Discover Computer Science

Discover Computer Science is a sustained engagement programme for Black and Mixed-Black women led by Oxford’s Computer Science Department and Christ Church. It consists of four online sessions, with an in-person graduation day in Oxford.

The online sessions will offer students in-depth investigations of topic areas outside of the school curriculum, combining theory with interactive exploration. We aim to help students explore the world of Computer Science and hope to inspire them to continue their engagement with the subject.

The final day of the programme will be an in-person graduation day held in Oxford. The participants will be invited to bring a parent/carer to accompany them on the day. Sessions designed to support students in their progression to university – for example, in supporting A-Level choice – will also form part of the programme alongside the academic elements. There will also be a careers panel talk with Computer Science alumnae during the programme and a chance to meet current students.

Who is it for?

We wish to encourage better representation of black and female students in Computer Science and joint schools at the University of Oxford, and other higher education institutions.

To take part in this programme students need to meet all of the criteria below:

• Black African or Caribbean students, or students of mixed race with Black African or Caribbean heritage
• are female
• who are in Year 11(Scottish S5 or NI Y12)
• attend a UK state-funded school at the time of applying.
• are academically strong. We would expect students to be on track to achieve at least 5 8s-9s at GCSE. If a pupil is close to this mark, some flexibility is possible at the discretion of the school representative.
• have attained or are predicted to achieve an 8-9 in Maths GCSE
• are planning to take A Level Maths & Further Maths or the equivalent.
• are enthusiastic about Mathematics and Computer Science.

Attendees will be required to attend all classes in the series and to complete the extra learning activities between the sessions.

The 2027 Programme

For 2027 the majority of the programme will run digitally at 4.30pm-5.30pm, after school, and students must have access to a computer, laptop or tablet and the internet, plus a microphone and speakers/headphones.

The programme will run as follows:

• Session 1 online: Wednesday 20 January
• Session 2 online: Wednesday 27 January
• Session 3 online: Wednesday 3 February
• Session 4 online: Wednesday 10 February
• Graduation Day in person, in Oxford: Saturday 27 February

How do I apply?

2027 Discover Computer Science Programme nominations are now OPEN.

Teachers are asked to complete the nomination form with the number of students they will be nominating from their school.

The deadline for all nominations via the form is Friday 23rd October 2026. Upon receipt of a nomination form, teachers will be contacted with further details (and a parent/carer consent form) to pass on to the students and parents/carers of the nominee.

Parents/students will be notified in early December 2026 on the outcome of their application.

For any questions or queries, please contact: discovercomputerscience@cs.ox.ac.uk