The Student Room Group

Choosing between Imperial and Cambridge for Data Science

I’ve gotten offers for a MPhil in Data Intensive Science for Cambridge and a MRes in Machine Learning and Big Data in the Physical Sciences for Imperial.

My main concern is that since the MPhil is such a new course, there’s not a lot of information out there about how “polished” of a program it actually is. On the other hand, it’s Cambridge and the published description looks like pretty much what I’m wanting to do.

As for Imperial, it’s also a really great uni with a well-established course. It also has a lot of emphasis on application and that’s something that I really like. Also, it would be cheaper for me to go there since I wouldn’t need to pay for housing/long+expensive commutes.

Anybody have experience with either course? Which would be better regarded for data science/is more useful for data science?

Reply 1

MPhil is a "better" degree than MRes, meaning its of higher regard. If it's you're worried about the polishedness of a course, you can always look at lecturers and academics that teach. In my most humble opinion, go read MPhil in Cambridge (I don't have any experience in any) but I guess you don't have to do a job your degree is in. And carrying that Cambridge name will be beneficial.

If Imperial is cheaper and thats what your big concern is, study there instead. If you want to do a PhD in Machine Learning, you can probably do that with the MPhil from Cambridge. I recently heard that Imperial is second on the QS rankings. So you are not wrong with either choice. Just depends if you'd like to move out or not, I don't think the course here matters as much.

This is all my opinion, and others should probably chime in before you make a proper informed decision.
(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 2

hey, I am in a similar boat, but picking between data intensive science at Cambridge and Advanced Computing at Imperial. I have a CS Bachelors undergrad and would like to get into a quant role, but would not mind a Software Engineering role either. Does anyone have any advice on what would be considered best in this case?

Reply 3

I'm in the same boat! I got an offer for data intensive science at cambridge, and environmental data science and machine learning imperial. I have talked to a few offer holders for DIS on linkedin and they seem satisfied with the course, and even during their first cohort, they have made several changes to make it work better. I think im going with DIS!

Reply 4

Original post by trickortreatster
I’ve gotten offers for a MPhil in Data Intensive Science for Cambridge and a MRes in Machine Learning and Big Data in the Physical Sciences for Imperial.
My main concern is that since the MPhil is such a new course, there’s not a lot of information out there about how “polished” of a program it actually is. On the other hand, it’s Cambridge and the published description looks like pretty much what I’m wanting to do.
As for Imperial, it’s also a really great uni with a well-established course. It also has a lot of emphasis on application and that’s something that I really like. Also, it would be cheaper for me to go there since I wouldn’t need to pay for housing/long+expensive commutes.
Anybody have experience with either course? Which would be better regarded for data science/is more useful for data science?

Hello! , really interesting in applying for the Mphil in intensive data science. Is there anyway we can get in contact for a chat? I’m not sure how to message on student room, but would love to hear about your application process, steps etc etc. thanks so much!

Reply 5

Original post by jascolm0101
I'm in the same boat! I got an offer for data intensive science at cambridge, and environmental data science and machine learning imperial. I have talked to a few offer holders for DIS on linkedin and they seem satisfied with the course, and even during their first cohort, they have made several changes to make it work better. I think im going with DIS!

Hey! I'm currently studying data science / applied stats and looking to do an environment-focused master's in 2 years. Would you be open to a quick chat? I'd love to ask about your background, the application process, and how you made your decision 🙂

Reply 6

Original post by louisdav2025
Hey! I'm currently studying data science / applied stats and looking to do an environment-focused master's in 2 years. Would you be open to a quick chat? I'd love to ask about your background, the application process, and how you made your decision 🙂

sure! im a bit busy these two weeks but i would be happy to if you're free sometime in may?

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