Course summary
The MPhil in Digital Policy provides a firm foundation for understanding the challenges and possibilities posed by digital transformation, aimed at policy professionals in the UK and overseas who have embarked on or are embarking on a policy career. The course is interdisciplinary, spanning political science, economics, law and computer science. The course aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their powers of critical thinking and the skills and tools to form judgements based on wide ranges of information with varying degrees of uncertainty, and act on them. The course will also train students to understand how others operate and how to work with them to achieve a desired outcome. The MPhil in Digital Policy is primarily a professional Master's course. Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Upon completion of the course students are expected to be able to: · Analyse and deploy different kinds of data and information in an informed and rigorous fashion to develop new insights. Demonstrate a critical awareness of digital policy issues from a range of different disciplinary perspectives. Critically analyse policy advice and communicate conclusions clearly. Critically appraise information from diverse kinds of experts including technical experts. Integrate different forms of thinking, including qualitative and quantitative modes of thought in the creation of original research. Have a conceptual understanding of the implications of complexity, risk, and uncertainty in policymaking in a technically complex and rapidly changing area. Skills and other attributes After completing the course, students can expect to develop: Communication skills including preparation of specialist policy briefings and reports The ability to obtain and synthesise relevant information and communicate these to different audiences. The ability to autonomously judge sources of data and information. Strategic thinking in decision-making for complex issues. Critical reasoning and independence of mind. Teamwork skills for use in professional environments. The ability to evaluate the quality and importance of the arguments of a range of different policy experts and analysts. Continuing For those who hope to read for a PhD at Cambridge, a definite decision will only be taken once your performance in the MPhil can be fully assessed. The relevant Admissions Committee will set conditions for you, related to the entry requirements of the PhD – one of which is that you obtain a Distinction in the MPhil. You will need to attain these targets to continue towards a PhD. The new PhD in Public Policy is due to commence in October 2027, with applications opening September 2026.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation A dissertation of not less than 10,000 words and not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. Essays Assessment is by coursework and includes essays and policy briefs for individual taught modules. It may also include other formats of assessment as set out in the Assessment Ordinance. Written examination There are no formal, time-restricted, written examinations. Other Computer-based tests may be used to assess statistical skills and knowledge. The examination may, at the discretion of the Examiners, include an oral examination on any of the work submitted for the examination.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. It is a requirement for applicants to hold at least a High 2:1 Honours Degree from a UK university or a minimum GPA of 3.75 from a US University, or the equivalent from a non-UK University. We are looking for candidates with at least 2 years of professional experience. For exceptional applicants, we may consider less than this, but we are very unlikely to admit applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degrees.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN