from households with incomes of £32,500 or less. Living Costs Support: The UK government provides living costs support to Home students from the UK and those with settled status who meet residence requirements. *Important Note: For courses starting on or after 1 August 2021, EU, other EEA, and Swiss Nationals are eligible for student finance from the UK government if they have UK citizens' rights (pre-settled or settled status, or Irish citizens covered by the Common Travel Area arrangement). Support depends on residency status. |
| Islands (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) |
Islands students are entitled to different support than students from the rest of the UK. Please refer to the links below for information on support available from your funding agency: |
| Overseas |
Please refer to the "Other Scholarships" section of our Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page. |
**If you have studied at undergraduate level before and completed your course, you will be classed as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification student (ELQ) and won’t be eligible to receive government or Oxford funding