Advanced Computer Science

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK First class Honours Degree.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

The first-class honours degree, or equivalent, should be in computer science. Alternatively, applications will be considered from those holding a degree of equal status in engineering, science, mathematics, or another numerate degree, and where the applicant can demonstrate significant relevant preparation for the Cambridge MPhil course.

Mathematics to A-level standard or equivalent and programming experience will be presumed.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The aim of the course is to provide preparation appropriate for undertaking a PhD programme in computer science. Students select five taught modules from a wide range of advanced topics in computer science from networking and systems measurements to category theory, and topics in natural language processing. Additionally, students take a mandatory, ungraded course in research skills which includes core and optional topics.

Students also undertake a research project over two terms and submit a project report in early June. Research topic selection and planning occurs in the first term and the work is undertaken in subsequent terms. 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.

The course aims to:

give students, with relevant experience at a first-degree level, the opportunity to carry out directed research in the discipline;

give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests;

provide preparation appropriate for undertaking a PhD programme in computer science;

provide the Faculty with an extended period in which to train students and then to judge the suitability of students for PhD study; and

offer a qualification that is valuable and highly marketable in its own right that equips its graduates with the computer science related research skills and expertise to play leading roles in industrial and public-sector research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, the students will have:

a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their chosen area;

demonstrated some originality in the application of knowledge, together with an understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their chosen area;

shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; and

demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Information for international students

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 7.0

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.5

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 107

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).