Courses cover topics in programming, hardware, systems, and theory. Such specialities as Compiler Construction, Databases and Graphics are taught. In Part II, the courses follow on from those in Part IB but are at a more advanced level. The lecture and examination structure is arranged to give students an opportunity to concentrate their study broadly on applications, hardware, systems or theory. The practical work consists of a project which can be chosen with great flexibility to reflect the particular interests of a student.
Candidates submit a dissertation which reports on the project.
In the past it has attracted transfers from Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, and has also provided a third-year option for students in Medicine. It is not available to those who studied Part IB of the Computer Science Tripos. The courses provided cover a wide range of Computer Science topics and aim to give as broad and coherent coverage of the subject as is possible within a single year. The lecture and examination structure provides students with a significant amount of flexibility in the selection of their courses. This makes it possible for students to select advanced courses in areas closely related to their previous studies, while still gaining a reasonable foundation in areas that they have not previously encountered.