Computer Science at Oxford
Student profiles
From Computer Science at Oxford
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Anne-Marie Imafidon
Third year Mathematics and Computer Science
Keble College
I went to the Latymer School in East London and took A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, French and ICT and AS-Levels in Further Additional Maths and Physics. I also did the STEP 2 and 3 exams.
I chose Oxford because the course was an even split of both Computer Science and Maths from the beginning, without a bias towards either one. I chose Mathematics and Computer Science because I have always had a keen interest in both and appreciate that they have a very strong link, large areas of overlap, and ultimately mathematics underpins most of Computer Science.
The course has been amazingly flexible and I have enjoyed the benefits of having the best of both worlds: the ability to choose any mathematical module or any computing module to suit my interests. I think Oxford is just the right kind of city to study in; it ensures that you can study without too many distractions, but have fun if you need to relax or unwind.
The highlights of the course have been studying Databases last term and finding out more about robots in the Intelligent Systems module. The variety of topics means you can always find a module that personally interests you. The highlights of being at Oxford, have been the various opportunities to work with really smart people on committees or socially, and also the great resources we have access to including our Careers Service and the Radcliffe Science Library. Lastly the tutorial system means you can get all the help you need and it keeps you on your toes!
In college, I had a role on our JCR committee and I am a member of the Christian Union. I was also the Keble College rep serving on the Mathematics Undergraduate Representative Committee (MURC) and I played on the college netball team.
Dan Surman
Second year Computer Science
Oriel College
I live in a town called Witney, about 20 minutes from Oxford. I attended The Henry Box School, one of the two local comprehensives, and achieved AAAB in maths, f.maths, chemistry, and physics respectively.
I chose the course because I wanted to be taught the principles that underpinned programming languages, allowing me to easily learn new languages when required, as opposed to being taught specific details of individual languages, which I could learn myself.
The course is well structured and well taught, which is fortunate as I find it very demanding.
A particular highlight of the course so far is the Concurrent Programming lecture series which explains how to write programs, using different techniques, that correctly solve problems In the field of concurrency.
As well as studying I also play football for the college first XI, badminton, basketball and pool.
Hannah Thomas
First year Mathematics and Computer Science
Worcester College
I’m from a state school in Maidstone, Kent where I studied German, French, Maths and Further Maths for A level.
I’d always been keen on maths and my interest in problem solving and languages led me to Computer Science. After attending an Open Day, I decided Oxford was the place for me: the tutors were so approachable and the course incredibly flexible in the ways you can combine the two subjects. It also did not assume any prior knowledge of Computer Science.
Any initial apprehension I had quickly became unimportant, as it was easy to settle in. I knew deep down this is what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be, in Oxford’s beautiful surroundings with a chance to pursue my interests to a high level. Working in small groups with others who are passionate about the subject is a real benefit.
The course has been challenging and exciting, as I have discovered new mathematical ‘tools’ and ideas and been given a chance to be creative, for example in producing rigorous proofs and algorithms. A lot of ideas now make more sense to me as I am studying topics in more depth.
With the numerous organisations it’s been easy to carry on the extra-curricular activities I enjoyed before. I have the privilege of singing as a choral scholar in the 18th Century college chapel, conducting a college choir and playing in the orchestra. Just from being around college I’ve also been able to meet a wide range of people with different interests and backgrounds.
Another perk to life in Oxford is the great facilities: the halls serving fantastic formal meals and en suite rooms are among these. The college also has a very safe environment making daily life away from home pleasant and easy to cope with.
Karina Sharples
Third year Mathematics and Computer Science
Somerville College
I chose to apply for a joint honours degree because I always enjoyed maths at school and have more recently developed an interest in computer science. British-born, I grew up abroad so when, at the age of 10, my family spent a holiday in Oxford, I fell in love with the city and all the colleges and always hoped to return.
For my A-levels I chose Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics. When I came to Oxford, I was worried that my lack of programming experience would put me behind from the start, but I quickly discovered that there were many others in the same position. The course is very interesting and full of variety; I find it hard to settle on just a few options! There is a fantastic learning environment at Oxford and everyone - tutors and students alike - is friendly, down to earth and ready to lend a helping hand when you get stuck.
There is so much extracurricular going on in Oxford at any given time that it’s hard to decide on what to do. In my non-working hours I play college and university football, help with JCR admissions, I’ve acted as sound and light technician for theatre, and played the piano in informal college concerts. I’ve also ventured other activities, including rock gospel choir and ballroom dancing, but this is only a (small) slice of the cake in terms of what’s available.
Oxford is full of opportunities, both academic and otherwise, the challenge is to take full advantage of both simultaneously!
Tom Perry
Third year Computer Science
St John's College
I grew up on the Wirral, near Liverpool, and studied at my local comprehensive where I took Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Biology at A level. By the time I started looking at further education my attention had shifted towards Computer Science.
I chose Oxford because of its tutorial system and its outstanding reputation as a leading institute in Computer Science. Due to my relative lack of knowledge about computers and programming the fact that the course started from basics was an advantage.
The course has proved to be better than I had imagined as it is well structured, giving a good basis in Maths and programming, before broadening to allow you to pursue your fields of choice.
Oxford provides all the benefits of a city university plus, because of the College system, there is a strong community spirit which can be very rewarding to be involved in. I have been involved in many activities included my college and university ballroom dancing team, Welfare Officer for my college, a member of various other societies and an eager supporter of all social activities.
Overall I think Oxford provides the perfect student life and will leave me with many happy memories.
