1000 scholarships and paid work placements available for new AI and Data Science Conversion Courses
When was the last time you asked Alexa to play your favourite song while cooking, used a satnav to navigate to your friend’s house or noticed that your Facebook profile is advertising that pair of trainers you were just browsing online?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science is being used everywhere to make our daily lives easier, including in everyday technologies such as smart phones and for crucial life-changing research such as the race to find a coronavirus vaccine.
According to the government’s Digital Strategy, within 20 years, 90% of jobs will require some elements of digital skills. To respond to this demand, in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Office for AI, the Office for Students has funded 18 universities across England to deliver postgraduate conversion courses in AI and Data Science. The courses are aimed to equip you with the skills you need to join the UK’s digital transformation and begin a career in the sector.
What is a conversion course?
A conversion course is a programme of study that trains graduates in a new subject to prepare them for a specific profession. These courses offer a chance for people to redirect their careers, or transition from an academic to a vocational subject. So whether you are looking to change career, are returning to work after having a child, or you would like to learn something new, this could be a great opportunity for you.
Why we need you
The sector is looking for creative individuals from diverse backgrounds to use their transferable skills to support the development of these new and exciting AI and Data Science technologies. Currently, the workforce is not representative of the wider population. Did you know that women represent only 17% of tech workers in the UK and under 2% of technical roles in the tech industry are filled by Black people (Inclusive Tech Alliance 2018)? This needs to change. To encourage diversity, 1000 scholarships, each worth £10,000 are available for students to support study. They will be prioritised for underrepresented students, particularly Black students, women and disabled students.
Kickstart your career
With a year’s paid work placement on offer with each course, students can maximise their opportunities for a career in the sector once they graduate. Courses have been designed to begin at entry level, with flexible and part time learning options to help balance study with other commitments including work and caring responsibilities.
If you have specific course queries, please email the participating universities directly.
#JoinYourAIFuture.
