Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
When is the next S2DS bootcamp running?
You can view the dates for all upcoming S2DS programmes here.
How much does it cost to participate in S2DS?
There is a single registration fee of £950 and no further costs. This fee is payable during the registration process and is non-refundable. We offer limited partial scholarships on a needs and merit basis. To be eligible for a scholarship, you will need to complete the appropriate section in the application form.
Which programme should I choose?
As all of our programmes offer the same rigorous training, you should select the programme which fits best with your schedule and transition to industry timeline. You should be ready to start your data science career within 3 months after graduating from S2DS.
Can I apply to multiple S2DS programmes?
Yes! You’re welcome to apply to multiple programmes if applications are open for both. If one application is unsuccessful, we still encourage you to reapply as every cohort is assessed independently.
What career support does S2DS provide?
Every S2DS programme includes a Career’s Seminar and career-related Q&A sessions. After the programme at any time (yes, even years in the future!), our alumni can request 1-1 career meetings for CV or cover letter support. We can also talk about the current industry, look at your LinkedIn profile, or discuss job listings. S2DS alumni are also connected via our Slack workspace where many alumni also post job listings.
Project FAQs
Can you tell me which project partners are sponsoring my programme?
Project partners for each programme are not disclosed until after the registration process. As all S2DS projects are real commercial projects that are subject to change due to business demands, the final list of project partners and projects are only provided during the onboarding process for participants. There will always be a range of project partners available on every programme.
Do you only work with certain types of project partners?
S2DS works with all types of project partners from start-ups, SMEs, and charities to large multinational companies. Our project partners come from a wide range of industries including energy, media, food & retail, tech, education, finance, legal, research, health & wellness, and more!
Can I choose a specific project partner team or will I be assigned?
Participants are provided with project partner profiles and project briefs as part of the onboarding process. Each participant ranks their choices, and this is taken into consideration by the S2DS team during the project matching process. Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be placed on a specific team, we want you to be invested in your project, so we work very hard to match you with one of your top preferences.
How involved are project partners in the day-to-day of the programme?
Each project partner will assign at least one company mentor to work closely with their S2DS team. These mentors will spend half a business day per week with your team, so you can expect to formally meet with them once to twice per week, plus be in regular contact with them for questions and guidance on an as-needed basis.
Do project partners hire from their teams?
It may be the case that project partners look to hire from their S2DS teams or from the wider cohort. However, this is considered as a bonus, not the norm. Should any project partners be hiring at the time of your programme, participants will be informed.
My business is interested in becoming an S2DS project partner; how do I get in touch?
Please send us an email at info@s2ds.org and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Applications FAQs
What are the application stages?
Application Form
Interview Process (video & technical)
Offer of Place
Registration & Fee
What is the application timeline?
Once the application deadline has passed, you will receive a notice that we have begun to review applications.
Successful applicants can expect to be invited to interview within one month of applications closing.
Successful candidates will be notified 2-4 weeks after their interview of an offer of place.
All participant registrations are confirmed at least 1 month prior to the programme commencement.
What does the interview process involve?
Candidate interviews involve two parts: a virtual interview (30mins) and a technical assessment (30mins).
The technical assessment is timed but not on-camera, and must be completed in Python or R.
Do all applicants get invited to interview/offered a place?
Unfortunately, no. S2DS is a very competitive programme and only a select number of applicants are invited to interview. Of those interviewed, only the strongest candidates will be offered a place on the programme.
Can I withdraw my application?
You are able to withdraw your application without penalty at any stage prior to registration. This will not affect any future applications. However, if you proceed with an offer of place for an S2DS programme, your registration is binding and non-refundable.
Can I defer my application?
In general we do not offer application deferrals as each cohort is assessed independently. If your plans have changed, please let us know, and we will withdraw your application. You can then re-apply to a programme at a more suitable time. This will not affect any future applications.