MSc Mathematics and the Foundations of Computer Science (2026-2027 Entry)

6.5. Assessment methods

6.5.1 Written Examinations

Mathematics papers - each mathematics paper will examine one unit. Most mathematics units will be assessed by a closed book exam. These will consist of three questions, each worth 25 marks. You may submit answers to as many questions as you wish, but only the best two answers will count towards the final mark for the paper. 

In all papers the questions set should, as a whole, be fairly spread across the syllabus.

Questions will be broadly similar in style to previous years questions with an easy start examining material explicitly covered in the course, followed by a part which tests understanding. Each question will be set so that a sound student can produce a complete answer within 35- 40 minutes. 

Each question should be divided into two to four parts and an indication of the raw marks available for each part of each question should be given on the question paper.

Computer Science papers -  each Computer Science paper will be assessed by a written in-person exam. You will have three hours to complete each exam. The requirements for each exam will be listed on the front of the question booklet. 

6.5.2 Mini Projects 

It is generally recommended that mini projects be typeset (using LaTeX or a similar system), and for some courses typeset mini projects will be required. However, recognising that these have to be written within a fairly short period of time, some courses may allow hand written mini projects. In this case it is important that they be both legible and laid out in the same way as if they were typed.

It should be borne in mind that these are projects, not “examination solutions”, and the presentation should reflect this:

1. Your submission should be clearly written in sentences with appropriate punctuation, display of formulae, appropriate use of ‘Definition’, ‘Lemma’, ‘Theorem’, ‘Proof’, etc.

2. You should begin with a brief statement of the overall goal of the project, and finish with a conclusion of what you have achieved (or needed to assume) and comment on what other questions your work might lead to.

3. You must not write your name on your mini project; the only identification should be your candidate number.

4. It is impossible to give precise guidance on length since this can vary considerably from project to project, depending on how much calculation may be needed and whether such is routine. It is unlikely, however, that a project can be completed in less than five pages, and it will more often be in the 10 - 15 page range. What is more important is that it should reflect the fact that you will be concentrating over a 2 - 3 week period on writing up to three or four projects and should represent a commensurate amount of work, bearing in mind that some reading may be required as part of the process (e.g., some projects may involve showing your understanding by extending a known result that you may not have seen before).

5. Mini projects may assume knowledge of the classes, please be aware that if you do not attend the classes you may be unable to complete a mini project on the topic.  

If you have any questions about the mini projects (e.g., requests for clarification), please email the MSc Course Administrator (mfocs@maths.ox.ac.uk). These will be passed as appropriate to the relevant Assessor and/or the Chair of Examiners. Any replies will be sent to all students taking that mini project. You must not communicate directly with the Assessor, nor discuss the projects with each other.

Please note that formal assessments are marked but unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee very detailed feedback. 

6.5.3 Dissertations 

These must be typed and the preferred length is between 35 to 65 pages. Dissertations may be printed double sided. It is recommended (though not obligatory) that LaTeX be used. You are advised to become familiar with this during the year if you are not already fully conversant with another word processing package that can handle mathematical formulae (and diagrams). The typing should follow the guidance for research theses (see Examination Regulations).  

The work should be properly and adequately referenced in the text, with the full list of references at the end of the dissertation, following any of the standard labelling conventions as mathematical papers (e.g., numerical, or by abbreviated name).

The dissertation does not require a separate abstract. However, it is strongly recommended that a short abstract (of less than one page) be included at the beginning of the dissertation, separate from the Introduction. It is important to highlight what new areas you are contributing within this abstract. The abstract may, but need not, be that submitted to the Chair of the Supervisory Committee for prior approval (though these will have been made available to the Chair of Examiners along with the title of the dissertation). 

6.5.4 Submission of coursework

Candidates must submit their mini projects and dissertations electronically via Inspera by 12 noon on the day of the submission deadline using the following link: https://oxford.inspera.com. 
Information on the procedure for this will be issued in the form of a notice to candidates from the chair of examiners. You must ensure you are familiar with the online submission process in advance of any deadline.  

Full information is provided on the Oxford students website 
https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/submission