Are you interested in returning to university for a master's degree or continuing your studies on a new path but worried about the financial burden?
The Office for Students is offering scholarships worth £10,000 each to support select UK students for the upcoming academic year. 🤯
These scholarships are designed so you can pursue AI and data science studies on a wide range of eligible courses at 31 participating universities across England.
What is the OfS?
The Office for Students (OfS) is the regulatory body for higher education in England. Its mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, can access and experience high-quality higher education that enriches their lives and careers.
Why this initiative?
In 2019, the OfS and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) partnered together to fund specialist postgraduate conversion courses in AI and data science. The programme aims to increase diversity, address digital skills gaps in the workforce and help foster innovation across all sectors and regions of the UK. The programme has surpassed recruitment targets with 3,859 students enrolled on courses by March 2022.
Following the programme’s success, up to £17 million has been made available for scholarships worth £10,000 each between April 2023 and March 2025 with up to 818 scholarships on offer for 2024-25 academic year. 🚀
This initiative builds on an existing £13.5 million investment, which began in 2020 and has surpassed recruitment targets with 3,859 students enrolled by March 2022.
Addressing the skills gap
The digital skills gap in the UK’s AI and data science sector is a significant issue, estimated to be costing the economy an estimated £63 billion a year in potential GDP.
These scholarships are designed to address these disparities by providing opportunities to those who might not have had the chance otherwise.
The conversion courses are designed to suit students from a wide range of study backgrounds. The majority of students on these courses don't have a first degree related to AI or data science - so don't let that stop you from applying!
Bridging the gap
The OfS scholarships aim to bridge the gap for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds by helping them access high-quality education with less financial strain. By targeting underrepresented groups in the AI and data science sectors, these scholarships are making a significant impact on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
Courses offer flexible full-time and part-time options, with some including work placements to boost employability. This partnership is a crucial step towards a more diverse and skilled tech industry. Additionally, nearly 60% of graduates found careers or received job offers within two to three months of graduation, according to the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC).
“I have never been to university before. I pursued a vocational path in accounting. I find the course syllabus compelling. I will gain knowledge and learn how to apply it; this will help me pursue a career in data science.” – Jeremy, MSc Data Science and its Applications student, University of Greenwich
Hear from the universities offering scholarships
Teesside University
Teesside University offers comprehensive postgraduate conversion courses in data science and AI. These programmes equip students with essential skills like programming and machine learning, which are applicable across various industries. Designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds, including fields not in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the courses offer tailored support and mentorship, ensuring all students can excel. Graduates are prepared for in-demand roles such as data analysts, AI engineers, and more.
Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University provides three cutting-edge postgraduate conversion courses in AI, ideal for those looking to upskill or switch careers. Students from fields including physiotherapy, sales, and computing gain fundamental AI knowledge and applied skills, regardless of their prior experience in programming, math, or statistics. With a strong focus on practical applications, these programmes help students transition into careers in AI, data science, game development, and AI in media.
Greenwich University
Greenwich University offers £10,000 scholarships for its MSc Data Science and its Applications course, supporting students from underrepresented groups. This conversion course welcomes applicants without a background in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, providing the skills needed to become competent data scientists. Students can study at either the Greenwich or Medway campuses.
“Thank you on behalf of every student like me, especially those who received a scholarship to make it possible for us to study a postgraduate degree. Thank you for making this course a reality and accessible for black women like me with special needs and neurodiverse challenges.” – Maxine, MSc Data Science and its Applications student, University of Greenwich
See all participating universities here
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re interested in expanding your skills in AI and data science, now is the perfect time to apply. These scholarships can lift the financial burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your studies.
Don’t hesitate—grasp your future now, as the world is rapidly changing. These scholarships are your gateway to a brighter, more inclusive future in tech.
Find out more
For more information about the courses and scholarships, and to apply, visit: Study Artificial Intelligence and Data Science as a Postgraduate – Office for Students.
By investing in your education today, you’re not only shaping your future but also helping to build a more diverse and innovative technological landscape. Don’t wait – take the first step towards your dream career in AI and data science with the Office for Students’ scholarship programme.
