Computer Science

Why study Computer Science at Emmanuel College?

If you’re considering studying Computer Science at Emmanuel College within the University of Cambridge, you’ll find a combination of academic strength, personal support, and an exceptional student experience that makes it a fantastic place to call home.

Emmanuel’s central location means your first-year lectures are just a short walk away, helping you settle quickly into university life and making your daily routine smooth and convenient. At the same time, the college offers a warm, welcoming community where students genuinely support one another—something that makes a big difference when starting a demanding but rewarding subject like Computer Science.

Academically, Emmanuel provides an excellent college library with extensive resources and plenty of quiet study spaces—ideal for focused work, revision, and supervision preparation. Although the Computer Science cohort at Emmanuel is relatively small, this is a real advantage: it creates a friendly and supportive subject group where students know each other well and collaborate closely.

One distinctive feature of life at Emmanuel is that, unlike at some colleges, you’ll often live in staircases alongside students from a wide range of subjects. This makes it easy to build friendships beyond your course and enjoy the full breadth of the Cambridge experience.

What might a typical day look like studying Computer Science at Emmanuel College?

A typical day as a Computer Science student involves lectures in the morning, followed by lunch in college, and then supervisions or practical lab sessions in the afternoon—many held in the department’s computer laboratories. Evenings bring countless opportunities for societies, sports, music, and other extracurricular activities, helping you balance academic focus with a rich student life. During the summer break, many of our students pursue internships to strengthen their practical skills and gain valuable industry experience.

Students at Emmanuel are currently supported by two dedicated Fellows: Anthony Harris and Thomas Sauerwald. Dr Harris brings strong expertise in applied computer science and valuable industry connections, offering insight into how your studies connect to real-world careers. Prof Sauerwald specialises in theoretical computer science, particularly randomised algorithms and stochastic processes.

Altogether, Emmanuel offers the ideal environment to study Computer Science: central, supportive, academically strong, and socially vibrant—a place where you can thrive both intellectually and personally.

What qualities do successful Computer Science students have?

Students who thrive in Computer Science typically develop strong organisation and time-management skills, helping them balance lectures, supervisions, practical work, and independent study effectively. Establishing a steady routine early on makes it much easier to keep up with the pace of the course.

Equally important is resilience and persistence. Some topics can be challenging at first, but successful students are willing to engage deeply with difficult material, revisit ideas from different angles, and learn from setbacks along the way. A genuine interest in the breadth of computer science—from theory to systems to applications also makes a real difference, as the course exposes students to a wide range of subfields.

Students who do well tend to show careful attention to detail, a willingness to work consistently and independently, and a genuine enjoyment of problem-solving (e.g., in supervisions and mock exams). At the same time, good communication skills and a collaborative mindset are very valuable: supervisions are most effective when students actively discuss ideas, explain their reasoning clearly, and learn together with their peers. In addition, in their second year students work in teams of around 6–8 to undertake a substantial practical group project in collaboration with an industry partner, providing further opportunities to develop teamwork and communication skills in a real-world setting.

Where could my degree lead me?

A Computer Science degree opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths. Building on experience and contacts gained, for example, through summer internships, many graduates go on to roles in software engineering, data science, finance, consulting, and the technology sector, including positions in "Big Tech" as well as innovative startups. Others choose careers in teaching, research, or entrepreneurship, applying their skills in creative and impactful ways.

Some students continue their studies at the University of Cambridge by taking Part III (an optional 4th year of study), and later pursue a PhD, potentially leading to an academic or research career.