Cambridge launches MPhil in imaging AI

The University of Cambridge’s Department of Radiology has announced a new taught MPhil in Precision Medical Imaging and AI, with applications set to open in September 2026. The department disclosed the new course in a July 9 social media post, describing it as postgraduate training that combines diagnostic imaging, artificial intelligence methods and precision-imaging skills. Cambridge’s public postgraduate listings currently show its established MPhil in Medical Science (Radiology) as a research-based degree, indicating the new program would add a separate taught route in the field. ### How is this different from Cambridge’s current radiology MPhil? Cambridge’s current MPhil in Medical Science (Radiology) is “entirely research-based,” according to the university’s postgraduate course directory. The existing degree is examined by thesis and oral examination, with students undertaking a project within department research themes that include MRI, PET, oncological imaging, image analysis and artificial intelligence. (postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk) The Department of Radiology says on its School of Clinical Medicine page that it typically accepts three or four new students each year and that its one-year MPhil in Radiology is research-based. That makes the newly announced taught MPhil notable as a formal coursework-led option in a department where the listed MPhil offer has centered on supervised research. ### What does Cambridge say the new course will teach? The Department of Radiology said the taught MPhil will blend diagnostic imaging, AI methods and precision-imaging skills. (postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk) The department also said the program is aimed at graduates seeking image-focused clinical science or research roles in imaging and AI. Those details were included in the department’s July 9 announcement. Cambridge’s broader medical-imaging ecosystem already spans data science and machine learning in medical imaging, according to the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, and the university’s AI initiative says Cambridge offers courses that apply AI across disciplines. (medschl.cam.ac.uk) Those existing structures provide context for how the new MPhil fits within the university’s current imaging and AI activity. ### Where would students sit academically? (postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk) The Department of Radiology is part of Cambridge’s School of Clinical Medicine and is integrated with Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the university says on its postgraduate department page. The department says it has longstanding strengths in CT, MRI, ultrasound and image-guided procedures, alongside particular strengths in neuro-imaging, breast imaging and hepatic imaging. Marc Dewey, listed by Cambridge Cardiovascular as Professor of Radiology at the University of Cambridge, works on quantitative cardiothoracic imaging and AI to improve diagnosis and guide patient care. (postgradschl.lifesci.cam.ac.uk) His profile is one example of the department’s overlap between imaging research and artificial intelligence. ### Why does the “taught” label matter for applicants? A taught MPhil usually signals structured modules, formal instruction and assessed coursework rather than a thesis-only format, though Cambridge had not yet published a full course page accessible in search results on Thursday. (postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk) By contrast, the current radiology MPhil’s published structure is explicitly project-led and thesis-based. Cambridge’s School of Clinical Medicine says it offers taught MPhil programs across clinical medicine, translational research and emerging health areas. (cardiovascular.cam.ac.uk) The new imaging AI course appears to sit within that broader expansion of taught postgraduate options in medicine-related subjects. ### What happens next for prospective students? September 2026 is the date Cambridge’s Department of Radiology gave for applications to open. Prospective applicants would be expected to look for the full course entry through Cambridge’s postgraduate admissions pages and School of Clinical Medicine listings, where the university publishes entry requirements, fees and application deadlines for MPhil programs. (postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk 1) (postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk 2) (medschl.cam.ac.uk)