The University of Leeds is working with businesses to help even more students achieve their dreams of a career in data science and AI.
As part of its commitment to widening access to under-represented groups through the Access and Student Success strategy, earlier this year the University won funding from the Office for Students to offer 18 data science-related Masters scholarships in the 2023/24 academic year.
The scholarship programme, developed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and implemented by the Office for Students, aims to encourage more women, Black students, disabled students and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds into data science and AI industries.
Since then, the University has continued its pledge to increase diversity and inclusion on its courses by partnering with companies so that even more scholarships become available.
These scholarships offer a really exciting opportunity to increase diversity in an industry which will see more demand for skills and expertise in the future."
Visa has now announced it will provide £10,000 to help another student fund their data science studies at the University of Leeds in 2024/25.
Louise Banahene, Director of Educational Engagement at the University of Leeds, said: "These scholarships offer a really exciting opportunity to increase diversity in an industry which will see more demand for skills and expertise in the future.
"We believe that financial constraints shouldn't hold excellent students from studying with us and contributing to solve global challenges of tomorrow. We're committed to addressing under-representation and are delighted to be partnering to address under-representation through our growing package of scholarships."
The investment will support the UK's thriving AI sector, which is currently worth £15.6 billion and ranks third globally behind only the US and China.
Professor Paul Baxter, Director of Education and Training at Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA), said: "By partnering with leading businesses across the sector, we are working to secure the long term sustainability of our scholarships programme.
"This aligns closely to the University strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion and is as key part of LIDA's plans for transforming the composition of the data science and AI workforce."
Ricky Arnold, Head of Talent Acquisition Europe at Visa, said: "At Visa, we're committed to supporting up-coming talent and truly believe that diversity of thought is at the heart of progressive work environments.
"By partnering closely with leading UK universities, this programme will help open doors to talented minds from all walks of life. We look forward to championing the next generation of AI talent, unlocking the true power of difference, and ensuring opportunities are accessible to all."
