Students in the Computer Science Fab Lab

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University secures £690,000 for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science scholarships

The University of Hull has been awarded £690,000 to help those underrepresented in the field of Artificial Intelligence and data science gain the skills to move into the industry.

The funding, from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Office for Artificial Intelligence (OAI) is being awarded by the Office for Students (OfS) to universities to deliver the AI and data science scholarships.

The University was among 30 to be awarded a share of £8.1m, with scholarships being offered to home students who meet certain criteria.

Applicants who are successful will receive £10,000 towards their MSc.

Dr Kevin Pimbblet, director of the Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling (DAIM) at the University of Hull, said: “This is fantastic news for the University. It aligns with the University’s social justice strategy of supporting disadvantaged and underrepresented students. The award demonstrates the high regard our Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science course is held and we can’t wait to start recruiting the first students onto these scholarships.

“We have been running a highly successful MSc conversion course since its inception in 2020, supporting hundreds of students to develop their data science and AI skills and progressing them into a wide range of UK industries, including finance, retail, energy, and beyond.” 

Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling (DAIM) building
Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling (DAIM) building

The University has recently made significant investment in launching the Centre for Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Modelling (DAIM).

The newly built £4.5 million facility houses the largest computational teaching space on campus - in which hundreds of students can learn, practice, and apply coding techniques to address unique problems facing the world.

The Centre aims to be at the forefront of the many exciting developments in the field. As part of this, to work with industry and partners to deliver collaborations that lead to research and skills outcomes of strategic priority to our region, the UK and the world.

The course equips students with the skills and professional insight they need to launch a career in the fast-growing sectors of AI and data science.

It covers programming, statistics, machine learning, big data, data visualisation, computer vision and the ethical and legal responsibilities of using data.

Graduates of the course will be able to apply AI and data science techniques to real-world problems, critically evaluate AI and data science methodologies, plan, design and carry out empirical research, and interpret, present and communicate the outcomes of data science and AI solutions.

Dr Pimbblet, said: “From September 2023, we will have a range of exciting new modules to offer as options, including in sustainability, healthcare, creative industries, social responsibility, and the natural environment. These will enable our students to build on the strong foundation they have developed in the first trimester by applying their learnings in sectors that are of most interest to them, and working on dissertation projects with employers in these fields.”

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. “This funding builds on the successes of the programme’s recent students, 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.”

Apply for one of our scholarships here.

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