Provider case study: Postgraduate conversion courses in artificial intelligence and data science

Kingston University

The MSc Data Science conversion programme at Kingston University offers an innovative, accessible pathway into data science, tailored for students from diverse academic backgrounds, and aligned with Kingston University's Future Skills Strategy. Starting with a bootcamp that features small-group teaching, personal tutoring, and active industry input, the course prepares students from all degree-level backgrounds for modern data science, supporting the development of a diverse and skilled data science workforce.

The demand for skilled data science professionals has never been greater, fuelled by transformative breakthroughs across healthcare, finance, technology, and public policy. Yet many talented students without a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) background are often left out. To address this, Kingston University created the MSc Data Science conversion course, which offers a clear, supportive path for non-technical students to learn data science and develop the future skills needed by industry. Underpinned by the university's Town House Strategy – which is transforming teaching through innovative, ambitious, inclusive, and enterprising approaches – this programme provides rigorous training, builds confidence, and encourages collaboration. This case study shows how the programme changes lives and strengthens our digital future.

Course design

Traditional routes to data science often exclude those without technical experience. To solve this, educators at Kingston University developed a conversion route built around a week-long 'bootcamp' where students learn essential programming, data acquisition, mathematics, statistics, and data-handling skills in a short, focused period. The small-group model ensures that each student gets personal help from experienced lecturers and near-peer mentors, such as PhD researchers. This hands-on guidance helps everyone quickly build the skills they need for success.

Initial results demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach: students from non-traditional backgrounds rapidly gained proficiency when supported by personalised, targeted instruction. Feedback from students, teachers, and industry experts keeps the curriculum relevant in a fast-changing technological landscape. This flexible, inclusive approach boosts academic performance and creates a community where learners thrive.

Student experience and impact

In terms of results the programme succeeds impressively, supporting conversion students to perform at levels that match or exceed those of their peers coming from 'traditional' computing backgrounds. Many scholarship holders have earned Merit or Distinction masters' degrees.

OfS scholarship recipient Ashley Daud moved from biomedical science to data science:

‘Being given the chance to become one of the few Black women entering the tech field is a significant achievement. The support from lecturers, the diverse cohort, and the abundant resources have been pivotal in my progress.’

A graduate with distinction from the first cohort MSc Data Science conversion course, Rebecca Bird, also shared her experience:

‘I'm very grateful for the opportunity. It's given me a new skill set, opening a wide range of opportunities and the option to pivot into a different career if I choose to.’

MSc Data Science course leader Dr Farzana Rahman led the development of the ‘bootcamp’ approach:

‘Kingston University's conversion course delivers an inclusive pathway for non-technical students to enhance in data science. Initially inspired by OfS scholarships, our bootcamp equips participants with skills for collaboration with computing peers. Attracting underrepresented groups enhances diversity and addresses the UK tech sector's knowledge gap, supporting developing and retaining top AI and data science talent.’

PhD researcher and data science bootcamp instructor Megha Hegde noted:

‘The OfS-supported conversion course at Kingston University is an outstanding example of how diversity can enhance data science and AI sector. In just a few months, students with no technical background advanced to crafting sophisticated programming solutions; some even pursuing a PhD. This remarkable progress underscores the transformative power of accessible technical education.’

Evaluating the programme at Kingston, head of the Department of Computer Science, Dr James Denholm-Price, said:

‘It is a tribute to the design and ethos of the MSc Data Science, and to the students and their teachers, that scholars from non-computing backgrounds averaged marks slightly higher than their peers with computing qualifications, and almost all of those who graduated recently at the end of the one-year scholarship achieved an MSc with Distinction or Merit. We strongly support the approach and it will continue at Kingston as an example of innovation and inclusion.’

The future

The programme's success shows that it can expand to include a larger, more diverse group of students, including international applicants. Bootcamp instructor and MSc AI course leader, Dr Jad Abbass, is adopting the methodology pioneered by the MSc Data Science programme for his course – expanding opportunities, strengthening industry partnerships, diversifying resources, and continuously evolving the curriculum to meet emerging trends.

The MSc Data Science conversion programme is a powerful initiative that opens doors for students from non-traditional backgrounds. Its innovative bootcamp, curriculum, and support model helps students achieve excellent academic results and meet digital future skills. With its inclusive design, industry alignment, and proven success, Kingston University's MSc Data Science Conversion Programme is shaping the next generation of diverse data scientists – driving innovation and closing critical skills gaps in the technology sector.