Fully Funded PhD in Data Science in UK
Getting a PhD in data science is a substantial academic milestone, as data science blends science, engineering, and technology skills. However, studying this course can be financially draining, no thanks to the advanced nature of the course and the amount of resources needed to study it and gain the required skills. This can be a major roadblock for students and researchers who want to take their expertise to the next level with a data science PhD program.
The UK has several organizations and institutions that have set up funds, scholarship grants, and programs to provide the finances and resources needed to help individuals obtain a doctorate degree. These organizations are big supporters and promoters of data science and play key roles in driving innovation and collaboration through these fellowships. These programs reward deserving fellows by giving them access and opportunity to further their studies and collaborate with industry experts in the advancing field of data science.
Some of these programs provide up to £75,000 in funding for PhD students, covering tuition, travel expenses, research, and even living expenses for the duration of the course. In this article, we’ll be looking at four fully funded data science programs in the UK, giving you a complete guide to how these programs can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious and historic universities in the world, located in Oxford, England. Established in the 12th century, it stands as a global leader in research, innovation, and academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, attracting scholars from around the world.
Oxford’s campus features a unique collegiate system, with beautiful historic architecture, libraries, and research centers spread throughout the city. This fosters a rich academic culture, providing students with unparalleled resources and networking opportunities. The university’s commitment to cutting-edge research makes it an ideal place for students exploring advancements in data science and related fields.
Through its Department of Computer Science and the Oxford Internet Institute, the University of Oxford offers a fully funded PhD in Data Science, which you can check out here. This program is designed for students who want to engage in high-impact research in machine learning, big data analytics, and computational statistics. The program focuses on developing real-world solutions and contributes significantly to the growing field of data-driven decision-making.
Students enrolled in the PhD in Data Science benefit from a fully funded package, which includes tuition waivers, a competitive tax-free stipend, and additional research funding. Candidates can also access the school’s research facilities, industry collaborations, and global academic conferences to enhance their educational and professional journey.
Application Deadline: January each year.
2. University of Bath
The University of Bath, established in 1966, is a top-ranked institution known for its excellence in research, innovation, and academic rigor. Located in the historic city of Bath, England, the university offers a vibrant learning environment with state-of-the-art research facilities and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The University of Bath is globally recognized for its science, engineering, and technology expertise, attracting students and researchers worldwide.
The University of Bath offers a fully funded PhD in Data Science through its Mathematical Science program, which you can check out here. The program is designed to equip students with advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, and computational statistics skills.
The program focuses on real-world applications in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and smart cities, preparing graduates to tackle complex data-driven challenges. Students will have access to cutting-edge research centers, industry collaborations, and opportunities to work on high-impact projects with leading global companies.
Students admitted into the PhD in Data Science program receive a full tuition waiver, an annual stipend of approximately £18,500, and additional funding for research expenses. The university provides a supportive research environment, fostering collaboration with top academics, industry experts, and international research institutions.
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in December each year.
3. Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a leading public research university in the heart of London, England. It was established in 1907. It is known for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM). Imperial is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide and is a hub for cutting-edge innovation and research.
The university’s central London campus provides students access to a dynamic and technologically advanced academic environment. With strong industry links and research collaborations, Imperial fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving world of data science and artificial intelligence.
Imperial College London offers a fully funded PhD in Data Science through its Data Science Institute’s President’s PhD Scholarship Scheme. This program is designed to train students in advanced computational techniques, statistical modeling, and large-scale data analysis. Research areas include machine learning, predictive analytics, and optimization methods. The program is highly interdisciplinary, involving business, healthcare, and environmental science collaborations.
PhD students benefit from a fully funded scholarship package, which includes full tuition, an annual stipend, and research funding. They also gain access to Imperial’s state-of-the-art computational facilities, industry partnerships, and networking opportunities with global leaders in data science and artificial intelligence.
Application Deadline: mid-February each year.
4. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the most prestigious research institutions in the UK, located in Scotland’s capital city. Founded in 1583, the university has a rich history of academic excellence and is known for its strong focus on technology and innovation. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting students from all over the world.
The Edinburgh campus provides a stimulating academic environment with historic architecture and modern research facilities. The city is a vibrant cultural hub, offering students an excellent quality of life and access to leading technology firms, research centers, and industry collaborations.
The University of Edinburgh offers a fully funded PhD in Data Science through the School of Informatics EPSRC CDT program. The program is designed to provide students with deep expertise in data-driven research, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Specializations include data visualization, computational statistics, and real-world applications of big data analytics.
PhD students in this program receive full financial support, including tuition waivers, a competitive stipend, and dedicated research funding. The program also offers access to Edinburgh’s world-class computing infrastructure, industry collaborations, and opportunities to participate in international research projects and conferences.
Application Deadline: early January each year.
Disclaimer:
The term “fully funded” addresses a financial aid package where a student’s educational expenses are being taken care of. This may include;
- Full tuition payment: The total cost of tuition has been waived.
- Stipend/ Salary: A pre-agreed allowance is given to the student to cover living costs and other expenses during the program.
However, It is important to note that this is totally dependent on several factors such as lifestyle, cost of living, location, and other financial needs. Sometimes, the term “fully funded” is used by some programs even though they don’t provide for all your financial needs, expecting that you see them through part-time work, intensional, or personal savings.
These programs usually expect students with fully funded offers to teach and conduct research while studying as part of the funding arrangement. It is also important to note that all universities offer full funding, and students should, therefore, explore financial aid opportunities from various schools (including less popular and well-known ones) in order to find the one that perfectly meets their financial needs.
