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Department of Computer Science and Technology

 

The Department of Computer Science and Technology offers two Masters' Degree courses: the M.Phil in Advanced Computer Science and the integrated M.Eng in Computer Science.

M.Phil in Advanced Computer Science (ACS)

The Master of Philosophy in Advanced Computer Science (the M.Phil in ACS) is designed to prepare students for doctoral research, whether at Cambridge or elsewhere. Typical applicants will have undertaken a first degree in computer science or an equivalent subject, and will be expected to be familiar with basic concepts and practices.

The M.Phil in ACS covers advanced material in both theoretical and practical areas as well as instilling the elements of research practice. It combines lectures, seminars and project work in various combinations tailored to the individual student. The course runs annually from October to 30 June. MPhil students will typically select five modules from over 30 and take 12 units from the mandatory Research Skills Programme, and undertake a research project on a topic approved by the Degree Committee.

The course consists of:

  • 5 taught modules;
  • a research project report of no more than 15,000 words and no more than 50 pages (excluding appendices and bibliography) on a subject approved by the Degree Committee;
  • 12 units from the mandatory Research Skills Programme including compulsory units in written English and presentation skills.

The project can be research or application oriented and industrial collaboration is possible. Project selection and planning occurs in the first term and the project is undertaken in the following two terms. The final report is submitted at the end of the project in the middle of June.

The taught modules are delivered in a range of styles. For example:

  • there are traditional Lecture-based modules which have the prefix 'L' such as 'L15 Topics in Logic and Complexity';
  • modules with a large proportion of Practical classes have the prefix 'P' such as 'P51 High performance networking';
  • Reading clubs or seminar style modules have the prefix 'R' such as 'R254 Cybercrime'.

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Computer Science Tripos, Part III (M.Eng)

Part III is similar to the M.Phil in Advanced Computer Science. Part III comprises nine modules of material, instead of 12 for the M.Phil course: five taught modules and a project which is worth four modules. The modules are shared with the M.Phil in ACS and almost all of the M.Phil modules will be available to Part III students. The exceptions are those M.Phil modules which contain significant overlap with material from earlier years of the Tripos. There are no compulsory modules in Part III. Successful completion of Part III will lead to you being awarded your BA and your M.Eng at the same time in the following June or July.

The course consists of:

  • 5 taught modules;
  • a research project report of no more than 12,000 words and no more than 40 pages (excluding appendices and bibliography) on a subject approved by the Head of Department.

More information