Master's · Cambridge Economics and Data Science
Cambridge's MPhil in Economics and Data Science adds data science to a Faculty of Economics master's: students take seven compulsory modules, two options and write a dissertation of up to 10,000 words. It has a strong industry focus and is not designed as a direct route into a PhD. The entry rules follow the Faculty's economics standard, which is demanding, and the dates that matter are earlier than the final deadline.
2027-28 entry · Official requirements
Taken from the University of Cambridge's postgraduate course directory pages for the MPhil in Economics and Data Science and read on 21 October 2026. Check every date on the course page before you apply.
Applicants should have achieved a high II.i Honours degree, in Economics or a closely related degree that includes intermediate-level microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Cambridge says a business studies, accountancy or management degree does not provide an adequate background.
For UK degrees Cambridge states a minimum of a high 2:1 (average grade over 68%). For North American institutions it states a GPA of at least 3.6 out of 4 or the equivalent. For other systems it states the top ten per cent of the applicant's reference group.
Applicants whose previous university training was outside the UK, or was part of the University of London International Programme, must submit the results of a recent GRE test.
The application includes a Reasons for Applying statement of 1000 characters.
Applications open on 9 September 2026 and close on 2 February 2027, and the course starts on 1 October 2027. Applications are considered in gathered fields in December and February. Applicants who apply by 8 December will hear a decision by the end of March or early April 2027.
The course is a taught MPhil in the Faculty of Economics, lasting 9 months full time or 21 months part time. The course funding deadline is 8 December 2026.
Each student takes seven compulsory modules and two optional modules and writes a dissertation of up to 10,000 words, submitted in June.
Official sources
Read on 21 October 2026 on Cambridge's postgraduate course directory pages for the MPhil in Economics and Data Science. The Faculty of Economics's own entry-requirements and course pages were not read, so this guide does not state GRE score expectations, the module list or part-time arrangements beyond what the University page says.
The programme
Cambridge describes the course as expanding the knowledge of students who already have good undergraduate degrees in economics or related fields with the tools of data science to handle and interpret large quantities of data. Its learning outcomes include skills in data retrieval, manipulation, programming and methods of machine learning and econometrics, and the ability to proceed to a career as a professional economist in industry, government or public institutions.
Eligibility
Cambridge says the Faculty has high academic requirements and a large number of applicants who meet them, and that applicants who do not meet the stated criteria are unlikely to be offered a place.
Economics or a closely related degree, including intermediate-level microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Business studies, accountancy and management degrees are described as not providing an adequate background.
A high 2:1 for UK degrees with an average over 68%, a GPA of at least 3.6 out of 4 for North American degrees, and the top ten per cent of the reference group for other systems.
Required if your previous university training was outside the UK or part of the University of London International Programme. The Faculty's website holds the GRE requirements, which this guide has not read.
Timing
Applications opened on 9 September 2026 and close on 2 February 2027, with the course starting on 1 October 2027. Cambridge considers applications in gathered fields in December and February, and warns that it may close early. Anyone applying by 8 December will hear a decision by the end of March or early April 2027, and the course funding deadline is also 8 December 2026. Cambridge points to the Faculty's course page for funding information.
The course
Unlike a purely taught economics master's, this course includes a dissertation of up to 10,000 words submitted in June, with two hours of individual supervision. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the online preparatory course in mathematics and statistics in September. Cambridge says the course is primarily intended for students who want a master's before leaving academic economics, is not designed as a direct pathway to a PhD, and has a strong industry focus; in exceptional circumstances students may be permitted to progress to a PhD, subject to academic performance and approval.
Choosing between MPhils
Cambridge asks you not to submit an application for more than one of the MPhils offered by the Faculty of Economics. Similar courses listed on the page include the Economic Research MPhil and the Finance and Economics MPhil. Compare their pages before choosing, because the choice is final for the application. This guide covers Economics and Data Science only; the MPhil in Economics has its own guide.
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 high II.i Honours degree in Economics or a closely related degree. For UK degrees it states a minimum of a high 2:1 with an average over 68%; for North American institutions a GPA of at least 3.6 out of 4; for other systems the top ten per cent of the reference group.
Cambridge says a business studies, accountancy or management degree does not provide an adequate background. The degree should include intermediate-level microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
Cambridge says applicants whose previous university training was outside the UK, or part of the University of London International Programme, must submit a recent GRE result. Check the Faculty's website for what it expects.
Yes. Students write a dissertation of up to 10,000 words, submitted in June.
Cambridge says the course is not designed as a direct pathway to a PhD programme and has a strong industry focus.
Cambridge asks applicants not to submit an application for more than one of the MPhils offered by the Faculty of Economics.
Students and families
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