About the Course

This joint degree offers the opportunity to combine an appreciation of mathematical reasoning with an understanding of computing and its ability to solve problems on a large scale.

Mathematics is a fundamental intellectual tool in computing, but computing is increasingly also a tool in mathematical problem solving. Watch the videos below to find out more about studying Mathematics and Computer Science at Jesus College.

The teaching provision at Jesus College is generous in relation to the number of Mathematics and Computer Science students. While many Oxford colleges have only on tutor in Computer Science, Jesus College have two tutors, who are committed to research in computer science as well as to teaching, and who together will cover a wide range of subjects. Mathematics has a long tradition at Jesus.

Teaching in Mathematics and Computer Science, as in most other subjects, has two main components: University lectures and classes, and college tutorials. The lectures and classes are provided and held in the Department of Computer Science. The tutorials are held in college and cover all first-year and second-year courses, thus providing a firm grounding in the core topics from both subjects; students are then free to choose options from a wide range of Mathematics and Computer Science subjects.

The course concentrates on areas where mathematics and computing are most relevant to each other, emphasising the bridges between theory and practice. It offers opportunities for potential computer scientists both to develop a deeper understanding of the mathematical foundations of their subject, and to acquire a familiarity with the mathematics of application areas where computers can solve otherwise intractable problems. It also gives mathematicians access to both a practical understanding of the use of computers, and deeper understanding of the limits on the use of computers in their own subject.

Mathematics and Computer Science can be studied for three years (BA) or four years (Master of Mathematics and Computer Science). The fourth year allows the study of advanced topics and an in-depth research project. Everyone applies for the four-year course. Exit points are not decided until the third year.

More details on the structure of the degree can be found here.

Teaching staff

Professor Andrew Dancer Fellow and Tutor in Mathematics

Dr James Oliver Fellow and Tutor in Mathematics.

Mr Orson Hart Lecturer in Applied Mathematics.

Mr Adrià Marín Salvador Lecturer in Mathematics.

Miss Ruby Nixson Lecturer in Mathematics.

Professor Sergii Strelchuk Tutorial Fellow in Computer Science.

Professor Seth Flaxman Tutorial Fellow in Computer Science.

Dr Oiwi Parker Jones Hugh Prize Fellow in Computer Science.

Professor Sam Staton Senior Research Fellow in Computer Science.

Dr Atılım Güneş Baydin Lecturer in Computer Science.

Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt Principal of Jesus College and a Professorial Research Fellow in Computer Science.

Admissions requirements and course information

Number of places usually available each year at Jesus College: 2 places are offered in a typical year to read Computer Science, 2 places are offered to read Computer Science and Philosophy, and 2 places are offered to read Mathematics and Computer Science.

For detailed information on this course including course structure, entry requirements and how to apply, please use the links below:

Course details

How to apply

Mathematical Institute

Computer Science – Jesus College

Postgraduate studies and careers

Both the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Computer Science and Oxford enjoy a high reputation, both nationally and internationally, for the excellence of its teaching and research, and re among the largest in the country.

Research at Oxford covers a very wide range in both theoretical and applied Mathematics and Computer Science. It attracts generous research funding and draws students and visiting faculty from all parts of the world.

The following degrees are available at postgraduate level:

• DPhil in Computer Science
• DPhil in Mathematics
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Mathematical Sciences
• MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science

This course gives training in logical thought and expression, and is a good preparation for many careers. About 20% of Mathematics and Computer Science graduates tend to go on to further study. Recent graduates secured positions as software and hardware professionals in research, finance and investment analysis, and include a product controller for an international bank, an actuarial consultant and an accountant.