UK Government Selects University of Southampton to Deliver Fully Funded Spärck AI Master’s Programme with Industry Placements

UK Government Selects University of Southampton to Deliver Fully Funded Spärck AI Master’s Programme with Industry Placements

(IN BRIEF) The University of Southampton has been selected by the UK government to lead the Spärck AI scholarship programme, which fully funds master’s degrees in artificial intelligence and bears the name of computing pioneer Karen Spärck Jones. As one of nine universities chosen for their excellence in AI research, Southampton will enroll up to 100 students annually, offering tuition coverage plus industry partnerships, placements, and mentoring through bodies like the AI Security Institute. Vice-President Professor Mark Spearing praised the chance to draw top talent to the UK, while Science Minister Peter Kyle highlighted the scheme’s role in developing a future-ready AI workforce and boosting economic growth. Applications open spring 2026, with studies beginning October 2026.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHAMPTON, 11-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The UK government has appointed the University of Southampton to spearhead a groundbreaking training initiative designed to solidify Britain’s standing as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Named the Spärck AI scholarships in honor of pioneering computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, this scheme will fully fund master’s programmes for exceptionally gifted young people in AI.

Southampton joins eight other leading UK universities in delivering this prestigious scholarship, selected for its world-class reputation in AI research and innovation. Speaking of the announcement, Professor Mark Spearing, Vice-President for Research and Enterprise at Southampton, said, “We are delighted to be a founding partner in the Spärck AI Scholarship programme. This initiative presents a nationally significant opportunity to attract the brightest minds to the UK and to share our expertise in artificial intelligence.”

Up to 100 master’s students will benefit each year, gaining not only tuition coverage but also access to industry collaborations, hands-on placements, and mentoring via organisations such as the UK’s AI Security Institute. The government anticipates that this investment will accelerate AI-driven breakthroughs, strengthen the UK economy, and create a direct pathway into high-skill roles within the tech sector.

Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, added, “By offering fully funded AI master’s degrees with unparalleled industry access, we are building a workforce fit for the future and driving economic growth under our Plan for Change. We will soon expand our fellowship programmes to bring top talent into our thriving AI ecosystem and deliver public benefits like faster drug discovery.”

Applications for the Spärck AI scholarships open in spring 2026, with the first cohort commencing studies in October 2026. For more on Southampton’s AI leadership, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/campaigns/ai-southampton.

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SOURCE: University of Southampton