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Postgraduate Study

This is an 11-month MPhil programme, taught from within our Information Engineering Division, with a unique, joint emphasis on both machine learning and machine intelligence. The course is split into five specialised pathways, which define the area in which the dissertation will fall, and which each have different compulsory and permissible module combinations. The five pathways are: (i) Machine Learning; (ii) Speech and Language Processing; (iii) Computer Vision and Robotics; (iv) Human-Computer Interaction; (v) Biological Learning. The course aims to teach the state of the art in machine learning and machine intelligence; to give students the skills and expertise necessary to take leading roles in industry; and to equip students with the research skills necessary for doctoral study.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • knowledge of the fundamental techniques in machine learning and how to apply these techniques to a range of practical problems;
  • a deep understanding of fundamental problems in machine intelligence, including speech and language processing and computer vision, and the technologies that form the current state of the art;
  • a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to the area of their chosen research topic;
  • presentation skills through presenting their research in progress;
  • the methodological and other technical skills necessary for research in their chosen area;
  • the ability to critically assess the technical literature in machine learning and machine intelligence and related topics;
  • directly marketable skills in computing, machine intelligence, machine learning, and the data sciences;
  • collaborative skills through working with other students on the practical exercises and with PhD students and research assistants while carrying out their research project;
  • experience in large-scale computing for machine learning and machine intelligence; and
  • an understanding of how to define and conduct a research project.

Continuing

Students wishing to apply for continuation to the PhD would normally be expected to attain an overall mark of 70 per cent.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in the autumn each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

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Key Information


11 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of Engineering

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .


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