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Department of Computer Science and Technology

 

The main University website for admissions has lots of information on applying:

There is also information on student fees and finance, including why Cambridge has low living costs.

Written Tests: Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)

Applicants for admission in 2022 will be required to take the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) in early October at their school or a nearby testing centre, and will need to be registered by no later than 30th September 2022. The TMUA results will be combined with the application information to select candidates to proceed to interview. For further information please visit Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA), and for preparation information please visit preparation guidance

For those called to interview, some colleges will also require candidates to sit a further written assessment (such as the Computer Science Aptitudes Test (CSAT)) on the day of interview. Please check with individual colleges to determine their interview process.

Applying with A-Levels

As with all subjects in Cambridge, admissions standards are set to seek out the best in the field, and a typical A-Level offer for Computer Science here is A*A*A. Formally, admission to Cambridge is decided by a college, not by the department and the college is likely to interview an applicant before deciding whether or not to make an offer. A written test is also commonly required. More details on the admissions process are available on the main University website.

The primary qualifications we look for are in mathematics, since we find a strong correlation with mathematics performance and subsequent performance on our degree. Therefore A-level mathematics is essential. Further Mathematics to AS or A-level is highly desirable, although we recognise that not all schools currently offer it.

A-level Computing is not essential for entry for first-year 75% Option but some knowledge of procedural programming is useful. Ultimately the decision rests with the DoS at your college. Note that A-level ICT and IT are more vocational in nature and are generally less desirable than a physical science at admission.

Applying with other qualifications

We accept students with a wide range of qualifications including the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Broadly speaking we expect an equivalent standard to that achieved by our A-level candidates.

The University publishes typical offers and guidance for those with other qualifications on its main website.

Since admissions is primarily a college matter, if you have specific queries on whether certain qualifications are acceptable, you would do best to contact the admissions office of the college(s) you are interested in applying to. You can find a list of Directors of Studies for each college here.