Computer Science at Oxford
Admissions
From MSc in Computer Science at Oxford
Who should apply?
The MSc in Computer Science is intended for those who already have a first degree with a significant component of mathematics and/or computing. Candidates with substantial programming experience in employment and an honours degree in a mathematical, scientific, or engineering subject will be considered. It is vital that candidates possess the necessary background to cope with mathematical notation and basic skills in computer programming.
Admissions criteria for 2013-14 entry
Within equal opportunities principles and legislation, applications will be assessed in the light of a candidate’s ability to meet the following criteria:
1. Academic ability
Proven and potential academic excellence. Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or to have achieved a first-class or an upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualifications ) in a subject with a significant component of mathematics and/or computing.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA we seek is 3.55 out of 4.0. We do not require a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a GMAT score However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of at least 3.65.
Candidates with substantial programming experience in employment may also be considered provided they possess an honours degree in a mathematical, scientific, or engineering subject.
It is vital that candidates possess the necessary background to cope with mathematical notation and basic skills in computer programming.
Academic references/letters of recommendation, which support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, and ability to work in a group.
Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose should be in English only and should be no more than two pages of typewritten A4. This will be assessed for: • your reasons for applying; • evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; • the ability to present a reasoned case in English; • commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course; • capacity for sustained and intense work; • reasoning ability; • ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.
Your statement should focus on why you think this course is the right one for you rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations.
Performance at interview(s) Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process. Candidates will be short-listed based on academic ability and the interview will generally be by telephone or skype by a member of the admissions committee. You can expect to be asked some technical questions. If you are called to Oxford for an interview you will be interviewed by two members of academic staff.
2. Other qualifications and experience
Working experience in programming may be an advantage.
3. Availability of supervision, teaching, facilities and places
There are minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted onto Oxford’s research and taught programmes.
The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Computer Science and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.
4. English language requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of proficiency in English at the higher level required by the University
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/internat_students.html.]
5. Deadlines and required full set of application materials
Please refer to the Graduate Admissions website:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/application_guide.html#awhen_to_apply
for information on the deadlines which must be met, and the full set of supporting materials required, in order for applications to be guaranteed to be considered.
6. Funding
Whether you have yet secured funding is not taken into consideration in the decision to make an initial offer a place, but please note that the initial offer of a place will not be confirmed until the college which gives you an initial offer of a place is satisfied that you have sufficient funding to cover your fees and living costs for the standard period of fee liability for your course.
7. Disability, health conditions and specific learning difficulties.
Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. Decisions on admission are based solely on the individual academic merits of each candidate and the application of the selection criteria appropriate to the programme of study. Further information on how these matters are supported during the admissions process is available here.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/about_the_university/graduate_welfare/e_d.html
8. References Please see
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/application_guide.html#areferences
for guidance on references.
9. Assessors
All applications will be assessed by more than one member of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise.
10. Course webpage
http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/grad/MSc_in_Computer_Science
