Studying Computer Science and joint schools at Merton
Computer Science & Philosophy: These two disciplines embrace many common interests and work extremely well together in multi-disciplinary research. You will cover core foundational topics in both subjects, and will then have many optional papers to choose from, examples of which can be found on the Computer Science & Philosophy course page. This course, in particular, combines theory and practice.
Mathematics & Computer Science: Natural partners, the study of mathematics is integral to, and complements, that of computer science. All computer scientists require a solid grounding in the use of mathematical tools, and mathematicians now often make use of computing tools for problem solving; this degree course allows further investigation into this overlap and mutual relevance. Example papers/topics can be found on the Mathematics & Computer Science course page.
Undergraduates at Merton are taught by active researchers who are passionate about teaching and communicating their research to students. The University’s Department of Computer Science offers a wide range of optional topics to all students, run by specialist experts in each area. You will be taught in a variety of formats, including lectures, practical skills classes, design and research projects, and college tutorials.
Computer Science, Computer Science & Philosophy and Maths & Computer Science are four-year degree courses leading to Masters degrees. If they wish, students may leave at the end of the third year, receiving a BA qualification instead.
Computer Science at Merton is overseen by Maximilian Doré, alongside our Mathematics and Philosophy tutors. Teaching at Oxford is coordinated by the Department across all colleges, creating a collaborative learning environment where students have access to all areas, topics and academics (they are not constrained to their own college’s areas of expertise).
Graduate mentors (current postgraduate students) are available to provide additional help and support with all aspects of the course.
- Computer Science and Joint Schools at Merton constitute one of our largest subject groups overall as they are run alongside Mathematics and Joint Schools courses. This large collection of students with similar academic interests makes for lively discussion and debate, and a strong sense of community.
- Merton’s student-run mathematical society holds a variety of events, social activities and talks throughout the year, which are ever popular.
- Merton provides generous academic grants and funding for research projects and travel.
- Eminent mathematician Sir Andrew Wiles, well-known through his proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem, is a Fellow at Merton.
Our policy is to admit the strongest candidates. Intercollegiate arrangements for the interviews of all candidates ensure that each candidate is considered by several colleges and that all suitably strong candidates find places in the University, regardless of their first choice college.
Applications are welcomed from all able and well-motivated candidates. Candidates are advised to take Further Maths at A-Level (or equivalent). Prior experience in programming is helpful though not necessary.
Two.
All candidates must take the Mathematics Aptitude Test (MAT).
None required.
Mathematics is essential; Further Mathematics is highly recommended. We expect you to take and pass any practical component in your chosen science subjects.
Applications for deferred entry will be considered on their merits.