Computer Science
About this course
BA (Hons) and MEng in Computer Science, a computer science degree exploring advanced computational theory, systems engineering and software development. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme provides a 3-year BA (Hons) route and a 4-year MEng option leading to a combined BA and Master of Engineering degree. The first year covers foundational concepts through Discrete and Continuous Mathematics, Programming Languages including functional and object-orientated, operating systems, Hardware, and machine learning. The second year addresses theory including logic and proof, computation theory, systems including computer architecture and computer networking, programming covering compiler construction and Language Design, and human aspects featuring Human Interaction design and Artificial Intelligence. The third year focuses on computer architecture, applications including bioinformatics and natural language processing, and theory. The fourth year enables students to explore issues at the very forefront of computer science and undertake a substantial research project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*A*A IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level . To apply to any of our Colleges for Computer Science, you will need A levels/IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in: Mathematics Further Mathematics to AS or A level if your school offers it. Check the guidance on this page If you’re studying IB, we ask for Analysis and Approaches for this course. If this isn’t an option at your school, please contact your shortlisted College(s) for advice. Colleges usually require A* in Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics. Colleges may also require an A*/7 in specific subjects (usually Chemistry or Physics, if taken) as part of your offer. If your school offers Further Mathematics to AS or A level, you should take it. Additional mathematics is helpful. All candidates are strongly encouraged to take up opportunities to develop their skills. If you are not able to take Further Mathematics because it is not available at your school, contact your shortlisted College(s) before you apply. They will confirm whether you are eligible to apply to their College for Computer Science.
What students say
Based on about 36 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 125 students who started
- Continued on course: 99%
- Left higher education: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 27 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 80%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Engineering professionals: 5%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 95%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 25%
- London: 40%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 130 students who started
- A levels: 82%
- Baccalaureate: 8%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- Other qualifications: 8%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Discrete and Continuous Mathematics
- Programming Languages including functional and object-orientated
- operating systems
- Hardware
- machine learning
- theory – including logic and proof, computation theory
- systems – including computer architecture, computer networking
- programming – including compiler construction, Language Design
- human aspects – including Human Interaction design, Artificial Intelligence
- computer architecture
- applications (including bioinformatics and natural language processing)
- theory
- explore issues at the very forefront of computer science
- undertake a substantial research project
- For further information about this course and the papers you can take see the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology website .
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Computer Science at University of Cambridge earn?
The median salary is £49,000 after 15 months, £63,500 after 3 years, £88,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £61,000 and £158,000. The £88,500 median after five years is £52,500 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of Computer Science at University of Cambridge do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Computer Science at University of Cambridge?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Computer Science at University of Cambridge?
The typical offer is A*A*A at A level, or 41 points in the IB. The average entrant had 231 UCAS points.
How many students continue on Computer Science at University of Cambridge?
99% of students continued into their second year, and 1% left higher education.