Program Overview

MPhil in Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence

The MPhil in Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence is designed to equip the next generation of AI researchers, technologists, and leaders with the skills needed to develop human-centred, human-compatible, responsible and socially and globally beneficial AI technologies.

Course Overview

The course offers a foundational module in human-inspired AI and several elective modules that students can select according to their interests and learning needs. Elective modules include skills modules covering technical and computational skills, as well as specialist modules that offer learning opportunities in areas such as:

• Fundamental human-level AI
• Social and interactive AI
• Cognitive AI
• Creative AI
• Health and global AI
• Responsible AI

The course also includes a period of supervised research where students work individually with supervisors to produce a research dissertation.

Programme Objectives

The programme will equip the next generation of researchers and leaders in AI by:

• Providing an overview of current interdisciplinary research and challenges in the development of human-inspired AI
• Providing the critical tools to engage with the forefront of academic knowledge, methods, and applications in this area
• Developing the skills and abilities to identify, address, and approach practical interdisciplinary research challenges
• Supporting students to construct a thorough understanding of the technical, ethical, human, and social aspects of AI
• Developing the ability and initiative to identify, address, and approach relevant challenges across sectors and society

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have:

• A deep knowledge of the history, methods, and applications of human-inspired AI
• A practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges of human-inspired AI technologies as applied in research, industries, and different areas of society
• A critical perspective on the governance and ethical challenges that arise from applications of AI and how these sit within and interact with wider society
• The conceptual understanding and analytic tools to critically evaluate and contribute to debates about the nature, impacts, and governance of human-inspired AI

Skills and Other Attributes

Graduates of the course will be able to:

• Synthesise and analyse research and advanced scholarship across disciplines
• Demonstrate competences in practical and technical implementation of AI
• Put theoretical and academic knowledge into practice
• Structure extended pieces of written work and present arguments clearly and effectively
• Plan and implement an independent research project
• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and show originality in tackling and solving problems
• Present their own ideas in a public forum
• Contribute constructively within an international and cross-disciplinary environment

Continuing to PhD

Students admitted for the MPhil can apply to continue as PhD students in Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence within the Centre for Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence (CHIA), or for PhD courses within other relevant departments.

Key Information

• Duration: 9 months full-time, 21 months part-time
• Study Mode: Taught
• Degree: Master of Philosophy
• Institute: Institute for Technology and Humanity
• Course Type: Postgraduate

Dates and Deadlines

• Applications Open: September 3, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 20, 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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