The School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Queen Mary is launching a new programme in Data Science and AI in September 2020. The MSc Data Science and AI is a conversion master’s designed for motivated students who have a good first degree in a subject other than Computer Science, who wish to develop the knowledge and skills to gain employment in the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence industry.
Funding for the programme was awarded by the UK Office for Students (OfS) as part of an Institute of Coding (IoC) consortium bid to develop new postgraduate conversion courses in AI and data science. The OfS initiative was announced in June 2020, in response to the shortage of data science and AI specialists in the UK, a concern brought to light in the UK Government’s 2017 Digital Strategy.
An important aim for this programme of work is to increase the number of people from groups currently underrepresented in the AI and data science fields, and to encourage graduates from diverse backgrounds to consider a future in these occupations.
To support students from under-represented groups to access and participate in studies at postgraduate level, Queen Mary will offer 23 scholarships over three academic years, amounting to £10,000 each to eligible students.