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MPhil in Advanced Computer Science

The MPhil in Advanced Computer Science (the ACS) is designed to prepare students for doctoral research, whether at Cambridge or elsewhere. Typical applicants will have undertaken a first degree in computer science or an equivalent subject, and will be expected to be familiar with basic concepts and practices. The ACS covers advanced material in both theoretical and practical areas as well as instilling the elements of research practice. It combines lectures, seminars and project work in various combinations tailored to the individual student; more details are given below.

Course Code

The course code for the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science is CSM3. Applications for admission in October 2010 will be accepted by the University's Board of Graduate Studies from September 2009 onwards.

Prerequisites

Applicants for the M.Phil in ACS are expected to have met the following prerequisites

First-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject such as engineering, computer science or mathematics
mathematics to A-Level standard
some programming experience

Applications

It will be assumed that applicants will have some programming experience and that they have mathematics to A-Level standard. Applicants will need to indicate whether they are interested in pursuing Option A (with a research essay) or Option B (with a research project). If Option B is indicated, applicants are requested to identify as precisely as possible which two areas of research interest them in order of preference.

All applicants, regardless of Option choice, should submit a brief project proposal of no more than 500 words. Applicants should submit this as a separate document with their application to the University of Cambridge Board of Graduate Studies. The project proposal will help the Applications Committee to identify potential supervisors or, in the case of Option A students, course advisors. The project proposal will not necessarily bind a student to the project proposed.
Formal application for admission for the M.Phil degree must be made through the University's Board of Graduate Studies from whom an application form and copy of the Graduate Studies Prospectus may be obtained.
In Section A(12) of the GRADSAF application form, applicants should write their preferred Option and, if Option B, two preferred research areas. In Section B(6) B applicants should write a statement of motivation and reasons for choosing this particular course.
Two academic references
Undergraduate and (where applicable) postgraduate transcripts and degree certificates: originals and certified translations
A good IELTS or TOEFL score is also required where an English language qualification is necessary.

The deadline for applications for this course is March 31, but earlier application, in January or February, is strongly recommended.

Funding competitions

Applicants should note that the new deadline for receipt of applications, December 15th 2009, is earlier than previously published.

Applicants from the EU or the "rest of the world", wishing to enter the Cambridge Trust funding competitions, must apply significantly earlier. Students from most countries need to submit their application (both graduate admission and scholarship, also known as GRADSAF) by no later than December 15th 2009. A notable exception is that applicants from the US must submit their applications by 15th October 2009. The list of deadlines for graduate and scholarship applications provides more precise details.

A limited number of studentships may be available to exceptional UK and eligible EU applicants. Home and EU students wishing to apply for the Allen, Meek and Read Bursaries must submit their applications to the Board of Graduate Studies no later than January 31st 2010.

Self-funding students who do not wish to be considered for Trust or AMR financial support have until March 31st 2010 to submit their applications. Applications received after this date cannot be considered.

Course structure

The course nominally consists of 12 standard length modules. A student may choose to either replace two modules with a research essay or to replace six modules with a research project.

There are two formats, depending on whether a research project is chosen:

Option A: taught course: 10 taught modules and an essay of no more than 5,000 words including footnotes, appendices, and bibliography;
Option B: project course: 6 taught modules and a research project of no more than 15,000 words (including footnotes, appendices, and bibliography) on a subject approved by the Degree Committee..

The project can be research or application oriented and industrial collaboration is possible. Project selection and planning occurs in the first term and the project is undertaken in the following two terms. A final report is submitted at the end of the project.

The taught modules are delivered in a range of styles. For example, there are traditional lecture courses, lecture courses with associated practical classes, reading clubs, and seminar style modules.

Choosing between Options A and B

The ACS is modular with a wide variety of choices; as such no two students will necessarily follow identical paths. In particular, the amount of project work undertaken might vary considerably between different specialities. To cater for this, the ACS offers two major options: Option A, which focuses on taught material, and Option B, which contains a substantial research project. There are no fixed criteria as to which option a candidate may apply for; however in general students following a more theoretical course of study will choose Option A, while those interested in more practical matters will choose Option B. Looking at the set of offered modules should help you in making your choice.

Project proposal

Students choosing Option B will spend a considerable amount of their time carrying out an individual research project under the supervision of a member of faculty. Having a supervisor is a condition of entry and so candidates are required to submit a brief project proposal along with their application. This should identify the area in which you wish you work; identify a possible research problem in that area; and suggest a course of work that might be undertaken. It is not expected that this proposal be more than one or two pages in length.

This proposal is not by any means binding; rather it serves to help us with our assessment of your application as well as identify potential supervisors. Candidates who are not yet certain of their area can visit the web pages of the various research groups and faculty members for inspiration. Only one research proposal need be submitted; however a second, perhaps in another area, may be included at your discretion. Please see the research groups' web pages for some ideas.