Overview
The world is more data-driven than ever, and while specialist analytical, digital, data science, and artificial intelligence skills are in high demand, the supply is still very limited. There is a lack of experts in data science and artificial intelligence and this lack of expertise means that, currently, only few companies are actually able to exploit the full potential of their data sets and transform the same into a competitive advantage.
This new 3 programme has been designed in response to the shortage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics (DA) specialists in the UK. It will give you the skills and professional insight you need to launch a career in these diverse and fast-growing sectors.
A number of £10,000 scholarships will be offered to full-time Home/EU/International students* attending the three-month placement version of this programme, as part of a £1.4m investment by Office for Students (OfS), Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Office for Artificial Intelligence and industry contributions.
*Please check eligibility criteria.
The programme will provide you with an applied understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. This programme is suitable for applicants from all backgrounds and no prior technical knowledge is required. You will develop the relevant technical skills you need as part of the programme.
Technical skills you will develop include knowledge in applications such as, Python, R, AWS, MS Azure, SAS, SPSS, and Excel. Non-technical soft skills, the development of which are key to your long-term success in any industry, include data-driven decision-making, critical thinking, business acumen and entrepreneurship, and communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
You will have the opportunity for a three-month industry placement** as part of the programme, giving you invaluable real-world experience and an opportunity to build industry contacts.
The three-month industry placement is not guaranteed; however, you will work closely with our dedicated employer and placement services adviser, who will support you in finding a placement, support you with CV writing and help you apply for roles.
**For students awarded OfS Scholarship, the placement is compulsory.
Your intellectual and employability skills will be further developed through access to our Career Booster professional development programme. In addition, the proposed curriculum will offer you the opportunity to obtain professional certifications through AWS Academy and SAS.
You will graduate as a confident, creative, enterprising, independent data modeller and interpreter, able to select appropriate AI and DS tools for a given practical problem and perform empirical analysis that feeds into data-driven decision-making.