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Applications for the 2024/25 Ethics of AI, Data and Algorithms MPhil cohort open on the 4th of September 2023! 

We can't wait to welcome our next MPhil cohort so we've brought together all the info you'll need to know before applying. 

At CFI we’re looking for people who are passionate about the ethical implications of digital systems, and who want to learn more. For the next MPhil cohort, we are hoping to find people who are committed to developing a deep understanding of the key issues in this field, who are open to multi- and inter-disciplinary perspectives, and who come from a range of academic backgrounds and experiences.

Below you can watch the MPhil Open Day 2023 where Claire goes into more detail about the process.

To note: We do not typically interview, and students are not allocated a single supervisor for the whole degree. Rather, the course leaders will help them find one supervisor for each essay. This will happen during the course. However, students can get a sense of who they might be able to work with by looking at our people on our website.

Key Dates and Deadlines: 

• 4th September 2023 - Applications Open
• 11th October 2023 - Round 1 Deadline for Gates Funding* 
• 23rd October 2023 - Virtual Open Day: Watch the recording on YouTube
• 5th December 2023 - Round 2 Deadline for University-Wide Funding**
• End of February - Applications from Rounds 1 and 2 expect to have had a response
• 26th March 2024 - Round 3 Deadline. All applications close
• Beginning of June - Applications from round 3 expect to have had a response

*Gates Scholarship funding deadline applicable for applicants in the US; if you plan to apply to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you will also need to make an application to them and meet their additional requirements to gain funding.

**University-wide central funding deadline for any applicant wishing to gain funding 

We appreciate funding can be a limiting factor for students wishing to study our MPhil; the University has some great resources to help you figure out what you can apply for and how to do so. 

What you'll need to prepare: 

• Two academic references
• Transcript
• CV/resume
• Evidence of competence in English
• Two separate pieces of sample of work: between 2,500 and 5,000 words. 
• Statement of purpose: Of around 600 words, which will help us understand your motivations and preparedness for postgraduate study.
• Research proposal: 500 words maximum, outlining a potential research project you would hope to undertake for your dissertation, including information about the scope and logistics for the project.
• Eligibility: you have space here, 100 words, to either confirm that you expect to get (or currently hold) a first class degree at undergraduate level, and that your undergraduate degree contains elements directly related to the ethics of AI, data and algorithms. Or, give an explanation of why you are still suitable to study ethics of AI, data and algorithms if either, or both, of those criteria haven't been met. We understand that life isn't always a straightforward path and are open to applications with extenuating circumstances. 

More information can be found on the application website. 

Thank you for your interest in this programme; if you're a professional working in the world of AI, you might also want to look at our part-time MSt programme. Please get in touch with us if you have additional questions about the course or about the application.