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Telephone: 01223 333313
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E-mail: access@cusu.cam.ac.uk
Computer Science
Studying Computer Science (often called CompSci) at Cambridge offers much more wide-ranging science instruction and deeper theoretical learning that you might expect from a subject that tends to be associated with specific technical work or the gadgetry of the day. For admissions, knowledge and interest in maths and physics tends to be more important than prior experience with computing skills or programming.
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In your first year of the CompSci course, you will spend one half of your time studying core modules specific to computer science. The remainder of your work will be in Mathematics (one quarter) and other chosen science (which can be Maths again) or social science subjects. You may also choose a CompSci option as part of the Natural Sciences course. In this track, you will spend one quarter of your first year in CompSci and then be given the option, with some catch-up work, to spend your second and third years as a Computer Scientist rather than a Natural Scientist.
“ You'll be in high demand for students' computing and software problems ”
Most first year teaching in Comp- Sci takes place at the University Computing facility on New Museums Site, which is in the heart of Cambridge. This facility includes a 24-hour computer lab in addition to teaching rooms and other resources that you will use as part of the course’s practical instruction. Your first year exams will involve one set question on each course you have taken.For the second and third years, the course shifts to a pure focus on computer science. This umbrella, however, encompasses more than just hardware and programming. You will have the opportunity to study topics such as e-commerce, electronic security, and entrepreneurship and work simulating the real-world experience of doing IT projects as a team. The teaching location also shifts to the West Cambridge Site, where the facilities include a well-frequented café and hangout, another 24-hour computer lab, and a comprehensive library.
Best thing? Cool building
Between the department’s library and your College library, you should usually be well covered in being able to access essential materials: there should be little if any need for you to buy books while on the course. The second and third year exams also tend to include more flexibility in choosing the questions and topics that you would like to cover. Socially, students in CompSci tend to be fairly tightknit, with less than 100 students per year in the subject. They come to know each other quite well across colleges, and many spend time in the café near the main department at West Cambridge. There are also numerous student-led societies and projects in the University including managing the Student-Run Computing Facility, a structure that provides many vital services throughout the University.
Cambridge Computer Scientists are educated to go beyond the boundaries of technical knowledge in their course and career, and they play an important role in the life of the University as an institution.
Worst thing? Saturday morning lectures and distance from town.