Enter OTP
Here at Cambridge, we pioneered computer science and we continue to lead its development today.
Our links to Computing go back to the 1930s when Alan Turing developed the theoretical foundations for computation. We’ve been at the forefront of Computer Science research ever since.
This is a broad and deep course that covers all aspects of modern computer science.
We have 3 and 4 year course options:
Whichever option you choose, you will develop practical skills in:
Teaching and facilities
Established over 80 years ago, we were the first Computer Science department in the country. Our research helped lay the foundations of modern computing. We built the first programmable computer to come into service and lead the early development of programming languages and operating systems. We continue to innovate and advance the field, in areas from AI to quantum computing to computer architecture.
We offer a learning environment that is creative, stimulating, modern and entrepreneurial. You will be taught by pioneers and leading researchers in this fast-moving field.
Facilities
The Department of Computer Science and Technology facilities include:
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Part IA)
You'll dive into fundamentals like Foundations of Computer Science, Object-oriented Programming, Algorithms, Discrete & Continuous Mathematics, and Digital Electronics. Practical sessions reinforce coding skills in languages like OCaml, Java, and Python, while discrete maths and probability build strong analytical foundations.
Year 2 (Part IB)
Building on your first-year knowledge, Year 2 introduces subjects such as Data Science, Economics, Law & Ethics, Computer Architecture, Networking, Logic & Proof, and Computation Theory. Weekly lab-focused practicals in Java, C/C++, and Prolog deepen technical proficiency. You’ll also collaborate on a Lent-term group project, often industry-linked.
Year 3 (Part II)
Year Three offers an opportunity to specialise, you can choose from a suite of elective modules like Logic and Complexity, High Performance Networking, Cybercrime, and many more. You’ll also undertake a substantial individual research or development project (with a dissertation), contributing 25% to your final grade.
Year 4 (Part III, MEng only)
After a strong Year 3, you may continue into Year Four to earn the MEng. This year mirrors Year 3’s format but digs deeper into advanced, research-level topics. You’ll select specialist modules and embark on a high-level, research-focused project which is an excellent bridge into PhD or research roles.
Assessment
From the moment you start, you'll be working hands-on in the William Gates Building on the West Cambridge site. There are advanced lecture theatres and dedicated practical labs where you’ll apply theories in OCaml, Java, Python, C/C++, and gain real experience with digital electronics and hardware systems.
The Department also provides access to:
High-performance computing resources: Windows desktop PCs, plus GPU and HPC clusters for advanced project work.
Specialised software: Campus-wide access to MATLAB & Simulink, Microsoft Azure for Education, and Overleaf Pro for advanced dissertation writing.
Transitioning into specifics:
Structured practical classes: In Years 1 and 2, you’ll participate in weekly programming and hardware practicals (OCaml, Java, Python, digital electronics), supported by demonstrators.
Team-based group projects: In Part IB (2nd year), small teams solve real-world problems for external clients—often from industry. These projects frequently lead to licensing, commercialisation, or internships.
Individual research projects: In Year 4, you'll undertake a substantial supervised project, often cutting-edge research culminating in a dissertation. Recent examples include GPU profiling tools, matrix-optimisation libraries, and deep-sea detection systems.
Summer research internships: Many students join Computer Lab research groups over the summer. The Department sometimes provides funding or bench-fee waivers for high-quality proposals.
IT facilities: Access to Intel Lab PCs, MATLAB, Simulink, Azure, Overleaf, and powerful departmental GPU/HPC clusters support your work both on campus and remotely.
World-class libraries & collaborative spaces: You'll have access to the University Library, the West Hub’s Technology Library, communal cafés, games room, terraces in the Hub, and breakout “fishbowl” areas in the William Gates Building.
Graduates launch into high-powered careers, and the vast majority secure top-tier roles immediately after finishing. Typical paths include software engineer, data scientist, technology consultant, or AI/ML specialist. Their success is reflected in 95%–97% employment rates.
University Services That Boost Employability
Cambridge Careers Service: Offers one-on-one advising, CV and interview preparation, over 200 career events and around 15 major fairs annually.
Handshake Platform: Provides access to internships, graduate schemes, and alumni networking opportunities.
University–Industry Partnerships
Located in the heart of the Silicon Fen cluster (around 1000 tech firms), and closely linked to Cambridge Enterprise and Judge Business School for startup and commercialisation support.
Long-Term Accreditation Value
A Cambridge degree is globally prestigious and opens doors to elite roles in tech and finance.
The MEng adds formal accreditation and enhances technical credentials, often required by international engineering bodies.
Further Academic Progression
After completing the BA(Hons)/MEng, students may continue their studies through:
University of Cambridge Postgraduate Options: MPhil, MRes, or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, or AI.
Interdisciplinary Paths: Software engineering, computational biology, financial computing, cognitive science, or robotics.
External Opportunities: Advanced programmes at institutions such as MIT, Stanford, or Oxford, or industry-specific qualifications (e.g. Chartered Engineer status).
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher LevelIELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each sectionTOEFL / TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 110 overall with 25 in each sectionAdmission Test: Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) on 13 or 14 October 2025. Application deadline for test is 29 September 2025InterviewIf you’re applying to Churchill, Downing or Lucy Cavendish, you will also need a third science subject at A level/IB Higher Level. If you apply to Christ's College you must have Further Mathematics A levelColleges will require A*/7 in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Colleges may also require an A*/7 in specific subjects as part of your offerIf applying to Churchill, you will need to achieve: A Level: A* in Further Mathematics, if available at your school/college (otherwise A* in Mathematics), and A* in at least one of Chemistry, Computer Science, and Physics • IB: 7 in Higher Level Mathematics and 7 in at leCBSE - applicants will require five or more A1 grades in relevant subjectsCourse length:- BA (Hons) 3 years full-time, or MEng 4 years full-timeTo apply with SATs, you’ll typically need a combined score of at least 1500 (with 750+ in Math) for science-related and Economics courses, or 1460 (with 730+ in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) for other courses alongside a strong Advanced Placement (AP) test score or equivalent qualifications.Software EngineerData ScientistMachine Learning EngineerCybersecurity AnalystCloud EngineerAI EngineerDatabase AdministratorSystems AnalystNetwork EngineerDevOps Engineer
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