Year 1 (Part IA)

You take four papers, including three compulsory Computer Science papers - covering topics such as foundations of computer science (taught in OCaml), Java and object-oriented programming, operating systems, and digital electronics, graphics, interaction design - and the Mathematics paper from Part IA of Natural Sciences.

Year 2 (Part IB)

Core technologies and theories

You take four papers, spanning core topics including:

theory – including logic and proof, computation theory

systems – including computer design, computer networking

programming – including compiler construction, advanced algorithms

applications and professionalism – including artificial intelligence, graphics, security

You also undertake a group project which reflects current industrial practice. 

Year 3 (Part II)

Specialisation

You choose from a large selection of topics which allows you to concentrate on an area of interest to you, such as computer architecture, applications (including bioinformatics and natural language processing) or theory. New topics inspired by current research interests include cloud computing, data science and robotics.

All students also work on a substantial project demonstrating their computer science skills, writing a 10,000 word dissertation on it. Projects are often connected with current Cambridge research and many utilise cutting-edge technology.  

Year 4 (Part III, optional integrated Masters)

Research preparation

The fourth year is designed for students considering a career in academic or industrial research. You explore issues at the very forefront of computer science and undertake a substantial research project.

Progression to Part III is dependent on Part II examination achievement. Successful completion of Part III leads to the MEng qualification, as well as the BA degree attained at the end of Part II.