Discover Computer Science

Discover Computer Science is a sustained engagement programme which currently has four online sessions that will offer students in-depth investigations of topic areas outside of the school curriculum, combining mathematical and computing theory with interactive exploration.

The final day of the programme will be an in-person graduation day held in Oxford. The participants will be invited to bring a parent/carer to accompany them on the day. Sessions designed to support students in their progression to university — for example, in supporting A-Level choice — will also form part of the programme alongside the academic elements. There will also be a careers panel talk with Computer Science alumni during the programme and a chance to meet current students.

Who is it for?

We wish to encourage better representation of black and female students in Computer Science and joint schools at the University of Oxford, and other higher education institutions.

To take part in this programme students need to meet all of the criteria below:

• Black African or Caribbean students, or students of mixed race with Black African or Caribbean heritage
• are female
• who are in Year 11(Scottish S5 or NI Y12)
• attend a UK state-funded school at the time of applying.
• are academically strong. We would expect students to be on track to achieve at least 5 8s-9s at GCSE. If a pupil is close to this mark, some flexibility is possible at the discretion of the school representative.
• have attained or are predicted to achieve an 8-9 in Maths GCSE
• are planning to take A Level Maths & Further Maths or the equivalent.
• are enthusiastic about Mathematics and Computer Science.

Attendees will be required to attend all classes in the series and to complete the extra learning activities between the sessions.

The 2025 Programme

For 2025 the majority of the programme will run digitally at 5pm-6pm, after school, and students must have access to a computer, laptop or tablet and the internet, plus a microphone and speakers/headphones.

The programme will run as follows:

• Session 1 online: Wednesday 8 January
• Session 2 online: Wednesday 22 January
• Session 3 online: Wednesday 5 February
• Session 4 online: Wednesday 5 March
• Graduation Day in person, in Oxford: Saturday 22 March

How do I apply?

Teachers, please contact us via discovercomputerscience@cs.ox.ac.uk using a school email address to receive nominating information. We will then provide teachers with a digital letter to pass on to your chosen students, which contains a link to the combined student application/parent consent form. Nominated students (with the help of their parents/guardians) will need to fill out this short online form in order to complete the application process.

The extended application deadline for the 2025 programme is Friday 8 November 2024.