Cambridge University Masters in Computer Science: Courses, Eligibility, & Application

Cambridge University offers over 300 postgraduate courses, including taught and research opportunities in diverse academic disciplines. Students who wish to pursue a Cambridge University Masters in Computer Science can choose between two courses including an M.Phil in Advanced Computer Science (ACS) and an integrated M.Eng in Computer Science Tripos, Part III. Depending on which University of Cambridge course you wish to pursue, the duration can range from 9 months to 4 years. In this blog, you will find a beginner’s guide to Cambridge University’s Masters in Computer Science including an overview of the courses, duration, eligibility, application process, and scholarships. 

Cambridge University Masters in Computer Science 

The University of Cambridge offers two well-known Masters courses in the Computer Science field. Students can choose between an M.Phil in Advanced Computer Science or an integrated M.Eng in Computer Science (Tripos, Part III). Both courses are designed to help students enhance their understanding of computer science through practical knowledge and research. 

While the 9-month M.Phil in ACS is aimed at preparing students for doctoral research, it is not a conversion course. On the other hand, the M.Eng in Computer Science Tripos is an integrated 4-year degree which provides the flexibility to study with no compulsory modules. In other words, both of these Cambridge University Masters in Computer Science courses offer students a golden opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. 

M.Phil in Advanced Computer Science (ACS)

The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department within the University of Cambridge. It offers an MPhil in Advanced Computer Science. This course is specifically designed to prepare students for doctoral research. For this, the course provides advanced material in both theoretical and practical areas and prepares students for research practice. 

One important aspect of this particular Cambridge University Masters in Computer Science course is that it is not a conversion course. 

Particulars	Details
Course name	M.Phil in Advanced Computer Science (ACS)
Study mode	Taught
Duration	9 months (full-time)
Level of study	Master of Philosophy
Timeline	From early October till 30 June
Applications 2025	From September 2024 to 28 February 2024
Fees	£ 41,694 (full-time)

Course Structure

MPhil ACS allows students to select five taught modules in total with a maximum of 2 from Lent and 4 from Michaelmas. You can expect to study a wide range of topics including computer architecture, programming languages, artificial intelligence, multicore semantics, ledger technologies, cryptography, and protocol engineering. Here is an overview of the MPhil in ACS course structure:

• 5 taught modules
• 12 units from the Research Skills Programme 
• Compulsory units in written English and presentation skills 
• A research project report of a maximum of 15,000 words on any approved subject.  

Also Read: University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate

Computer Science Tripos, Part III (M.Eng)

The University of Cambridge offers the integrated Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in Computer Science Tripos, Part III. Unlike an MPhil in ACS, an M.Eng in Computer Science allows students to take up twelve modules. Moreover, most of these modules are also shared with the M.Phil in ACS and nearly all M.Phil modules are available for Part III students.

Interestingly, there are no compulsory modules in Part III. Upon successfully completing this particular Cambridge University Masters in Computer Science degree, students will be awarded BA and M.Eng degrees either in June or July of the coming academic year.

Particulars	Details
Course name	Computer Science Tripos, Part III (M.Eng)
Duration	4 years
Degree type	Integrated degree
Start date	October 2025
Fee	NA

Course Structure

M.Eng Computer Science Tripos, Part III, allow students to take up 5 taught modules in total. These modules can be lecture-based, practical-based, or reading clubs or seminar style. You can expect to study a wide range of topics such as computer architecture, programming languages, artificial intelligence, multicore semantics, mobile health, and ledger technologies. 

• 5 taught modules
• A project worth four modules
• A research project report of a maximum of 12,000 words and 40 pages on an approved subject. 

Admission Process of Cambridge University Masters in Computer Science 

Below you will find the University of Cambridge admission requirements, eligibility criteria, list of documents required, English language requirements, and lastly, the complete admission process. To keep up with the latest updates and information regarding admissions, you must also visit the official website of the University of Cambridge. Moreover, it is beneficial to plan and start ahead to increase your chances of getting admission to Cambridge University’s Masters in Computer Science. 

Eligibility Requirements for M.Phil in ACS

If you are an international student, it is important to ensure that your qualifications are suitable to get admission in your chosen field of study. 

• You must have a first-class Honours degree in computer science, engineering, science, or mathematics.
• You must have Mathematics to A-level standard or its equivalent
• Programming experience is a plus

Eligibility Criteria for M.Eng Computer Science (Tripos, Part III)

To apply for Computer Science at any University of Cambridge college, you must meet the necessary eligibility criteria.

• You need A levels or IB Higher Levels (or equivalent) in Mathematics. 
• You must also demonstrate English language proficiency.

Also Read: University of Cambridge Fees for International Students

English Language Requirements

If you are not from a majority English-speaking country, you are required to provide the university with proof of your English language proficiency. The minimum language requirements to study MPhil in ACS at the University of Cambridge include:

• IELTS (Academic): You must score at least 7.0 in listening, writing, reading, and speaking with no less than 7.5 in total. 
• TOEFL (Internet): You must score at least 25 in listening, writing, reading, and speaking with no less than 107 in total.

Documents Required

Apart from meeting the minimum course-specific entry requirements, you must also submit the following list of documents to gain admission. This helps the admission department of the University of Cambridge to asses that you are the perfect fit for the university. Here is a list of documents required to study abroad for international students:

• Two academic references
• Transcripts
• CV/resume
• Proof of English proficiency
• SOP
• Letter of Acceptance
• Passport
• LORs

Application Process

Below you will find an overview of the admission process of the University of Cambridge. Always make sure that you meet the required eligibility requirements and have all the documents before moving on to the admissions process. 

1. Choose an interesting course – The first and foremost thing you need to do is research properly and choose your postgraduate course from the portal. Ensure that the course aligns with your interests.
2. Apply for the course: Next, click on Apply Now option on the course website. This will take you to the Applicant Portal. Once you are there, you can create a new account or log into an existing one.
3. Fill application: Now, start filling out the application form from the University of Cambridge.
4. Documents submission: Provide a copy of all the required documents to proceed with your application.
5. Application Fee Payment: Pay the specified application fee (if applicable).
6. Submit application: Lastly, double-check all the provided details and documents and submit your application.  

Successful applicants receive an offer letter, which may be conditional or unconditional.

Also Read: Cambridge Application Timeline: Intakes, Deadlines, and More

Why Study Masters in Computer Science at Cambridge University?

The University of Cambridge is one of the best UK universities for postgraduate studies. It ranks 5th in QS Rankings 2025. According to The Graduate Market 2023, it is included in the top ten universities most sought after by the UK’s leading graduate employers. Here are some other reasons why you should study Masters in Computer Science in Cambridge University:

• Cambridge offers an M.Phil in Computer Science as well as an integrated M.Eng in Computer Science (Tripos, Part III). These programs blend multiple disciplines including Mathematics, Engineering, and Psychology and give students a chance to work in varied fields.
• Studying Masters in computer science at the University of Cambridge equips students with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, programming knowledge, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
• The University of Cambridge also organises an annual Recruitment Fair for the leading companies to hire its graduates. This increases your chances of building a successful career and working with the brightest minds.
• The University of Cambridge built the first usable and programmable computer in the 1940s followed by the first diploma in computing in the 1950s. This makes it more special and pioneering in computer science than other universities. 

Scholarships for International Students

The University of Cambridge offers various scholarships for international students to pursue postgraduate studies. However, due to high competition, you must start preparing early to ensure that you meet all the requirements. Moreover, you can also consider applying for multiple scholarships to increase your chances. Below we have mentioned 5 top University of Cambridge scholarships for international students along with their basic eligibility criteria and value. 

Scholarship	Eligible applicants	Value
Cambridge Trust Scholarship	It is available for international students who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD in any subject.	Contribution towards University tuition fee
Commonwealth (Cambridge) Scholarship	It is available for applications from developing member Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue a Master’s or PhD in any subject.	University tuition feeAnnual stipendReturn economy airfare
Chevening/Cambridge Scholarship	It is available for Masters applicants from countries where Chevening Scholarships are awarded.	University tuition feeAnnual stipendAdditional expenses
Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship	It is available for Masters and PhD applicants from India.	University tuition feeAnnual stipendImmigration Health Surcharge
Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship	It is available for all students at all levels in any subject.	University tuition feeAnnual stipendAdditional allowances

Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK

The University of Cambridge Rankings 2025

By now, you must have understood Cambridge University’s Masters in Computer Science in great detail. But if you want admission into any of the top universities in UK, you must evaluate its rankings based on different factors. 

Ranking based on	The University of Cambridge Ranking 2025
QS World University Rankings	5
QS WUR Ranking By Subject	1
Europe University Rankings	4

Also Read: Cambridge University World Ranking

Career Scope of Masters in Computer Science 

Pursuing a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge allows you to pursue career opportunities in various fields. This degree can make you an ideal candidate for leading companies by providing practical skills, interdisciplinary learning, and extensive knowledge. Below you will find the 6 most popular job profiles along with their average annual salary.

Job profile	Average annual salary
Software engineer	£66,626
Data scientist	£60,148
Web Developer	£43,051
Cybersecurity specialist	£59,872
Computer Systems Analyst	£34,751
Computer and Information Research Scientists	£36,354

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FAQs

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