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.
Students will spend the Michaelmas and Lent terms undertaking taught course modules. Students will take an equivalent of eight full modules (which may include a number of half-modules), with the compulsory modules and permitted combinations of optional modules depending on which of the five pathways the student is pursuing. There will be a core of compulsory modules common to all pathways; each pathway then prescribes different combinations of compulsory and optional modules. A final module can be freely chosen from any of the modules available on the course.
From the end of the Lent Term through to the end of the course, students will conduct a substantial research project leading to a dissertation.
The taught modules will be in a range of styles: traditional lecture courses, lecture courses with associated practical classes, reading clubs, and seminar-style modules. The course will emphasise coursework in several of the taught modules. Software projects aimed at implementing algorithms and modelling methods will be central to the practical modules and the research project.
Students can expect to receive reports at least termly from the course director (or a delegate). They will receive comments on items of coursework and will have access to a University supervisor for their dissertation. All students will also have personal access to the course director and the other staff delivering the course.
Students will write a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. The broad subject area of the dissertation will be determined by the pathway which the student is pursuing.
Applicants for this course should have achieved a First class Honours Degree .
If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.
You will be expected to have well-developed technical skills in engineering or a related technical area, in mathematics, and in computing.
University Minimum Academic Requirements
Score : Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)
Score : Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).