MRes in Sensor Technologies and Applications

Taught component

In Michaelmas term, students undertake three taught courses that give them the fundamentals in sensor science and technology, including theory and practical skills, as well as the foundations required to become a responsible researcher:

 1. Principles of sensing

This course serves as the fundamental pillar of the curriculum, introducing students to a range of sensor technologies, their operations and their applications. Examples of topics covered in the course include electrical, magnetic and optical sensors, sensor devices, distributed and wireless sensor systems, biomimetic sensors, environmental sensing, sensors for smart infrastructures, and sensors for personalised healthcare, amongst others. In addition to lectures, the course includes practical sessions, through which students gain hands-on skills in sensor design, engineering and evaluation.

The course is assessed by coursework and a written exam.

 2. Machine learning for data intensive science

This course involves lectures and practical sessions, offering a foundation in machine learning and data science. Data produced by sensors are generated at an ever-increasing rate, so reliable analysis and value of data are major concerns in sensor technologies. The course introduces the application of machine learning to data-intensive science, covering the framework and concepts required for understanding and applying industry-standard approaches.

The course is assessed by coursework and a written exam.

 3. Responsible research and inclusive innovation in an uncertain world

This course is normally co-delivered with industrial contributors and third-sector partners (e.g. Centre for Global Equality). It introduces students to topics and concepts such as entrepreneurship, sustainable development, responsible research and innovation, equality, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and trusted research.

This course is assessed by coursework.

Research component

The programme’s research component starts in Lent term and takes place until the end of the programme in August. This component equips students with key technical knowledge and skills to carry out cutting-edge sensor research. It encompasses a research project and a team challenge that allow students to experience the nature of scientific research and prepare them for further studies and careers in academia or industry:

 1. Research project

Towards the middle of Michaelmas term, students select their research project from a list of proposed titles and work on it until June (in full time from January). The range of topics offered within this element of the programme is varied and challenges the students in new areas of sensor technologies and applications.

Depending on the student’s specific interests, the research project can be conducted at CEB, within other participating University departments across the sciences, technology and medicine, or at a partner industry site. Each project is supervised by a University of Cambridge academic, with the possibility of additional co-supervision from industry or other institutions.

For examination, students produce a literature review, poster and oral presentations and a final report.

Candidates applying for the MRes in Sensor Technologies and Applications are not required to suggest a specific research project or supervisor at the time of application. Each year, students are provided with a list of possible projects, compiled during the summer prior to the start of the programme. This list includes project proposals from academics across various University departments as well as contributions from our industry partners. Candidates with specific research interests are welcome to discuss them at the admission interview stage.

 2. Team challenge

Over the Summer, from early June until end of August, the whole cohort of students undertake a project on a topical sensing problem. They are given a real-world problem, for example, to deliver a working technology prototype with an associated business plan. The project may also involve aspects of business research and public outreach.

Students receive a project brief at the start and are given access to mentors from academia, industry and partner institutions, who offer guidance and advice throughout the project. However, this is fundamentally an exercise of autonomy, with strong emphasis on team-driven and peer-to-peer learning – the students are required to manage their work independently and leverage the individual technical strengths within the team to complete the challenge together.

The team challenge is assessed by a joint report and a group seminar – students are also asked to provide individual progress update and reflective notes.

Further skills training

With a focus on creating workplace-ready researchers and innovators, the programme offers a wide range of skills development opportunities as well as social and networking events beyond the formally taught modules and research component.

Through the year, students normally attend:

• Workshops covering technical, communication, business-related and entrepreneurial skills (e.g. scientific writing, data presentation, use of standard software packages, project management, policy and ethics in science and technology environments), as well as aspects related to career planning and development

• Sensor Cafes, which are regular informal events where students can enjoy coffee and cake while listening to talks given by other students and experts who present their research or explore topical issues around the science, technology and application of sensors

• Industry lectures given by leaders from global companies and SMEs, and other invited research talks. 

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is delivered through a blend of formal lectures, practical classes, small-group sessions, supervised research, and a range of other means designed to build practical and transferable skills, such as training workshops and formal and informal presentations.

The taught courses are assessed through a combination of some or all of the following: Individual or group coursework, class participation, written exam, and individual or group presentations.

The programme’s research component is examined by appraisal of poster and oral presentations, reports and other written assignments.

To be awarded the MRes degree, the students need to satisfactorily pass the taught component, the research project, and the team challenge.

Throughout the programme, students are supported by a diverse group of academics and professionals from a wide range of disciplines.

Scroll down to learn more about our academics and operations team, as well as the Steering Committee and External Advisory Board that play a key role in shaping the direction and content of the programme.

Programme management

Our Board of Directors combines world-leading expertise across several orthogonal facets of sensor technology, ranging from microscopy and optical sensors to bioelectronics and biosensors, biomaterials and e-textiles for environmental sensing, spectroscopy and chemical sensors nanotechnology and molecular nanosensors:

Teaching and research supervision

By spinning off from our EPSRC training framework, this MRes in Sensors Technologies and Applications is supported by >80 academics from around twenty different Departments across the University. They are internationally recognised for their work in diverse areas, such as photonics, imaging in healthcare, environmental, chemical and process sensing, distributed-sensor networks, wearables, sensor interfacing, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

If you would like to learn more about the academics you may encounter during your studies with us – whether as lecturers, research supervisors, mentors or advisers – please refer to the list available on our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training webpage.

Steering Committee and External Advisory Board

Through our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training, the programme is further supported by a Steering Committee that works alongside the Board of Directors and the Operations Team to ensure effective programme delivery and uphold quality standards. An External Advisory Board also provides independent advice and strategic guidance.

You can learn more about both the Steering Committee and the External Advisory Board on our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training webpage.

Class profile

The MPhil in Sensors Technologies and Applications attracts intellectually curious students, who are driven to go beyond the boundaries of their undergraduate studies and passionate about interdisciplinary research.

Coming from institutions around the world, they bring solid academic records and a desire to apply their skills in sensor innovation in ways that advance our understanding of the world and contribute to positive change in science, industry and society.

We aim to enrol 10 to 15 students each year. This is a newly launched programme, and we will be welcoming our first cohort in October 2026, but we have been running our very successful EPSRC Sensor Centre for Doctoral Training for over 10 years.

Alumni benefits

As a University of Cambridge alum, you will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including the CAMCard, your official alumni card that identifies you as a lifelong member of the University community, a free lifelong alumni email address, and continued access to the University’s Careers Service.

At the departmental level, the CEB Alumni team actively fosters connections between the Department, its current students, and its global alumni network.

As part of your learning journey with us, you will also become part of our Sensor Community. Alumni are a valued part of this community! Even after you complete the programme, we hope you will stay connected, keeping in touch with fellow alumni, taking part in our events, sharing your experiences, supporting future cohorts, and inspiring the next generation of students.

A foundation for further study, a move into industry or a pathway to the public sector

The programme has been designed in response to the pressing demand for highly skilled sensor professionals. It aims to train and inspire future sensor leaders who possess the interdisciplinary and agile thinking skills needed to address the challenges presented by our increasingly uncertain, complex and interconnected world.

Our graduates go on to support industry, the government and academia by developing innovative sensor technologies that enable and underpin future economic growth, create value for society and benefit the environment.

Helping you plan your career

As part of the programme, you will engage with a wide-ranging community of academics, industry leaders, policymakers and third-sector professionals. This vibrant network offers numerous opportunities for direct connection with potential employers as well as mentorship to help you explore possible career paths and make informed decisions about your professional future. At the University-wide level, you will also benefit from access to our exceptional Careers Service, which provides personalised career guidance, one-to-one sessions with experienced advisers, and recruitment events featuring top global employers.

Studying at the heart of Silicon Fen

Cambridge is one of the UK’s most dynamic centres for technology and innovation. It is home to a thriving ecosystem of start-ups, global firms and cutting-edge research institutions. As a student here, you will benefit from close proximity to potential employers, frequent networking events beyond the University, and opportunities to build connections that can launch and accelerate your career.

Candidate profile

This programme primarily serves students who seek to strengthen their research skills and prepare for careers in the rapidly expanding field of sensor science and technology. We normally expect our candidates to have academic backgrounds in:

• natural sciences (e.g. physics, materials sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, neurosciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences),
• technology (e.g. any branch of engineering, computer science),
• mathematics

Strong candidates from other disciplines will also be considered, provided they demonstrate analytical and numerical skills at an adequate level.

The MRes in Sensor Technologies and Applications attracts top quality applicants from across the world. We are looking for ambition as well as intellectual aptitude. Successful candidates possess an innovative approach to problem solving, well developed technical skills, a willingness to work in cross-disciplinary research settings, and a desire to become a world leader in sensor innovation.

We believe you will thrive in the programme if you are:

• intellectually curious and interested in learning and acquiring new skills beyond the scope of your undergraduate studies,
• eager to work in interdisciplinary areas,
• motivated to develop solutions that deepen our understanding of the world and drive positive change.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and ethnicities, and they experience no prejudice at admissions or during their studies related to their sexuality, disability or any other protected characteristic. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, fully aligning with the University’s policies on equality and diversity. All applications are evaluated on the basis of academic merit.

Expected academic standard

At minimum, applicants should have achieved a UK good 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent for international degrees. If your degree is not from the UK, please consult the International Qualifications section of the Postgraduate Admissions Prospectus to find the equivalent standard in your country.

Please note that entry to the programme is competitive, and the Department is generally unable to consider candidates who only marginally meet this minimum academic standard.

Competence in English

Candidates who are not native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English at the level necessary to fully engage with the programme. Details of the required language test scores for the MRes in Sensor Technologies and Applications, as well as information on circumstances where the English language requirement may be waived, are available in the University Course Directory and the English Language requirements section of the Postgraduate Admissions Prospectus.

Admissions normally open in early September and close in mid-May for entry in the following October. However, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please be aware that specific funding deadlines may apply. Exact application and funding deadlines for the current admissions cycle are available in the University Course Directory.

Application process

Applications are handled centrally by the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office. Detailed information about the application process, admission requirements, Colleges, funding opportunities, and post-application procedures can be found in our Postgraduate Studies Prospectus.

Upon application, you will be required to provide:

• Your transcript(s)
• Evidence of competence in English (if required – you can check if that is the case in the Postgraduate Studies Prospectus)
• Details of two academic referees who will be contacted by the University to supply references
• A statement of interest (1,500 characters), telling us why you are applying for this programme and what motivates you to pursue your studies in sensor technologies and applications
• Your career plan (1,500 characters), telling us about your career goals and how the MRes in Sensor Technologies and Applications will help you to achieve them
• Your CV/resume.

Please note that additional elements may be required when applying for specific funding schemes (please refer to the Postgraduate Studies Prospectus).

Applications must be submitted online via the University’s Applicant Portal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, typically conducted by video call.

Completed applications are reviewed sequentially by the Department, the Degree Committee, and the Postgraduate Admissions Office, with processing times varying at each stage. Most applications are assessed by the Department within eight weeks of receiving all required elements (including the academic references) – many candidates receive a decision sooner.

Early application is strongly advised, as the programme operates a continuous admission process, with places allocated throughout the year on a rolling basis.

Finances and funding

Students enrolled in the programme must have sufficient funds to cover fees and maintenance (please refer to the Finance section of the Postgraduate Studies Prospectus for details).

At present, no specific funding is advertised for the standalone MRes in Sensor Technologies and Applications. However, applicants may be eligible to apply for a range of general funding opportunities offered across the collegiate University. The Postgraduate Funding Search tool can help you identify potential funding options, along with information on application procedures and deadlines.

Please be aware that the application deadlines for some funding schemes may fall much earlier than the programme's admissions deadline in mid-May.

For enquiries about admissions, or if you would like to get additional information about the programme before applying, please contact us.

If you have any questions about the programme or studying at the University of Cambridge that are not answered in this website, the University Course Directory or the online Postgraduate Studies Prospectus, please do get in touch with us using our online form.

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