£23m AI and data courses to train underrepresented groups

£23m in government funding aims to create more AI and data conversion courses, helping young people from underrepresented groups join the UK’s AI industry.

Up to two thousand scholarships for masters AI conversion courses, enabling graduates to do further study courses in the field even if their undergraduate course is not directly related, will create a new generation of experts in data science and AI.

The UK is ranked third in the world for private venture capital investment into AI companies (2019 investment into the UK reached almost £2.5bn) and is home to a third of Europe’s total AI companies.

The new scholarships will ensure more people can build successful careers in AI, create and develop new and bigger businesses, and will improve the diversity of this growing and innovative sector.

The first stage of the AI conversion courses in 2019, delivered by the Office for Students, supported 28 universities in England to set up and provide degree conversion courses in AI and data science.

UK AI Council Chair Tabitha Goldstaub said: “Ensuring there is a diverse talent pool furthering AI developments is vital for the success of the technology and society.

“These masters conversion courses welcoming people from non-STEM degrees attract a less homogeneous group which means the UK AI ecosystem benefits from graduates with different backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.”

DCMS Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Chris Philp said: “The UK is already a world leader in AI. Today we’re investing millions to ensure people from all parts of society can access the opportunities and benefits AI is creating in this country.

“We are doubling the number of AI scholarships previously available to underrepresented groups to build a diverse and inclusive workforce fit for the future of tech.”

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