Data science: New courses in the emerging area of engineering and computer science

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As demand for graduates in data science - as well as engineering, cybersecurity, and software engineering - grows, the Government is now helping to provide graduates with the opportunity to study and work in these areas, allowing them to develop their careers, and increase the supply of skilled practitioners. As part of a wider initiative combining 28 projects and involving 32 universities and colleges, the Higher Education Funding Council for England is awarding £1.7 million in grants to develop a range of engineering and computer science conversion courses. That’s right - those without any previous computer or data science experience at undergraduate level can now study towards a Master’s degree in this area of emerging importance. “By supporting innovative course developments in universities and colleges, these awards will open up careers in these areas to a wider range of graduates, benefiting both students and employers in key sectors such as manufacturing, food and agri-tech, data science, and energy.” On the grants being given out to the 32 colleges and universities, Universities and Science Minister, Jo Johnson, described how scientists, engineers, and mathematicians are all “vital to driving innovation, and fuelling economic growth.” He said: “This investment will help over 1,500 graduates to retrain in these crucial STEM subjects, and is part of our commitment to people waiting to gain new skills at all stages in life.