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 is a nine–month course which starts in early October and finishes on 30 June. It covers advanced material in both theoretical and practical areas as well as instilling the elements of research practice. The course combines lectures, seminars and project work in various combinations tailored to the individual student; more details are given below. Prospective applicants should note that the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science is not a conversion course.

Course structure

The course consists of:

• 5 taught modules;
• a research project report of no more than 15,000 words (excluding appendices and bibliography) on a subject approved by the Degree Committee;
• 12 units from the mandatory Research Skills Programme including compulsory units in written English and presentation skills.

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. The final report is submitted at the end of the project in the second week of June.

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.

Course registration is on the first Monday following 1 October and the course finishes on 30 June the following year.

Prerequisites

Applicants for the MPhil in ACS are expected to have met the following prerequisites

• First-class honours degree, or equivalent, in computer science. Alternatively, a degree of equal status in engineering, science, or mathematics where the applicant can demonstrate significant relevant preparation for the Cambridge MPhil course.
  • Minimum academic requirements for the University of Cambridge may be found at International Qualifications.
    Note: The minimum academic requirements for the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science are higher than the University's minimum requirements.
• Mathematics to A-Level standard or equivalent
• Programming experience

Applications

Applications for admission in October 2027 will open on 9 September 2026. Places are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will close on 25 February 2027.

Applications for admission in October 2028 will open on 8 September 2027. Places are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will close on 25 February 2028.

Applicants should refer to the Postgraduate Admissions page for links to the application portal, deadlines, guidance and information.

Please note the following:

• Applicants who require funding support from the University and Cambridge Trust must submit their applications by 23:59 (GMT) on 2 December 2026: see University funding deadlines.
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• The Course code is CSM3.
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• The application form includes a questionnaire. This asks for:
  • two research themes in preference order (see Research);
  • one or two brief project proposals of no more than 500 words each which will help the MPhil Admissions Panel to identify potential supervisors and is indicative only. Please include the name of a potential project supervisor if you have already discussed the project idea with a member of the teaching staff.
  • Choose five modules from the current year's syllabus with no more than four modules chosen from Michaelmas Term and no more than two from Lent Term.
    Successful applicants will be invited to select from the list of modules we expect to be offered in the next academic year.
     
• Please note that there is an application fee.
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• Applications are considered in three gathered fields:
  • Batch 1: USA applicants applying for Gates Cambridge Trust (US) scholarship by 15 October 2026 will be considered and interviewed in October/early November 2026.
  • Batch 3: All other applications, including Gates Cambridge Trusts (Rest of world) received before the 8 December 2026 deadline, will be considered in late December and early January 2027. Applicants invited to an interview by video conference or phone should make themselves available between 2-20 January 2027.
  • Batch 5: Applications received after 8 December 2026 but before 25 February 2027 will be considered in late March and early April 2027. Applicants invited to interview should make themselves available between 22 March and 30 April 2027.

• You may be interviewed by telephone, video-conference or, restrictions permitting, in person.

Please note that your application can only be considered by the department once it has been submitted. Your application can only be submitted once it is complete.
You will need to upload all your supporting material including transcripts, degree certificates before you submit the application. It is therefore very important to have all your supporting material, including agreement from your referees to provide you with references, and your transcripts, ready to submit before you start the application.

Funding competitions

Applicants wishing to be considered for funding competitions should check their eligibility on the University-wide Sources of Funding web page.

• The Department of Computer Science and Technology offers bursaries to outstanding UK home students for the study of the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science. The awards vary in size and are usually a contribution towards tuition fees. No separate application form is required. 

• The application portal acts as a scholarship funding application as well as an application for admission. In most cases, no further funding application form is required. There are some exceptions, however: we recommend checking the Student Funding webpage which provides information about other grants for students applying to Cambridge and their closing dates.

• Self-funding students may apply for admission up until 26 February but should note that places are limited and the department encourages an early application.

• Postgraduate Loans for postgraduate degrees for eligible UK residents may be available. Please see the UK Government's web page for further details at https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study.

• Martingale Scholarships - The Martingale Foundation offers a number of fully-funded scholarships for talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, who want to pursue AI and computer science related research at postgraduate level.
  Martingale provides fully-funded scholarships, including tuition fees and research expenses and access to the Martingale Development Programme.
  Scholarships are available to students who want to pursue AI and computer science related courses at masters and PhD level and further details on the specific courses that scholarships are available for, can be found on the Martingale Foundation website, here.
  Applications for Martingale Scholarships open on 12 August 2026 and close on 18 October 2026. These scholarships are for postgraduate courses starting in Autumn 2027.
  Applicants should apply directly to Martingale and more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found here.
  Martingale’s mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, to access and thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Further information

Please contact the Faculty's Postgraduate Education Office with any questions not answered on these pages.

Email: Postgraduate Education Office

MPhil in Advanced Computer Science module course list and syllabi (modules offered in the current year)

Applicants should apply using the online application form.

We strongly recommend obtaining a tracking number and include your application number if posting documents to the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Student Services Centre
Bene't Street, New Museums Site
Cambridge, UK
CB2 3PT

Email: [Javascript required]
WWW: http://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/