Computer Science and Mathematics
Two well-established programmes
Computer Science and Mathematics underpin much of modern science and technology. As such, their combined study is of both academic and industrial relevance.
Our combined Computer Science and Mathematics programmes emphasise the concepts of rigorous argument, formal proof and the power of abstract formulation of problems. In computer science, students study the core topics of programming and architectures in the first year, with a broad range of theme options in the second year (from software engineering to artificial intelligence to user interfaces) and many cutting edge specialist modules available in the third and fourth years.
For more context, visit our table of programmes offered.
How are Computer Science and Mathematics related?
The term "computer" originally referred to a person who performed numerical calculations (much like an A-level Maths student!). Today's computers are, in essence, very efficient number-crunching machines, capable of performing tasks of startling complexity using a very small number of arithmetical and data-manipulative operations.
Mathematics pervades the study of computer science in almost every area, from designing and analysing efficient computer programs to developing formal proofs that a piece of software does what was intended (rather important if the software is being used to fly a plane for example).
While mathematics is clearly a fundamental tool that can be exploited in computer science, increasingly computer science is offering solutions to mathematical problems. The idea of a computer-assisted proof is relatively new and has been used to solve long-standing mathematical questions. Computers can provide a means to visualise complex numerical data, search for solutions or counter-examples to problems, and, more generally, reduce the need for any laborious manipulation on the part of a mathematician.
At the boundary between the two subjects lies the theory of computation, where we can use mathematical models of a computer to answer questions such as "Are some problems unsolvable by any computer?"
What can you expect to get out of these programmes?
Our combined Computer Science and Mathematics programmes bring together two well established and respected programmes in two world leading departments. Students on our combined programmes study topics considered central to each discipline while gaining insight into the substantial interplay between the two subjects. The first two years of the programme is weighted equally between computer science and maths and students will have supervisors in both departments. In the third and fourth years, students can choose to weight their studies towards either subject and undertake a substantial project in one of the departments. Many final year projects are available that are relevant to both disciplines.
Graduates of combined computer science and mathematics programmes posses skills that are greatly in demand across a range of industries from finance to research and development. Likewise, graduates are well equipped for further study or post graduate research in any discipline that relies on computational and mathematical methods.
See also our pages describing the structure and the content of all our programmes.
How to contact us | Page authors Will Smith + Bill Freeman | Page last updated | 18 Nov 2008