University of Birmingham wins £1.2m funding for AI and data science scholarships

The scholarships are worth £10,000 each are are being offered for the 2023-24 academic year.

The award is part of £8.1 million funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Office for Artificial Intelligence to encourage more women, Black students, disabled students, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to study artificial intelligence (AI) and data science postgraduate programmes.

Students can study at a range of courses across England covering topics such as practical AI and data science skills, coding, programming, machine learning, health data science and AI ethics. 

Professor Deborah Longworth, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education, said: “The University of Birmingham has designed a range of programmes to give students insight into the technologies transforming every sector, equipping them with the skills to put this knowledge into practice. This funding demonstrates the value we bring to our students and the industries they go on to work in and will give opportunities to students from underrepresented groups.”

In 2019, the OfS launched a funding competition that aimed to increase diversity and address digital skills gaps in the workforce. The programme funded up to 1,000 scholarships at 28 universities. After a competitive selection process, the OfS will provide a further £8.1 million for up to 817 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year. The University of Birmingham is one of 30 universities awarded a share of the funding to deliver scholarships to eligible underrepresented groups.

John Blake, director for fair access and participation at the OfS, said: “This funding provides opportunities for students underrepresented in these industries to achieve their career aspirations. It will enhance the relationships established between universities and employers that are vital for the success of this industry and provides the UK’s data science and AI sector with a wider pool of highly skilled graduates.”

Minister for AI at DSIT, Jonathan Camrose said: “AI is increasingly being used to boost productivity and unlock growth in British industries. People from all walks of life should be able to access the exciting job opportunities this transformative technology is creating across the country. We’re investing millions to champion people underrepresented in tech, so they get the skills to start a career in AI. I urge businesses to back the talent of tomorrow and offer their support for these important scholarships.”