The Alliance for Data Science Professionals are pleased to announce the launch of its new University Accreditation scheme, following a successful early adopter phase with the Open University and the University of East London.
Accredited degree programmes will be recognised as meeting the Alliance’s joint professional standards, with their graduates becoming eligible to apply for the Data Science Professional (DSP) title through the Royal Statistical Society, Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, OR Society and BCS.
Since launching in 2021, the Alliance has introduced two professional designations, created this new university accreditation scheme, and continues to work with the Privy Council towards establishing a future Chartered Data Science Professional designation.
This latest milestone helps ensure the next generation of data scientists are educated to the highest standards of technical expertise, ethics, and professional conduct, giving students, universities, employers and the public confidence in the profession.
Professor Edward Rochead CMath FIMA, Chair, the Alliance for Data Science Professionals, said:
“The launch of the Alliance’s University Accreditation scheme marks a major step forward for the data science profession. By setting clear, rigorous standards for degree programmes, we’re helping to ensure that graduates enter the workforce with not only the technical skills, but also the ethical grounding and professional mindset our society needs. I am proud to chair the Alliance, which is giving students, universities, and employers confidence that accredited programmes truly prepare the next generation of data scientists to make a positive impact.”
Professor Paul Glaister CBE CMath CSci FIMA, Honorary Secretary and Chair of Assessment Panels for Data Science certification and for professional chartered designations for the IMA, and member of the Governance Board & Professional, Accreditation and Standards Committee for the Alliance, said:
“Following the introduction of a standard for professionals working in data science and the first awards of Advanced Data Science Professional (AdvDSP) and Data Science Professional (DSP) certifications for individuals in 2022, I am hugely delighted that we have now launched a university standard and accompanying scheme for accrediting UK-based degree programmes in data science.
“This represents an important step in achieving the Alliance’s goal of helping to shape the profession of data science. It provides a clear pathway of standards and competencies at every level within the field of data science in support of individuals, and now of higher education with their graduates becoming eligible to apply for the award of Data Science Professional (DSP) certification through the Royal Statistical Society, Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, OR Society, and BCS, The Chartered institute for IT.
“As a founding member of the Alliance, the IMA is pleased to be supporting this vital work alongside its own professional chartered designations as we continue to support the Alliance in its work with the Privy Council towards establishing a future Chartered Data Science Professional designation.”
For more information about the standards and how to apply, please refer to the AfDSP Degree Accreditation Application Guide.
