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Department of Computer Science and Technology

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Latest news

Lovelace Medal for Dr Sue Sentance

24 October 2024

Many congratulations to our colleague Dr Sue Sentance, Director of the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre here. She has just been awarded the BCS Lovelace Medal 2024.

Researchers' work on electronic eavesdropping attacks wins Best Paper Award

16 October 2024

For their research into ways that spies can pick up information by 'eavesdropping' on the signals that computer devices emit, two Security researchers here have won a Best Paper Award.

Nobel Prize for our alumnus Sir Demis Hassabis

9 October 2024

Many congratulations to Sir Demis Hassabis, the first of our alumni to receive a Nobel Prize. The 2024 Prize for Chemistry is awarded jointly to him and his Google DeepMind colleague John Jumper "for protein structure prediction" with their AI model AlphaFold2.

ERC Starting Grant awarded for research on new quantum algorithms

5 September 2024

What does designing new quantum algorithms have to do with predicting the outcome of a general election? The answer is more than you might think as Prof Tom Gur will be showing in research that's just been awarded an ERC Starting Grant.

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MPhil in Advanced Computer Science

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The aim of the course is to provide preparation appropriate for undertaking a PhD programme in computer science. Students select five taught modules from a wide range of advanced topics in computer science from networking and systems measurements to category theory, and topics in natural language processing.  Additionally, students take a mandatory, ungraded course in research skills which includes core and optional topics. 

Students also undertake a research project over two terms and submit a project report in early June. Research topic selection and planning occurs in the first term and the work is undertaken in subsequent terms. The taught modules are delivered in a range of styles. For example, there are traditional lecture courses, lecture courses with associated practical classes, reading clubs, and seminar style modules.

The course aims to:

• give students, with relevant experience at a first-degree level, the opportunity to carry out directed research in the discipline;
• give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests;
• provide preparation appropriate for undertaking a PhD programme in computer science;
• provide the Faculty with an extended period in which to train students and then to judge the suitability of students for PhD study; and
• offer a qualification that is valuable and highly marketable in its own right that equips its graduates with the computer science related research skills and expertise to play leading roles in industrial and public-sector research.

Learning Outcomes

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

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their chosen area;
• demonstrated some originality in the application of knowledge, together with an understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their chosen area;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; and
• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

The minimum requirement for continuation to the PhD programme in computer science is that MPhil students achieve an overall pass in the taught modules and, separately, the project. The pass mark is 60 per cent; however, higher minimum requirements may be set at the discretion of the Department and Degree Committee.  Continuation to the PhD degree is dependent on the approval of the Department and Degree Committee.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

9 months full-time, study mode : taught, master of philosophy, department of computer science and technology, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, michaelmas 2025.

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

Funding Deadlines

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.

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• Computer Science PhD
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