Computer Science, Computer Science and Philosophy, Mathematics and Computer Science

Computers (hardware) and the algorithms that they execute (software) are now absolutely pivotal to modern life, and the study of both has strongly mathematical underpinnings. Either course is a wonderful preparation for a very wide range of challenging and interesting careers.

Both CS and MCS therefore emphasise the mathematical foundations of computer science, especially in the first year.  MCS is a degree in Mathematics with some in-depth knowledge of Computer Science (about 25-50% of the coursework, depending on the options taken).  Computer Science courses concentrate on the principles of computing, rather than current practice, which changes quickly (in any case, employers expect to give training in new equipment and software). Thus the emphasis is on software design, rather than specific programming languages, and on hardware design, rather than specific makes of hardware. Our students readily land good jobs in computing or related fields.

You will find many more details about the courses, and the entry requirements, at the Department of Computer Science and the Mathematical Institute.

Christ Church started to take undergraduates in CS and M&CS in October 2017 and has quickly grown the subject. Professor Yarin Gal is the tutor in Computer Science. Professor Gal came to Oxford from Cambridge University in 2017 and is also affiliated with the Alan Turing Institute, which is the UK's national research centre in Data Sciences. His research interests include machine learning and game theory. Dr Irwin Zaid is the lecturer in Computer Science. His work is in applied machine learning and embedded systems, both of which tie into his own venture that is building a novel medical device.

Also affiliated with the College is Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World-Wide Web; he is an Honorary Student at Christ Church.

View a list of our academic teaching staff

Departmental website:

www.cs.ox.ac.uk