Computer Science at Oxford
Student profiles
From MSc in Computer Science at Oxford
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Rasmus Wissmann
2008/2009
I grew up in Wuerzburg and Buedelsdorf, in Germany. Before coming to Oxford I studied at Technical University in Munich, where I completed a Bachelor in Maths and Pre-diploma in Maths and Physics.
I choose Oxford, because of its outstanding reputation and its college system, which generates a unique, intense and international atmosphere. I enjoyed being around people from so many different countries and backgrounds.
The MSc in Computer Science consists of lecture parts as well as a dissertation phase. This allows students to familiarize themselves with a specific area of study and afterwards do some real scientific work in it, regardless of whether or not they have a background in Computer Science. I particularly enjoyed the dissertation part with its close 1-to-1 supervision.
One of the constant highlights throughout the year was the unique Oxford community and the amazing range of social activities. I have been involved in societies such as the Oxford Union and the German society, played soccer in the University College MCR team and enjoyed numerous parties, social evenings, balls etc. I can hardly imagine a better, more interesting, more inspiring or more intense study environment.
I am now doing an internship in management consulting with McKinsey & Company.
Julian De Hoog
2006/2007
I came to Oxford from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where I completed a BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics. Having visited Oxford previously I knew what a beautiful city it is, and the Computing Laboratory has a strong international reputation.
I completed the MSc Computer Science here in September 2007, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The wide range of courses means that there is something for everyone -- in my case I was particularly interested in artificial intelligence. Two courses in Intelligent Systems and one in Machine Learning were certainly my favourites. Most of the course work emphasises theory over practice, but the flexibility regarding the personal project is fantastic and allowed me to look at some practical applications of what I had learnt.
In the end I enjoyed the MSc so much that I stayed on for a PhD, and am now in my third year. The work is fascinating and I'm fortunate to have an excellent supervisor. We also have a lively lab group and regular group lunches are important for getting out of the building and hearing what other people are up to.
Outside of the lab, Oxford certainly has something for everyone. I've been here for four years and I'm still amazed each year when I go to Freshers Fair about the breadth of activities that students here get passionately involved in. In my case, I've had a chance to play on the university Ice Hockey team, which has taken me all over the country, and indeed to tournaments all over Europe. I've also learned to row, and been active in Exeter College as the graduate accommodation President.
Quincy Prentice
2008/2009
I come from the tiny Caribbean island of Nevis. I completed my undergraduate studies in Computer Science at York University (Toronto, Canada).
I chose to pursue the MSc course at Oxford because of the strong theoretical content of the course, the research component of the course and the rich tradition and strong academic standing of Oxford University and the Computing Laboratory.
Oxford provides excellent opportunities to interact with individuals within and outside of one’s course. Guest lectures such as the one on String Theory delivered by Dr. Michio Kaku provided insight into the world of theoretical physics whose research also impacts Computer Science. St. Cross College provided an engaging and informal atmosphere where I could interact with fellow students and faculty on a daily basis either at lunch or one of the many dinners, I also participated in the St. Cross College choir.
My course selection was a combination of two of the core areas provided; Concurrency & Artificial Intelligence. This gave me a foundation to explore issues involved in Autonomic computing in my thesis: “Emergence in an Autonomic Computing Environment”. This aspect of the course proved to be the most challenging and personally gratifying.
Since graduating I have returned home, and I am presently working as a Senior Systems Analyst with the Nevis Island Administration.
Edward Grefenstette
2008/2009
While originally from France, I went to University in the UK, first in Sheffield where I received a BSc in Physics and Philosophy, then at St Andrews where I received an MLitt in Philosophy.
I came to Oxford to first do the MSc and now the DPhil in computer science because I was interested in using my education in mathematical logic in practical contexts, as well as applying concepts from philosophy of language to work in artificial intelligence.
The MSc offered the right balance between research preparation and filling in the gaps in my knowledge of Computer Science, while the supportive environment of the computing laboratory has encouraged me to take interest in the work of other researchers in similar fields of mine.
One key highlight of both the MSc and the DPhil is the fantastic amount of attention and personal time one gets from academics, be it in the form of class teaching, practical directing, or supervision meetings. This really helped me make rapid progress during the MSc and feel more confident about the direction of my research during my present DPhil.
The other key highlight of Oxford life on the whole is the collegiate system, which provides great support in terms of academic work, pastoral care, and social facilities. I am currently sitting on Balliol's MCR committee, as well as rowing for Balliol's boat club and playing for the MCR men's cricket team.
