Program Overview

MPhil in Ethics of AI, Data and Algorithms

Overview

The programme aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to contribute critically and constructively to cross-disciplinary research on AI, data and algorithms and their ethical and societal implications. It introduces students from diverse backgrounds to relevant research skills and specialist knowledge from a range of academic disciplines, and provides them with the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision by domain experts at the University.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, students will have acquired:

• A deeper knowledge of the history, philosophy and theory of AI, data and algorithms
• A technical understanding of the capabilities of current and future digital technologies
• A critical perspective on the ethical challenges that arise from applications of AI, data and algorithms and how these sit within and interact with wider society
• The conceptual understanding and analytic tools to evaluate and contribute to research on the nature, impacts and governance of AI, data and algorithms

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

The Centre for the Future of Intelligence does not currently have a PhD programme. Students admitted for the MPhil can apply to continue as PhD students with another relevant Faculty. For details of the process for applying to do a PhD, and the standard required, students should consult the Faculty in question.

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: Masters and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments:

• Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence
• Institute for Technology and Humanity

Key Information

• Duration: 9 months full-time
• Study Mode: Taught
• Degree: Master of Philosophy
• Institute: Institute for Technology and Humanity

Dates and deadlines:

• Applications open: September 3, 2025
• Application deadline: February 26, 2026
• Course Starts: October 1, 2026
• Funding Deadlines:
  • Course Funding Deadline: December 3, 2025
  • Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

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