The University of Birmingham is the first university to launch a Master's level qualification that brings together law and data science - MSc Responsible Data Science.

With industry partners including Accenture, the Black Solicitors Network and leading law firms, and with backing from the Office for Students, the new programme addresses the data science skills gap in the legal profession.

The MSc Responsible Data Science combines data science with the capacity to understand and critically reflect upon the social, ethical, and political implications of data-driven applications. The one-year programme, which includes a fully-funded semester in industry, ensures graduates will be career-ready with a unique set of skills and experiences. 

The UK faces a skills shortage at the intersection of AI and data technologies and their corresponding legal, social, and governance implications. The new MSc course, co-created by Birmingham Law School and the School of Computer Science, will create pathways that lead to new and yet-to-be-created roles while enhancing existing routes into the legal sector.

Professor Karen Yeung, Interdisciplinary Professorial Fellow in Law, Ethics and Informatics at the University of Birmingham, said: “With our partners, we are developing the next generation of lawyers, who understand both the fundamentals of data science and the core legal, ethical and regulatory implications in real-world settings.” 

Clare Ranson, Director of Employment Law at Accenture, said: “Today’s talent shortages will only become more pronounced, as rapid digital innovation continues to change the demand for future skills. We are delighted to work with the University of Birmingham, and other partners, to address this growing gap in data science and the law, anticipating what skills will be required and helping to create a dynamic, diverse workforce.”

To help improve diversity within legal and data science roles, and to reduce common barriers to postgraduate education, the OfS is funding scholarships worth £10,000 to support under-represented groups to access the course. In total, 32 full UK-fee scholarships are available to those who identify as female, BAME, or with a registered disability.  A package of in-programme support will be available and developed with our partners including the Black Solicitors Network.

• Course information: MSc Responsible Data Science

• For more information, please contact Ben Atkins, Recruitment and Marketing Manager, Birmingham Law School via b.t.atkins@bham.ac.uk  

For more information, please contact Ben Atkins, Recruitment and Marketing Manager, Birmingham Law School via b.t.atkins@bham.ac.uk