In 2023-24, Loughborough has up to fifty £10,000 scholarships for students studying towards one of four data science and artifical intelligence related MSc programmes (see below for a full list of eligible programmes). Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Office for Artificial Intelligence, the scholarships are designed to encourage and support students from under-represented groups to develop skills in data science and artificial intelligence. 

The scholarship can be set against tuition fees, living costs or a combination of the two, and will be paid in three instalments during the academic year.  

Who is eligible for a scholarship? 

To be considered for a scholarship you will need to be a member of at least one of the following under-represented groups.  Priority will be given to the first four groups.   

  1. Women 
  2. Black students 
  3. Students registered disabled 
  4. Students from low socioeconomic background (Index of Multiple Disadvantage quintiles 1 and 2, low household income) 
  5. Care experienced student 
  6. Estranged student   
  7. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller student  
  8. Refugees  
  9. Children from military families, veterans and partners of military personnel 

Furthermore, to be eligible for the scholarship you: 

  • must meet the nationality or residency status criteria to qualify for the postgraduate masters’ loan. 
  • will need to be studying/have confirmed your place on one of the eligible programmes. 
  • self-funding: that is, not in receipt of any other scholarship or sponsorship (a UK government postgraduate loan is acceptable)  

Which programmes are eligible for the scholarships? 

Scholarships are available for full time and part-time courses.   

How do I apply? 

To apply for the scholarship, please complete the online application form. You will need to have already submitted your application for one of the master’s programme before you can apply for the scholarship as you will be required to include your Postgraduate Application Number as part of the process. 

The scholarship application form asks you to write a brief supporting statement. This should outline the following: 

  • How you meet the above scholarship criteria 
  • Your past achievements in academic, professional and extra-curricular activities 
  • Your data science experience to date and any future career plans 
  • How you will benefit from the financial assistance offered by the scholarship. 

You should be prepared to provide documentary evidence in support of your statement/eligibility criteria if required (eg evidence of receipt of Disabled Students’ Allowances). 

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Key dates

The closing date for scholarship applications is 5pm on Friday 28 July 2023.  

If your application has been successful, you will be notified by email on or before Friday 4 August 2023. 

If you are offered a scholarship, you will be given two weeks to respond and accept the scholarship. If no response is received by the end of the two-week period the offer will be withdrawn and the scholarship offered to a reserve applicant.  

How are scholarship applications assessed? 

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria above and be from one of the under-represented groups listed. Priority will be given to students from groups a, b, c and d. Scholarship decisions will also take into account academic excellence as evidenced by your first degree and other supporting information included within your application.  

An experience panel will review and consider all applications before making decisions on offers to be made.