An independent evaluation of the Office for Students’ (OfS)
postgraduate conversion course in artificial intelligence (AI)
and data science programme finds that, between April 2020 and
March 2023, over 37 courses were funded and more than 950
scholarships were awarded to students from underrepresented
backgrounds.
Data shows 7,600 students have enrolled on AI and data science
postgraduate conversion courses supported by OfS-allocated
funding. Evidence suggests that the programme has had a
substantial positive effect on the number of postgraduate
students and graduates in AI and data science in the UK with
expertise to address skills gaps in these industries. The
programme is expected to deliver at least 6,000 new graduates in
total, far exceeding the original target to deliver 2,500 by
spring 2023.
Between April 2020 and March 2023, 37 postgraduate conversion
courses in AI and data science were funded and delivered across
28 universities, of which 30 courses are entirely new. These
courses were developed to respond to a skills shortage and a lack
of diversity in the tech sector. According to the evaluation,
many students who did not previously have a qualification in
these subject areas benefited from the programme to retrain in AI
and data science.
In partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and
Technology (DSIT), £13.5 million funding was allocated to the
programme, consisting of £3.5 million to assist with course costs
and £10 million to deliver 1,000 scholarships worth £10,000 each,
aimed at women, black students and disabled students, among other
groups considered to be underrepresented in higher education.
Over 950 scholarships have been awarded to students in the target
groups, including the following:
· 72 per cent of scholarships
were awarded to women
· 35 per cent of scholarships
were awarded to black students
· 25 per cent scholarships
were awarded to students with a declared disability
Following the success of this programme, further funding for
scholarships has been confirmed through to March 2025 with
scholarships also prioritised for students from low socioeconomic
backgrounds.
The evaluation also sets out recommendations for the OfS and
universities to monitor and review scholarship demand to ensure
future funding continues to enhance student diversity on these
courses.
Commenting on the evaluation findings, Alastair Wilson, Head of
Student Pathways and Progression at the OfS, said:
‘Al and data science conversion courses offer students the chance
to upskill themselves to get involved with emerging and
innovative areas of the economy.
‘Today’s evaluation reveals just how many students have been
supported by our funding programme to develop skills in this
industry. Over 950 students from disadvantaged backgrounds have
received scholarships and a total of 7,600 students are enrolled
in AI and data science conversion courses, which will provide
this industry with a well-equipped pipeline of talent and further
cement the UK as a global hub for AI and data science.
‘We’re encouraged to see how positive students were about their
course, with over eighty per cent satisfied with the overall
experience and more than two thirds of graduates happy to
recommend their course to someone who had not previously studied
data science or AI. Many of these students had a first degree in
a subject unrelated to AI or data science, showing the important
role of the scholarships and investment to support the
development of students’ skills and career opportunities,
especially from underrepresented backgrounds.
‘Looking ahead to the next academic year, universities should
explore where further work may be needed to ensure enough
students from these target groups are able to access and succeed
in these courses to support the future economy.’
ENDS
Notes
1.
The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher
education in England. Our aim is to ensure that every student,
whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher
education that enriches their lives and careers.
2.
The OfS commissioned The Career Development Organisation (CRAC)
to undertake an evaluation of the programme between April 2020
and March 2023. CRAC’s evaluation report (attached) is under the
same embargo terms as the press release.
3.
Read more about the OfS and DSITs’ AI and data science postgraduate
conversion course programme, which aims to help
address the shortage of AI and data specialists in the UK and
increase diversity in the sector.
