Master's · Cambridge Computer Science
Cambridge's MPhil in Advanced Computer Science is a nine-month course designed as preparation for a PhD in computer science, with five taught modules, a research skills course and a research project. Applicants submit a research proposal and may be interviewed, and the interview timing depends on when you apply. That makes it very different from a purely taught conversion master's.
2027-28 entry · Official requirements
Taken from the University of Cambridge's postgraduate course directory pages for the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science and read on 21 October 2026. Check every date on the course page before you apply.
Applicants should have achieved a First class Honours degree, or equivalent, which should be in computer science. Degrees of equal status in engineering, science, mathematics or another numerate subject are considered where the applicant can demonstrate significant relevant preparation, for example in coding. Mathematics to A-level standard or equivalent and programming experience are presumed.
The application asks you to select modules from the current syllabus, choose a research theme and propose a brief research project of no more than 400 words. These are indicative only, and the Faculty is under no obligation to accept a proposed project.
Applicants who applied by 8 December 2026 and pass the first stage of scrutiny may be interviewed in January 2027; those not shortlisted may be wait-listed for March and April. Later applicants who pass the first stage may be interviewed during April 2027. Interviews are usually by telephone or video-conference, with one or two course advisers.
Applications opened on 9 September 2026 and close on 25 February 2027, and the course starts on 4 October 2027. Applications are considered as a gathered field. The course funding deadline is 8 December 2026.
The Department has limited funds for partial scholarships for UK students and applicants are automatically considered. Cambridge says applicants should not rely on receiving financial support from the Department.
Students select five taught modules, take a mandatory ungraded research skills course, and undertake a research project over two terms with a report submitted in early June. Continuation to the PhD requires an overall pass in the taught modules and, separately, the project.
Official sources
Read on 21 October 2026 on Cambridge's postgraduate course directory pages for the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science. The Department's own pages and the current module syllabus were not read, so modules are not listed.
The programme
Cambridge says the aim of the course is to provide preparation appropriate for undertaking a PhD programme in computer science, and that it also aims to give the Faculty an extended period to train students and judge their suitability for PhD study. It also describes the qualification as valuable and marketable in its own right for research roles in industry and the public sector. Students choose five taught modules from a wide range of advanced topics, from networking and systems measurements to category theory and natural language processing.
Eligibility
The standard is specific about subject background.
A first class degree or equivalent, which should be in computer science. Other numerate degrees are considered where you can show significant relevant preparation, for example in coding.
Mathematics to A-level standard or equivalent and programming experience are presumed, so the application should evidence both.
The University minimum is IELTS (Academic) 7.0 in each element with 7.5 in total.
Before you apply
The application includes a module selection, a research theme and a proposal of no more than 400 words. Cambridge says these help the admissions panel identify potential supervisors and are indicative only. The syllabus changes from year to year, so selected modules may not be offered in your year, and you can change your selections when the new syllabus is published in July. A proposal is a way to show how you think, not a commitment.
The interview
Cambridge says applicants who apply by 8 December and pass the first stage of scrutiny may be interviewed in January, with those not shortlisted possibly wait-listed for March and April, while applicants who apply after 8 December but before the February deadline may be interviewed in April. Interviews are usually by telephone or video-conference, conducted by one or two course advisers. Cambridge's page does not say what they cover, so prepare from the programme's aims: your preparation, your proposed research and your readiness for advanced modules.
Timing
Applications opened on 9 September 2026 and close on 25 February 2027, with the course starting on 4 October 2027. Cambridge considers applications as a gathered field. The course funding deadline of 8 December 2026 is earlier than the application deadline, and applying by 8 December also changes your interview timing, so decide early. Cambridge also notes that some courses can close early.
Funding
The Department has limited funds for partial scholarships for UK students, and applicants are automatically considered. Cambridge says applicants should not rely on receiving financial support from the Department and should explore all available funding opportunities.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge. Master's support follows the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A First class Honours degree, or equivalent, which should be in computer science. Degrees in engineering, science, mathematics or another numerate subject are considered where the applicant can demonstrate significant relevant preparation, for example in coding.
Cambridge says shortlisted applicants may be interviewed, usually by telephone or video-conference. The timing depends on whether you applied by 8 December 2026.
25 February 2027 for Michaelmas 2027 entry. The course funding deadline is 8 December 2026, and applying by then also affects interview timing.
The application asks you to choose a research theme and propose a brief research project of no more than 400 words. It is indicative only.
Cambridge says the aim of the course is preparation appropriate for a PhD in computer science. Continuation to the PhD requires an overall pass in the taught modules and the project, and approval of the Department and Degree Committee.
Students and families
Bring your degree and modules, your programming and mathematics background, your research interests and your intended intake to a Master's planning discussion.
