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. The Computer Science course is a three-year degree, with an optional fourth year for high-performing students. King's usually admits around eight Computer Science students each year, making it one of the larger cohorts at Cambridge.

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

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

A typical day for undergraduate Computer Science students will start with morning lectures, followed by supervisions or lab work. In lectures delivered by leading experts, King’s students learn alongside students from other Colleges. The rest of their work time will be spent studying, which could involve reading, revising, solving problems, or programming to develop their understanding of the topics they're learning. 

Supervisions are organised by the College, with an average of two to three supervisions per week. Supervision groups are small, with two, possibly three, students and an experienced supervisor, usually a Fellow, postdoctoral researcher or doctoral student. 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. 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.

Studies are guided by one of our Directors of Studies. Each cohort of students typically has the same Director of Studies throughout their degree, providing a personalised approach to students’ learning journeys. Regular meetings with the Director of Studies are complemented by access to specialised support available across the college. The Computer Science Directors of Studies are Professor Jamie Vicary (Category Theory), Professor Alice Hutchings (Security), Dr Umang Bhatt (Trustworthy AI), and Professor Janet Davis (Human Computer Interaction).

King’s is located in central Cambridge, in close proximity to the Department of Computer Science & Technology and the ‘Silicon Fen’ tech hub.

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: None

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 fulfilling 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. Our Computer Science students often engage with internships during their degrees. At King’s, we have strong links to industry through connections with our alumni and fellows.

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

The best thing about King's is our friendly students and Fellows. The King’s Computer Science community is diverse and inclusive. We run a weekly term-time study group with regular visitors and activities, as well as an annual garden party to celebrate the end of exams. Students are cohesive, interacting across year groups, as well as with our sizable graduate student population. 

King’s offers a number of summer research placements each year, providing Computer Science students with the opportunity to work with world-renown academics at the cutting edge of research. At King’s, students are continuing the legacy of Alan Turing at the historic home of Computer Science.

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!