AI and data science postgraduate conversion courses

The postgraduate conversion courses funded through this programme provide graduates from a wide range of disciplines with the skills they need to start a career in AI and data science. 

AI is the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision making, and translation

Data science refers to the analysis of data and in this context is understood to be the practice needed to use AI.

On successful completion of the course, students receive a postgraduate qualification.

The courses have been designed for students from a range of prior educational backgrounds, but particularly to support those who have not previously studied a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subject. They offer opportunities for:

• students who have studied the same broad subject area before (e.g. computer science, AI, data science)
• students who have studied STEM subjects including physics, statistics, IT
• students who have studied ‘far-STEM’ courses, for example biology, geology, psychology, medicine
• students who have studied any other subject (including economics, business, arts etc.).

A list of universities we funded is available. Students interested in studying a postgraduate conversion course in AI or data science beyond the 2024-25 academic year should check with the university providing the course to find out what opportunities will be available and how they can support your career progression.

Details of course fees, eligibility criteria, how to apply and application deadlines are available on the universities' websites.

From April 2020 to March 2025, we worked with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to provide funding for scholarships for AI and data science postgraduate conversion courses.

The funding aimed to:

• increase the diversity of people entering the UK AI and data science workforce
• increase industry support to diversify the UK AI and data science workforce
• increase the supply of digitally skilled workers by converting graduates who did not study a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate degree.

There is no funding for scholarships available beyond the 2024-25 academic year.

We do not directly manage the scholarship delivery or application processes. It is up to the university to set out the relevant processes and procedures to deliver the funding in line with guidance we have provided. We take steps to make sure that universities we've funded are delivering the aims of this programme.

Scholarships worth £10,000 each were available to support students from various underrepresented groups to access and complete the postgraduate courses.

Scholarships were prioritised for women, black students, disabled students and, from 2023-24, students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Scholarships were also available for:

• students who have been in care
• students estranged from their parents or guardians
• Gypsy, Roma, Traveller students
• refugees
• children from military families, veterans and partners of military personnel.

Some universities may have prioritised funding for students who did not study a science, technology, engineering or mathematics related subject at undergraduate level.

Scholarship funding provided between April 2020 and March 2022 was available to both UK and international students.

To be eligible for a scholarship in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years, students were also required to meet the residency and nationality criteria for a Postgraduate Master's Loan.