AI & Machine Learning Fellowship

Master neural networks, NLP, computer vision, and production ML systems. The most technical AI programme for data scientists and ML engineers.

Delivered nationwide across England — live online sessions via Zoom & Teams, with face-to-face available for closed cohorts

24
Months (Delivery + EPA)
4
Industry Qualifications
£22k
Fully Funded
Level 6
Degree-Equivalent

Deep Learning Excellence

Advanced neural networks, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and production ML systems on Azure and AWS.

Industry-Recognised

Microsoft Certified BCS Advanced NVIDIA

Watch: The Most Advanced AI Programme in the UK

A degree-equivalent apprenticeship that builds production-ready ML engineers — with four industry certifications and dedicated coaching throughout.

🔬
8+
Advanced Technical Modules
🚀
85%
Learners in ML Roles Post-Programme
💻
100%
Production-Ready Projects
🏆
BCS
Professional Recognition

Why This Programme?

🎯

Most Technical AI Offering

Build state-of-the-art ML systems using the same frameworks as Google, Meta, and OpenAI.

📊

Real-World ML Engineering

Neural networks, NLP, computer vision, MLOps pipelines, model deployment, responsible AI — not theory.

💼

For Data Scientists & Engineers

Built for professionals with existing technical foundations specialising in ML at scale.

ML Engineering Skills Coverage
Python & Deep Learning
85%
MLOps & Deployment
72%
Production ML Systems
65%

Built For These Roles

Perfect for professionals specialising in machine learning engineering and advanced AI systems.

🔬

Data Scientists

Level up to production ML models. Master neural networks and MLOps.

⚙️

ML Engineers

Deepen expertise in scalable ML systems, containerisation, cloud deployment.

💡

Software Engineers

Add ML specialisation to your toolkit. Build AI-powered features at scale.

📈

Analytics Engineers

Move into predictive ML. Automate business intelligence systems.

🤖

AI/ML Specialists

Formalise your knowledge with industry-recognised qualifications.

🚀

Career Changers (Technical)

Coming from maths, physics, or engineering? Transition into ML professionally.

Qualifications & Certifications

Industry-recognised credentials from leading technology partners.

📜

ST1398 Level 6 Apprenticeship

Machine Learning Engineer Standard

Regulated apprenticeship for ML engineering. Neural networks, deep learning, MLOps, and production systems.

Degree-Equivalent
☁️

Microsoft Azure AI Engineer

AI-900 & AI-102

Expertise in implementing AI solutions on Microsoft Azure. Embedded in the curriculum.

Industry-Recognised
🏅

BCS Advanced RITTech

Professional Recognition

BCS accreditation recognising professional ML engineering competence.

Professional
🎓

NVIDIA Deep Learning Certification

CUDA & Deep Learning Frameworks

Expertise with NVIDIA GPU computing and production deep learning systems.

Technical Specialist

Your Learning Journey

24 months of progressive, hands-on ML engineering training in six intensive phases.

1

Foundations & Python Mastery

Months 1-4
Core
1.1
Advanced Python
OOP design, functional programming, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib.
Core
1.2
Data Processing at Scale
SQL, big data, cleaning, feature engineering, exploratory analysis.
Core
1.3
Statistics & Probability
Hypothesis testing, distributions, Bayesian inference for ML.
2

Traditional ML to Neural Networks

Months 5-8
Core
2.1
ML Fundamentals
Classification, regression, decision trees, ensemble methods, tuning.
Core
2.2
Deep Learning Foundations
Neural networks, backprop, activation functions, TensorFlow, PyTorch.
Specialist
2.3
Computer Vision Basics
CNNs, image preprocessing, transfer learning, OpenCV.
3

Advanced Neural Networks & NLP

Months 9-12
Specialist
3.1
NLP & Language Models
Transformers, BERT, GPT, embeddings, fine-tuning, huggingface.
Specialist
3.2
Advanced Computer Vision
Detection, segmentation, YOLO, pose estimation, vision transformers.
Core
3.3
Responsible AI & Ethics
Bias detection, fairness, governance, regulatory compliance.
4

MLOps & Production Systems

Months 13-16
Core
4.1
Model Serving & Deployment
Docker, Kubernetes, FastAPI, serving, A/B testing, monitoring.
Core
4.2
MLOps Pipelines
CI/CD, automated training, tracking, versioning, DVC, Airflow.
Core
4.3
Cloud ML Platforms
Azure ML, AWS SageMaker, GCP Vertex AI, registries.
5

Advanced Topics & Specialisation

Months 17-20
Specialist
5.1
Reinforcement Learning
Q-learning, policy gradients, DQN, multi-agent systems.
Specialist
5.2
Large Language Models
Fine-tuning, RAG systems, prompt engineering, evaluation.
Core
5.3
Production Capstone
Build and deploy production ML systems from scratch.
6

End-Point Assessment (EPA)

Months 21-24
Assessment
6.1
Professional Portfolio
BCS assessment of your production ML projects and evidence.
Assessment
6.2
Technical Interview
ML engineering knowledge, system design, problem solving.
Assessment
6.3
Professional Recognition
Achieve BCS Advanced RITTech accreditation.

Employer Value & ROI

Measurable business outcomes from your ML engineering investment.

📈
340%
Average ROI within 18 months from productivity and ML deployment.
8
Production ML systems deployed per learner year one.
💰
£127k
Average cost savings from ML automation.
🎯
92%
Retention rate post-programme.
ML Engineering Skills Impact on Business Value
Before: Manual processes
Baseline
After 6 months: First models deployed
+60% efficiency
After 12 months: Full ML pipeline
+90% automation

How We Compare

Feature Our L6 ML Fellowship University MSc Online Bootcamp
Duration 24 mo (part-time, earn) 2 years full-time 3-6 months
Recognised Standard ST1398 Level 6 Academic degree Certificate
Industry Certs 4 (Microsoft, BCS, NVIDIA) None 1-2
Fully Funded Yes (Levy) Student loans £8-20k
Earn While Learning Yes No Varies
Production Projects 8+ real systems 2-3 coursework Simulated
MLOps & Deployment Deep Theory Intro
1:1 Coach Support Throughout Office hours Forum-based
Professional Accreditation BCS RITTech None N/A
Employer Recognition BCS + Cloud University Variable

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the ML Fellowship Level 6.

Data scientists, ML engineers, software engineers, and technical professionals specialising in advanced machine learning systems. Strong programming foundations and comfort with mathematics required. No prior ML experience needed, but technical skills accelerate learning.

Solid programming experience (Python preferred), basic statistics, and mathematics comfort. No prior ML required. We teach from neural network foundations through production systems. Level 3 qualifications (GCSEs) minimum and motivation to specialise in ML engineering.

Key differences: earn while learning (stay employed), fully funded via Levy, 4 industry certifications, hands-on with 8+ production projects. Universities focus on theory; we focus on practical, deployable ML systems. Both Level 6 (degree-equivalent), but our pathway is faster, cheaper, and more immediately applicable.

Yes. The entire £22,000 cost is covered by the Apprenticeship Levy for eligible UK employers (payroll over £3 million). If your organisation doesn't pay the levy, we explore alternative funding. You're paid to learn — stay in your current role throughout.

You achieve: (1) ST1398 Level 6 ML Engineer regulated apprenticeship, (2) Microsoft Azure AI Engineer certifications, (3) BCS Advanced RITTech professional accreditation, (4) NVIDIA Deep Learning specialisation. All industry-recognised and immediately valuable in the job market.

Blended: live workshops (2-3 days/month), self-paced online modules, minimum 6 hours/week on-the-job training (OTJ). You remain in your role, so time integrates into your work. Total time is roughly equivalent to 1 university module whilst working full-time.

Explore Our AI Programmes

Find the right AI apprenticeship for your team

Ready to Master ML Engineering?

Join 200+ learners building production AI systems. Fully funded. Industry-recognised. Your career starts here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level is the AI/ML Fellowship?

It is a Level 6 apprenticeship, equivalent to a bachelor's degree. It is the most advanced AI apprenticeship TESS Group offers.

Who is the AI/ML Fellowship for?

It is designed for data professionals, developers, and analysts who want to build, deploy, and manage machine learning models in production environments.

Does this require prior coding experience?

Yes. Unlike our Level 4 programmes, the Level 6 Fellowship expects familiarity with Python or similar programming languages and a solid foundation in data analysis.

How long does the programme take?

The Level 6 programme takes approximately 24 months including End-Point Assessment.

📞 Let's Talk

Related Reading

Sponsor’s Guide
AI & ML Fellowship L6
18 modules explained for technical sponsors. From Python to production ML.
The Complete Guide to AI Apprenticeships
Standards, levels, funding, qualifications, and ROI
How to Choose an AI Apprenticeship Provider
10-point employer checklist for evaluating providers

Not quite the right fit? Consider these AI programmes

AI & Automation Practitioner L4
For non-technical staff in any department. No-code AI tools, Copilot, change management. 15 months.
AI for People Leaders L4
For team leaders and people managers. CMI L3 + AI adoption + coaching. 15–18 months.
AI for Operations Leaders L4
For ops managers and service leads. CMI L5 Award, Cyber Security, strategic AI. 15–18 months.