List of frequently asked questions.
If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please email your query to admin@csc.cam.ac.uk
Application queries
Is my background suitable for applying to the course?
We are unable to comment on someone’s suitability until we have received a full application. A description of our academic requirements can be found on the Admissions page.
What types of ‘samples of work’ are acceptable?
Any sample of work which is relevant to your application would be acceptable. It would be ideal if this were a written sample and a problem set. It could be work completed as part of an undergraduate degree or a project developed independently.
How many ‘research interests’ should I list and how specific should they be?
Please state if you are interested in the ‘atomistic’ or ‘continuum’ stream. If you would like, you can then add some more specific research interests.
What kind of ‘programming experience’ do you require?
Some prior experience of programming is necessary for the course, but no particular language is required. So long as you have some understanding of a language that is used within scientific computing, such as C++, Fortran, Python or Matlab, this should be sufficient. We will be offering courses on other programming languages.
Language requirements
Do I need to take a language test?
If you are a non-native speaker and haven’t been living in an English-speaking country for the last three years, you will likely need evidence of your competence in English. Please visit this page to assess whether you have a language requirement: https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-students/competence-english/will-i-have-language-requirement
Which tests do you accept and what are the minimum scores?
Details of accepted Language Tests and minimum scores can be found here: https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-students/competence-english/what-tests-are-accepted
I didn’t meet one or more of the minimum scores on my Language Test, what can I do now?
Please get in touch with the Graduate Admissions Office for advice: admissions@phy.cam.ac.uk