The programme equips students to analyse and navigate the ethical, social and practical dimensions of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies. It offers training in core research skills, opportunities to engage with a wide range of theories and methods, and supervision for independent work. Students join a cohort with diverse academic backgrounds, fostering an environment where different perspectives can be compared and integrated. The programme’s scope is broad, and has covered areas such as the ethics, governance, safety and evaluation of AI, data and algorithms, while also allowing students to pursue specialised interests through their research and through engagement with the range of expertise available at the Centre for the Future of Intelligence. Depending on interests and staff availability, students can draw on a wide range of approaches, including philosophical, legal, empirical and quantitative perspectives amongst others, and explore topics such as policy design, human–AI relationships, the capabilities and limits of artificial systems, data ethics, algorithmic bias, the economics and geopolitics of AI, the future of work, and approaches to assessing large-scale risks and benefits.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired:
A broad foundation in key perspectives on AI, data and algorithms, informed by disciplines such as philosophy, social science, computer science, history, law, economics and public policy, reflecting the range of expertise associated with the Centre.
An understanding of the capabilities and limitations of current and emerging AI systems and other digital technologies.
Knowledge of ethical, practical and institutional challenges linked to the development and deployment of AI systems and other digital technologies, considering both near-term impacts and possible longer-term consequences.
Conceptual and methodological understanding relevant to research and debate on the impacts and governance of AI, for example in areas such as evaluation, risk assessment, safety, regulation, justice and policy.
Skills and other attributes
Graduates of the course will be able to:
Synthesise and analyse research and advanced scholarship across disciplines
Put theoretical and academic knowledge into practice
Produce original research on the ethics of AI, data and algorithms
Present their own ideas in a public forum and contribute constructively within an international and cross-disciplinary environment,
Continuing
Students can apply to continue to the Centre for the Future of Intelligence’s PhD in AI and Society or for PhD courses within other relevant departments. There is no automatic continuation from MPhil to PhD study: candidates are required to apply to the PhD programme formally via the Applicant Portal.
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
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.
Departments
This course is advertised in the following departments: