How to Apply to Computer Science at Oxford: Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Computer Science and Philosophy, the Switch to the TMUA for 2027 Entry, and What Chinese, Canadian and Transfer Applicants Should Know

At the University of Oxford, undergraduate Computer Science is taught by the Department of Computer Science in three degrees: Computer Science (UCAS G400), Mathematics and Computer Science (GG14) and Computer Science and Philosophy (IV15), each a three-year BA or a four-year Masters. This guide is based on the department’s website. The main University website returned a bot-check page to our automated requests, so we did not read it; please check international qualifications, English and fees there using the links at the end. It is written for students at high schools in China (including A-Level/IB/AP students), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

Timing first: the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry was 15 October 2026, and late applications are not accepted. If you have not applied yet, plan for 2028 entry and check the dates Oxford publishes.

1. The course

• Length: everyone applies for the four-year course and decides at the start of third year whether to continue; entry to the fourth year (Part C, MCompSci) requires a 2:1 or higher at the end of third year. All Oxford three-year degrees are BAs, including sciences.
• Year 1: core courses, four exam papers.
• Year 2: half core, half options, plus a group project; eight exam papers.
• Year 3: mainly options, with an optional project worth 25%.
• Teaching: lectures, tutorials (one or two students with a tutor), classes and practicals, with a strong focus on the mathematical underpinnings of computer science.
• Colleges: every undergraduate belongs to a college, but teaching is organised centrally, so the Computer Science you learn differs little between colleges; you can also make an open application.

2. Entry requirements

• A-Levels (offers are based on three; a fourth gives no advantage):
  • Computer Science, and Computer Science and Philosophy: with full A-Level Further Maths, A*AA including A*A in Maths and Further Maths (either order); with Further Maths to AS only, A*AAa with A* in Maths and a in AS Further Maths; if Further Maths is not available, A*AA with A* in Maths.
  • Mathematics and Computer Science: A*A*A with A*s in Maths and Further Maths if available.
• Mathematics required, Further Maths highly recommended: students who have the chance to take Further Maths are generally expected to; from 2022–25, 96% of A-Level students offered places on Computer Science courses took Further Maths A-Level. You do not need to have studied Computer Science at school.
• IB: 39 points including core, 766 at Higher Level with the 7 in Mathematics; HL Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation, with no preference.
• American qualifications: either
  • four APs at 5 including Calculus BC and two other maths or science subjects; or
  • three APs at 5 (Calculus BC and two other maths or science subjects) plus ACT 32 (33 for Maths and Computer Science) or SAT 1470 (1480 for Maths and Computer Science) with at least 770 in Mathematics.
  Calculus AB and BC do not count as two subjects; Computer Science A and Computer Science Principles do.
• GCSEs: not required to apply, but the proportion of top grades is considered where available.

3. Admissions test and interviews

• TMUA replaces the MAT: the department used its own Mathematics Admissions Test from 2007 to 2025. From the 2026 admissions round (2027 entry), the MAT will not take place and all applicants for Mathematics, Computer Science and joint courses take the TMUA, registered and booked through UAT-UK. The department says the topics and problem-solving spirit are very similar.
• No pass mark: shortlisting uses the TMUA together with the UCAS application and school context; usually 2–3 candidates are shortlisted per offer.
• Interviews: by video call in December, usually two at your first-choice college and at least one at another, each about 30 minutes with two interviewers, mostly solving a Computer Science problem out loud.
• Decisions: shortlisted candidates hear in January.

4. Past data (2025–26 cycle)

• Computer Science: 531 applications, 144 shortlisted, 58 offers; Computer Science and Philosophy: 118 applications, 15 offers; Mathematics and Computer Science: 564 applications, 90 offers. In total, 1,213 applications and 163 offers.
• Applicants from outside the UK and EU made 471 applications and received 72 offers.
• All shortlisted A-Level applicants took Mathematics, and 95% took Further Mathematics.

5. Students at high schools in China

• A-Level, IB, AP: prepare as above; Mathematics and Further Mathematics are key.
• Gaokao: the department website does not say whether the Gaokao is accepted; check the international qualifications page on the main University site. The department’s FAQ says applicants whose qualification is not accepted need further study to be competitive.
• English: non-native speakers must meet the University’s English requirements, published on the main site.

6. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• Requirements for Canadian provincial diplomas are not on the department website; check the international qualifications page on the main University site.
• AP students can follow the AP route above: four 5s, or three 5s with SAT/ACT, including Calculus BC.

7. Transfer students

• The department’s FAQ states that Oxford does not accept transfer students; students at other universities should read the “Transferring from another university” section of the main course page.

8. Fees and other notes

• Fees: not listed on the department website; see the Computer Science course page on the main University site for international fees.
• Gap year: deferred applications are considered from applicants with planned, structured activities (such as relevant technical work), with no higher offers for deferral.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• A-Level Maths and Further Maths aiming for A*AA (A*A*A for Maths and Computer Science), or IB 39 (HL 766 with 7 in Maths), or APs including Calculus BC
• Register for and sit the TMUA; submit UCAS by 15 October (closed for 2027 entry, so plan for 2028)
• Prepare for December video interviews by practising solving problems out loud
• Check Gaokao and English requirements on the main University site

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• Check provincial diploma requirements on the main site; AP students follow the AP route with Calculus BC

Transfer students:

• Oxford does not take transfer students; apply as a first-year applicant

Sources: University of Oxford Department of Computer Science, How to apply; Entry requirements; Admissions FAQ; Computer Science course structure; 2025–26 admissions feedback (PDF). For international qualifications, English requirements and fees, see the University of Oxford website: International qualifications; English language requirements; Computer Science course page (including fees); Admissions tests. Information is for 2027 entry. Check Oxford for the latest details.