1 Year On Campus Masters Program
The MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science at Oxford is an intensive one-year programme designed for students who want to explore advanced mathematics alongside theoretical computer science. It suits those aiming for research, PhD progression, or high-level technical roles in industry.
Curriculum Structure
Terms 1 & 2: Students take at least five lecture courses, choosing from areas such as Algebra, Number Theory, Topology, Combinatorics, Logic, Computational Complexity, Concurrency, and Quantum Computing.
Term 3 & Summer: Students complete a research dissertation under supervision, applying both mathematical and computing concepts in depth.
Focus areas (in a string): algebra • number theory • combinatorics • topology • logic • computational complexity • concurrency • quantum computing
Learning outcomes (in a string): mastery of advanced mathematics and computer science foundations; ability to conduct independent research; advanced problem-solving and abstraction skills; preparation for PhD or research-intensive careers
Professional alignment (accreditation): Academic and research-oriented; respected globally for preparing students for doctoral studies and technical industry roles.
Reputation (employability rankings): Oxford ranks among the world’s top institutions in mathematics and computer science, with graduates highly sought after in both academia and industry.
Graduates of this MSc are well-prepared for research careers, doctoral study, or advanced industry roles that demand deep mathematical and computational expertise. Typical job paths include academic researcher, data scientist, software engineer in R&D, or quantitative analyst.
Key highlights include:
Career development support from Oxford’s Careers Service, offering tailored guidance and global employer connections.
Strong graduate employability, with most students progressing to PhDs or roles in finance, technology, and research-intensive sectors.
Close links with industry leaders in computing, AI, and quantitative finance provide valuable networking and placement opportunities.
The degree carries long-term academic prestige, strengthening international research and employment prospects.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often continue to DPhil/PhD programmes in mathematics, computer science, or interdisciplinary fields such as quantum computing, machine learning, or logic in computer science.
Graduates of the MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science at the University of Oxford achieve outstanding career outcomes, transitioning into roles that lead innovation across technology, research, and industry worldwide. Typical job roles include software engineer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and cybersecurity analyst, reflecting the program's comprehensive coverage of both theory and practical applications in advanced computing. The program’s strong academic reputation and industry connections equip students to succeed in diverse, high-impact careers.
Specifically:
The University of Oxford Careers Service offers tailored support including one-on-one career coaching, CV workshops, and access to exclusive global tech internships and job fairs.
Oxford graduates in computer science earn an average starting salary of around £65,000, with employment rates exceeding 90% within 15 months of graduation.
The department maintains active partnerships with leading technology firms such as IBM, Google, Amazon, and Cisco, facilitating internships and collaborative research opportunities.
Although the MSc is not professionally accredited, Oxford’s global prestige and rigorous academic training provide strong long-term career advantages and research pathways.
Graduate outcomes include progression to PhD research, academic positions, technology leadership roles, and entrepreneurship in cutting-edge computing fields.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue with doctoral research at Oxford or other leading institutions or pursue specialized MSc degrees and professional certifications to deepen expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data science
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