What programming languages do you teach?

In your first year, you will learn Haskell, a 'purely functional' language that makes it simpler to reason mathematically about programs, and Scala, a modern object-oriented language. We believe that by sticking to a small number of languages at first, students are better able to master the underlying principles.

In later years of the course, you will continue to use these languages, but you also might learn other languages including Java, Prolog, C, C++, and Objective CAML, as part of studying a particular area of Computer Science. You will also have opportunities to study the princples behind programming languages and compilers. In your project, you have an almost free choice of language in which to program or to implement.

However, as explained in the open days talks on this site, a particular programming language provides no more than a vehicle for expressing deeper Computer Science ideas. By the time you leave Oxford, you will be able to pick up a new language in half a day and (with a good manual) begin to use it productively straight away.

I'd like to find out a bit more about Computer Science. Can you suggest anything?

We encourage you to read any relevant materials that you find interesting. Some suggestions are provided to get you started.

Can I apply for deferred entry or a gap year?

We talk about this in the Deferred entry section.

I haven't previously studied Philosophy or Computer Science. Do I stand a chance of getting onto the joint degree?

Computer Science & Philosophy can be studied at Oxford without requiring any previous qualifications in either subject. Students who like the idea of doing Philosophy with a broadly scientific focus can apply, even if they have never previously studied either discipline. Candidates do need to have a strong ability in Mathematics. Recent experience of writing essays, though by no means essential, would be helpful. See further information on conditional offers, and the Faculty of Philosophy's admissions information.

Can I transfer to Oxford from another university?

The University of Oxford don't accept transfer students, more details about applying whilst on a degree course elsewhere is available for those applying form the UK and those applying outside of the UK.

Can I do a second undergraduate degree at Oxford?

Our undergraduate courses last three or four years, and we normally only admit new students into the first year. Direct entry into the second year is possible only in exceptional circumstances, for example, when the candidate has already completed a degree from another university. This is referred to as senior status. Application procedures and deadlines for second undergraduate degree applicants are the same as for candidates for their first degree. Information on second undergraduate degrees is available on the main university website.

Do you use EPQs or STEP when making offers?

Extended Projects (EPQs) don't form part of our standard offers, but we'll certainly notice that you've chosen to explore your interests in an area that's relevant to the degree you're applying for.

STEP papers don’t form part of our standard conditional offers either. But we are looking for students who have developed their mathematical thinking.

Can I apply as a mature student (age 21 or over)?

If you are a mature student, please note that we would need to see academic qualifications completed in the past three years.

More information for mature students available here

Why do you award a BA degree rather than a BSc?

That's just the way it is in Oxford: all three-year first degree courses lead to a BA, even in science, and there are no BSc degrees awarded in Oxford. Employers of our graduates all know this, so it never causes any practical difficulty.

Can I undertake an undergraduate Oxford Computer Science degree via distance learning?

Oxford University requires all of its undergraduate students to live in or near Oxford, and so does not offer any undergraduate degrees by distance learning. However, you may be interested to know that the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education offers a wide range of courses, including part-time study, online learning and foundation certificates. For further details please see its website at www.conted.ox.ac.uk.

Where can I find out about the cost of doing a degree, any scholarships available, etc?

Detailed information about fees and funding is available on the University website. This includes information about scholarships. But please note that it is not normally possible to apply for these scholarships until after you have undertaken the application process as outlined above, and received an offer to study on one of our courses.

Can I apply via 'clearing' or 'adjustment'?

Oxford University does not have any places available through UCAS Extra, UCAS Clearing or UCAS Adjustment.

If you have any questions not answered by the above please do get in touch: undergraduate.admissions@cs.ox.ac.uk