Applying for Computer Science at Oxford and Cambridge involves sitting the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) for both universities, with Cambridge applicants to Peterhouse or Trinity also sitting the Computer Sciences Aptitude Test (CSAT), followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates that centre on mathematical and logical problem-solving. Both universities expect strong mathematics, and neither course page asks for a prior programming qualification. Oxford offers Computer Science alongside two joint degrees, whilst Cambridge offers a single Computer Science course.
The TMUA is run by UAT-UK, a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge, and is sat at Pearson test centres in the October sitting. Booking for that sitting closes before the sitting itself, so preparation usually begins in Year 12 and carries through the summer before Year 13. Each university then uses the result alongside the rest of the UCAS application.
Which computer science courses do Oxford and Cambridge offer?
Oxford lists three undergraduate courses in this area: Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Computer Science and Philosophy. Oxford's Department of Computer Science quotes a student who says the teaching shows how to create programs without tying the student to one language, and another who describes Mathematics and Computer Science as including pure mathematics and leaving out applied mathematics modules.
Cambridge offers one course, Computer Science, which it describes as broad and deep and which is available as a three-year BA or a four-year MEng. Part IA, the first year, covers discrete and continuous mathematics, functional and object-oriented programming languages, operating systems, hardware and machine learning, with three-hour written exams in the final term. A typical week includes 9 to 12 lectures, one or two practical classes and two or three supervisions.
The main differences lie in structure and choice of course. Oxford separates its offering into a single-honours degree and two joint degrees, one with mathematics and one with philosophy, whereas Cambridge applicants apply to one course and may sit the CSAT at Peterhouse or Trinity in addition to the TMUA.
What A-Levels do you need for computer science at Oxford and Cambridge?
Mathematics is required for the Cambridge course, and Oxford's Department of Computer Science tells applicants that the main thing is to do mathematics, and lots of it. Cambridge adds that applicants whose school offers Further Mathematics at AS or A-Level should take it, and that applicants whose school does not offer it should contact their shortlisted colleges before applying. For the IB, Cambridge states that Analysis and Approaches is expected.
Cambridge colleges may ask for results in Chemistry or Physics where those subjects are taken, so the course page and each shortlisted college's own requirements are worth reading together. Oxford publishes requirements on each course page, and applicants to Computer Science and Philosophy or Mathematics and Computer Science should read the page for the specific degree.
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Enquire about this tutorWhich admissions test do Oxford and Cambridge use for computer science?
Both universities use the TMUA for Computer Science, and Cambridge applicants to Peterhouse or Trinity also sit the CSAT. At Oxford the TMUA applies to Computer Science, Computer Science and Philosophy, Mathematics and Computer Science, and the other mathematics courses, and it replaced the MAT. At Cambridge the TMUA replaced the ECAA and CTMUA, and it has its own format and content.
The TMUA is delivered online at Pearson test centres and, according to Oxford, has two 75-minute papers of 20 multiple-choice questions each, with no calculator allowed. Applicants register with UAT-UK and book the test separately from UCAS, and a candidate who applies to other universities using the same test sits it once. Oxford states that there is no pass mark and that the score is used with the UCAS application when deciding whom to shortlist.
- Oxford: TMUA for Computer Science, Computer Science and Philosophy and Mathematics and Computer Science
- Cambridge: TMUA for Computer Science, plus the CSAT for applicants to Peterhouse or Trinity
How does the application process work?
Applicants apply through UCAS, register with UAT-UK for the TMUA, book a Pearson test centre and sit the test in the October sitting before interviews take place. Test registration is separate from the UCAS application, so families need to organise it themselves, and Cambridge applicants should check whether their chosen college also asks for the CSAT.
Oxford's Department of Computer Science states that interviews are held in December by video call, and that TMUA scores are considered alongside the UCAS application and school background. Cambridge invites many applicants to interview, and states that although not everyone interviewed receives an offer, everyone who receives an offer will have been interviewed.
Cambridge interviews take place online or in person depending on the college and course, and applicants usually cannot choose the format. Applicants to Cambridge are advised to keep the interview period free, because interviews generally cannot be rescheduled except in rare circumstances.
What does the computer science interview involve?
An Oxford Computer Science interview is described by the department as a short tutorial lasting about 30 minutes, usually with two interviewers, in which most of the time goes on a Computer Science problem. Candidates talk through their reasoning aloud, and they typically have two interviews at their first-choice college and at least one at another. Applicants to joint degrees may have a separate interview for each subject or one interview with tutors from both.
Cambridge describes its interviews as academic conversations about the subject. Most applicants have one or two interviews totalling 35 minutes to an hour, usually with two or three interviewers, who ask the candidate to apply knowledge to new problems and, in maths and science subjects, to share their workings. Cambridge says interviewers look for critical and independent thinking and enthusiasm for the subject, and some candidates are sent reading or tasks beforehand.
What programming experience do Oxford and Cambridge expect?
Neither university's course page lists a programming qualification as a requirement. Cambridge states that the course builds practical programming skills in languages such as OCaml, Java, C/C++ and Prolog, and Oxford's department quotes a student who says no lectures or courses presume prior knowledge.
Programming practice still helps in conversation, because Oxford's department includes a student who recommends programming in spare time. Another student on the same pages advises against applying for mainly practical programming, since the Oxford course also covers the theory of computing, so a candidate who enjoys the mathematics and logic behind programs tends to be well matched to both courses.
How can a student prepare with super-curricular activities?
Super-curricular preparation means engaging with computer science and mathematics beyond the school syllabus, and Cambridge states that such activities are a great way to engage with the chosen subject outside school or college. Useful activities include working through mathematical problems beyond the A-Level specification, writing small programs and reading about developments in the subject.
Oxford's Department of Computer Science advises that the main preparation is a great deal of mathematics. Cambridge advises applicants to be ready to discuss their personal statement, recent school topics and key developments in the subject. A tutor can help a student practise talking through unfamiliar problems aloud and prepare for the TMUA, which suits both the test and the interview style.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is prior programming experience needed before applying for computer science at Oxford or Cambridge?
- Neither university's course page lists a programming qualification as a requirement. Cambridge says the course builds practical programming skills in languages such as OCaml, Java, C/C++ and Prolog, and Oxford's Department of Computer Science quotes a student who says no courses presume prior knowledge. Some programming practice can still give a candidate something to discuss, but the interviews centre on mathematical and logical problem-solving.
- Which admissions test is used for computer science at Oxford and Cambridge?
- Both universities use the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA), run by UAT-UK and sat at Pearson test centres. Cambridge applicants to Peterhouse or Trinity also sit the Computer Sciences Aptitude Test (CSAT). Oxford states that the TMUA has no pass mark and that the score is considered with the UCAS application, so applicants should check each university's course page for the latest wording.
- Is Further Mathematics required for computer science at Oxford or Cambridge?
- Cambridge requires Mathematics and states that applicants whose school offers Further Mathematics at AS or A-Level should take it. Applicants whose school does not offer it should contact their shortlisted colleges before applying. Oxford's department emphasises doing a great deal of mathematics, and each Oxford course page and college sets out its own requirements, so it is worth reading the page for the specific degree.
- How long is a computer science interview at Oxford and Cambridge?
- Oxford's Department of Computer Science describes an interview of about 30 minutes with usually two interviewers, held by video call, with candidates typically having two interviews at their first-choice college and at least one at another. Cambridge says most applicants have one or two interviews totalling 35 minutes to an hour, online or in person depending on the college and course.
- What is the difference between Oxford and Cambridge computer science?
- Oxford offers Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Computer Science and Philosophy, all using the TMUA. Cambridge offers a single Computer Science course, as a three-year BA or four-year MEng, with the CSAT required at Peterhouse and Trinity in addition to the TMUA. Applicants should read each course page for content, structure and entry requirements.
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