Computer Science

Course overview

The Cambridge course emphasises the core principles of Computer Science, taught through specific examples, that will enable you to grasp any new programming language or innovation. Students come to Cambridge with a wide range of backgrounds and experience, but whether you are a beginner or experienced in some aspect of Computer Science, you will work on material that is both accessible and challenging in the best way.

For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.

What is it like to study Computer Science at King’s?

Computer Science students will have lectures most days in the Computer Science department, where they will learn alongside students from other Colleges. They will also attend supervisions two or three times per week, where they meet with an expert (usually a Fellow or a PhD student) to go over their homework solutions in small groups. The rest of their work time will be spent studying, which could involve reading lecture notes or textbooks or programming to develop their understanding of the topics they're learning. King's usually admits around eight Computer Science students each year.

Supervisions are the heart of the Cambridge teaching and learning system. For a Computer Science supervision, students usually complete homework in advance, which is submitted to the supervisor for marking. This could cover any aspect of their studies, including mathematical or practical topics. The supervision usually runs for one hour, and is often held in small groups, such as two students with one supervisor. During the session, the supervisor will help the students understand difficult parts of the topic, and the students can ask any questions they like to help improve their understanding. Fascinating conversations can often develop which lead to new insights into the subject.

What do we look for in an applicant to Computer Science?

At King's, we look to admit candidates who are passionate about computer science. The best candidates will often have computing-related projects of their own that they've developed outside of school that they can tell us about. We also look for strong mathematical ability, as mathematics underlies a lot of important ideas in Computer Science.

Requirements

A Level: A*A*A 

IB: 41-42 points overall with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level 

Subject requirements: Mathematics and Further Mathematics (A Level), Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Higher Level (IB)

Admissions assessment: Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)

Written work: To be confirmed

Admissions assessment

Candidates for Computer Science must take the TMUA, which is a pre-registration required test. For more information about the test, please see the University website.

Careers and graduate opportunities

Graduates from our course have gone on to have fantastic careers in a wide range of fields, including software engineering, hardware development, consultancy, finance, and research. Many world-leading start-ups have been launched by our alumni.

What is the best thing about studying Computer Science at King’s?

The best thing about King's is our friendly students and Fellows. Also, where better to study Computer Science than Alan Turing's College, where the subject was invented?

A top tip for applicants to Computer Science at King’s  

Start thinking now about how you can prove your passion for computer science. You could start up your own computing projects at home, like learning an interesting programming language or designing a hardware project with a Raspberry Pi. Do something exciting with it, and tell us about it in your personal statement!