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Launch your career in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) with the Urban Futures Master’s Scholarships.
Study with us to understand the science of cities, and learn to use data, AI and technological innovations to tackle the big issues facing urban spaces and societies around the world.
Urban Futures Master's Scholarships
We are excited to announce 27 new scholarships, worth a total of £270,000, for UK students on the Urban Spatial Science MSc and Connected Environments MSc.
With funding from UCL and the UK government, we are investing in students from under-represented backgrounds to diversify and transform the data science and AI sectors.
The funding of £10,000 per place can be used by scholars towards tuition and/or living costs, and is available for students studying either full-time, part-time (over two years) or flexibly (over five years). Students must have an offer for the Urban Spatial Science MSc or Connected Environments MSc to be considered and meet relevant eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for the Urban Futures Master's Scholarship
The CASA Urban Futures scholarships are part of the Office for Students’ (OfS) nationwide drive to expand access to this dynamic sector for women, students of colour, those with disabilities and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Basic criteria
Students must be eligible for a UK Postgraduate Master's Loan (those living full-time in the UK, with a few exceptions).
Students must have received an offer to study CASA’s Urban Spatial Science MSc or Connected Environments MSc, starting in 2024.
Additional criteria
These master’s scholarships are aimed at those from backgrounds underrepresented in AI and data science. Students belonging to the following groups will be considered, with priority given to the first four groups:
- Women
- Black students
- Students registered disabled
- Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds (household income of less than £42,875)
- Care-experienced students
- Estranged students
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller students
- Refugees
- Children from military families, veterans and partners of military personnel
A departmental awarding panel of at least three members will be convened, with an external EDI expert provided by the university. Students awarded a Bartlett Promise Scholarship are not eligible for the CASA Urban Futures Master’s Scholarship.
Application
The scholarships are open for applications.
FAQs
Do I need to have an unconditional offer?
You do not need to have an unconditional offer to apply for the scholarship. However, you will be required to have an unconditional offer to enrol on the programme and receive the scholarship.
The scholarship may be allocated to you but be conditional on meeting entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will not receive the scholarship unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Can I work while studying?
Full-time students will be expected to focus on study while enrolled at CASA. Limited, occasional amounts of part-time work may be possible. If you are a part-time student or module flexible student, working alongside your studies is possible. You should discuss this with your personal tutor or programme leader.
Can international students apply for the scholarship?
No, apart from those with settled status in the UK (with some exceptions). You must be eligible for UK Postgraduate Master's Loan to apply.
Can I defer my studies and keep my scholarship offer?
No. The scholarship offer cannot be deferred. You must commence your studies in September 2024. If you are not able to take up a scholarship in 2024, you can apply again in the following year should funding be confirmed.
Can I accept The CASA Urban Futures scholarship in addition to other internal or external awards?
The award may be held in conjunction with other scholarships or bursaries expect for The Bartlett Promise Scholarship. If you are awarded a Bartlett Promise Scholarship you are not eligible to receive The CASA Urban Futures scholarship.
Will the scholarship be paid directly to me?
Yes. The department will manage the distribution of the scholarship. For a full-time student it will be paid in three instalments throughout the year, aligning with UK Postgraduate Master's Loan payments. This will be adjusted for other modes of study. For example, part-time students will receive six instalments over two years.
Can I apply for The CASA Urban Futures scholarship if I want to study part-time?
Yes. Please indicate this on your scholarship application form.
When will I be informed whether my application has been successful?
The first round of awards will be made by 9 July 2024. Following this date, any unallocated scholarships will be awarded up to 30 August 2024.
How will my personal/financial circumstances be assessed?
If you are shortlisted then the department will ask for documentation to support statements made within your scholarship application. For example, a financial assessment will include all earning members of the household whose wages go towards the general maintenance of the household, such as rent and bills. Part-time work for spending money that is not contributed to general household support should not be included.
Contact
For any further queries relating to the scholarships please email us at casa-teaching@ucl.ac.uk.