Computer Science

Computer Science is for people who strive to analyse and understand how computing fits into our lives and who want to influence the future of our increasingly technology-dependent world. Computer Science is about understanding computer systems and networks at a deep level. Computers and the programs they run are among the most complex products ever created by humans; designing and using them effectively presents immense challenges. Facing these challenges is the aim of Computer Science as a practical discipline, and this leads to some fundamental questions:

• How can we capture in a precise way what we want a computer system to do?
• Should we trust computers? Can we always predict what they will do?
• How can computers help us to model and investigate complex systems like the Earth’s climate, the financial system, or our own bodies?
• How can different computer systems communicate and cooperate effectively and reliably?
  
• Can computers learn to speak English, or Chinese?
• Can computers do everything that human intelligence can do?
  
• What are the limits to computing power? Will quantum computers overcome those limits?

The theories that are now emerging to answer these kinds of questions can be immediately applied to design new forms of computers, programs, networks and systems that will transform science, business, culture and all other aspects of life in the 21st century.

The course at Oxford concentrates on creating links between theory and practice. It covers a wide variety of software and hardware technologies and their applications. It is designed to equip students with the fundamental understanding and practical skills needed by the future leaders of computing and related professions. Throughout the degree, you will develop a sound understanding of mathematical ideas, both for applications such as scientific computing, and for reasoning rigorously about the specification and behaviour of programs and computer systems. You will also gain practical problem-solving and program design skills; the majority of subjects within the course are linked with practical work in our well-equipped laboratory.

Computer Science and Philosophy is a new degree, with its first students starting in 2012, the centenary of Alan Turing’s birth. It can be studied for three years (a BA), or four years (Master of Computer Science and Philosophy). You choose at the beginning of your third year whether to stay on for the additional fourth year.

More information about this exciting new course can be found on the Computer Science website.

Common roles for Computer Science graduates include computer programmer, software publisher, manufacturer of electronic components, financial and investment manager, and customer service manager.

Recent Computer Science graduates include an IT project manager, a software developer, and a technical trainer. Maria, who graduated in 2007, is now an IT consultant at CHP Consulting. She says: ‘This has been my first job since graduating. It has allowed me to use the technical skills gained in my degree in a client-facing environment.’