< Back to Professional Development
In this section

AfDSP Degree Accreditation

Raising the standard for data science education

The Alliance for Data Science Professionals  – of which the RSS is a founding member – has launched a new University Accreditation scheme. The scheme helps ensure the next generation of data scientists are trained to the highest standards of technical expertise, ethics, and professional conduct, giving students, universities, employers and the public confidence in the profession.

For Universities

The AfDSP Degree Accreditation recognises degree programmes that meet the Alliance’s joint professional standards in data science.
Accredited programmes:

  • Demonstrate rigour in technical, ethical and professional skills across three main areas:
    • Mathematics & Statistics
    • Computing
    • Ethics
  • Align with industry and employer expectations
  • Gain external validation and enhanced appeal to prospective students
For Students & Graduates

Graduates of accredited programmes are eligible to apply for the Data Science Professional (DSP) title through the Royal Statistical Society, IMA, OR Society and BCS.
This signals to employers that you have:

  • A recognised qualification aligned with professional standards
  • Proven technical competence and ethical practice
  • A clear pathway to professional recognition and future chartered status
Accredited Partners

Open University and University of East London took part as early adopters, helping to refine and test the accreditation process.
More universities will be added as the scheme rolls out.

How to Apply

Universities can apply for AfDSP Degree Accreditation by:

  1. Reviewing the guidelines documents and standards.
  2. Creating a MyRSS account here, if you do not already have one. If you do, then once signed in, click MyRSS in the top right of the website and select submitting an Expression of Interest form online
  3. Submit an Expression of Interest.
  4. Upon receipt of your email, complete and submit an application with evidence to the Alliance via the RSS portal.

Applications are then reviewed and assessed. Should further information be required, you will be contacted. Successful programmes are listed as accredited for a fixed period and reviewed regularly.

Find out more: