The scholarships are a prestigious new opportunity designed to shape the UK’s future leaders in artificial intelligence. Funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Newcastle is one of just nine universities nationally selected to deliver this government-backed programme, underlining the University’s leadership in artificial intelligence education and research. 

The Spärck AI Scholarship is a government-funded programme named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones. The scholarships will provide full funding for each chosen scholar to undertake a Master’s course paired to the programme at one of the nine partnered universities. 

At Newcastle, ten scholarships are available, each covering full tuition fees and providing a bursary of more than £20,000. Open to home and international students, the scheme also offers structured opportunities to develop practical experience and professional networks in AI. 

Successful scholars will join a dynamic world-class cohort of ambitious, adaptable individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, resilience, and a clear vision for the future of AI. Scholars will benefit from a distinctive cohort experience, as part of both a dedicated Newcastle Spärck AI cohort and a national network of Spärck Scholars. 

Throughout the year, scholars will take part in a range of activities designed to build connections within their cohort and with professionals across the AI landscape, acting as a prestigious community of future AI leaders. Towards the end of the Master’s course, scholars have the opportunity to apply for a work placement with one of our industry partners in an AI-related field.

Delivering impact across society, industry and the public sector

Newcastle’s Spärck Scholars can study across a wide range of AI-related Master’s programmes, reflecting the University’s interdisciplinary strengths. These include: 

• MSc Data Science
• MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science and Sport  
• MSc Data Science and Digital Humanities    
• MSc Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology
• MSc Data Science and Finance
• MSc Advanced Data Science
• MSc Advanced Data Science with Statistics
• MSc Advanced Data Science with Health
• MSc Advanced Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Geospatial Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence

This breadth allows scholars to explore how AI can deliver impact across society, industry and the public sector. 

The programme is grounded in the understanding that meaningful progress in artificial intelligence depends on collaboration between people with different perspectives, experiences and areas of expertise. The application process will consider equality, diversity and inclusion principles to address equity of opportunity and attract diverse talent. By bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, the scholarships create the conditions for more responsible, innovative and impactful AI development. 

Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering at Newcastle University, said: “The Spärck AI Scholarships provide an exceptional opportunity for talented students from a wide range of backgrounds to develop the skills and leadership needed to shape the future of artificial intelligence. By removing financial barriers to postgraduate study, the scholarships reflect Newcastle University’s values and our commitment to widening participation, enabling students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to study here to realise their potential and contribute to the responsible development of AI.”  

Professor Murray Pollock, Academic Director for Data and Digital Technologies at Newcastle University, commented: “The Spärck AI Scholarships recognise the importance of developing advanced AI capability for the UK’s future. At Newcastle, we are focused on delivering rigorous, interdisciplinary education that connects academic excellence with real-world application. This programme allows us to support outstanding postgraduate students while strengthening the pipeline of AI expertise across research, industry and the public sector.” 

Applications are now open and close on 17 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. 

Find out more, including eligibility criteria and regulations: 
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=Sparck26