Computer Science and Philosophy

About the course

If you enjoy mathematical problem-solving, would like to learn about computing, but also have wider interests in life and the universe - for example what AI can teach us about ourselves, how it will impact on the world, or how we should react to these huge changes - then this degree might be for you!

Both computer science and philosophy are intellectually exciting and creative, and they have many mutual connections. The course combines analytical and technical knowledge with discursive, writing and research skills, offering the chance to study with top academics from two internationally acclaimed departments.

The study of philosophy develops analytical, critical and logical rigour, applied within a wide range of extremely valuable skills:

• analysing and organising diverse information
• understanding different points of view
• arguing a case
• imagining novel possibilities and thinking through their consequences.

It stretches the mind by considering a wide range of ideas on questions as fundamental as the limits of knowledge, the nature of reality and our place in it, and the basis of morality.

Theoretical links between computer science and philosophy go right back to Alan Turing’s invention of the digital computer, and practical links have grown hugely in recent years as computer systems increasingly impact on almost every aspect of our lives: social, commercial, educational, even political. Throughout academia and industry, they provide the media of communication and data processing, and increasingly – through artificial intelligence – solve problems that go beyond our human intellectual capabilities.

All this raises many difficult issues, both ethical (e.g. data privacy, algorithmic risk assessment, robot behaviour, legal regulation and responsibility) and social (e.g. impact on employment, healthcare, public discourse and democracy). Navigation through this minefield of problems requires a new generation of thinkers who both understand computing technology, and are able to think critically about its consequences.

Computer Science and Philosophy can be studied for three years (BA) or four years (Master of Computer Science and Philosophy).

Students do not need to choose between the three-year and four-year options when applying. All students apply for the four-year course, and then decide by the end of their third year whether they wish to continue to the fourth year. In order to proceed into the fourth year (part C), students will need to achieve a 2:1 or higher classification at the end of their third year.

Unistats information

Discover Uni course data provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Oxford for a particular undergraduate course.

Please select 'see course data' to view the full Unistats data for Computer Science and Philosophy. 

Please note that there may be no data available if the number of course participants is very small.

Visit the Studying at Oxford section of this page for a more general insight into what studying here is likely to be like. 

Academic requirements 

Wherever possible, your grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved.

View further information on how we use contextual data.

Subject requirements

*If your school offers Further Maths A level we expect you to have taken it. Please note from 2022-25, 96% of A-level students who were offered places for Computer Science courses (including joint courses) took Further Maths to A-level.

Applying

All candidates must follow the application procedure as shown on our Applying to Oxford pages.

The following information gives specific details for students applying for this course.

Admissions test

All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) as part of their application.

All the information you need to arrange to take your test as well as how best to prepare can be found on your test page.

Written work

You do not need to submit any written work when you apply for this course.

What are tutors looking for?

In Computer Science: we look for proven mathematical talent, the ability to think and work independently, the capacity to absorb and use new ideas, and enthusiasm.

In Philosophy: we look for a critical and analytical approach to abstract questions, the ability to think logically and express thoughts clearly, and a desire to delve deeper into the way we think about things.

You do not need to have previously studied either subject.

Visit the Computer Science and Philosophy websites for more detail on the selection criteria for this course.

Fees

Additional Fees and Charges Information for Computer Science and Philosophy

There are no compulsory costs for this course beyond the fees shown above and your living costs.