Students and recent graduates from the University of Westminster have acquired new qualifications and skills through the University’s latest partnership with Cognizant, who generously provided funding for 40 places on Data Analytics and Digital Marketing short courses at Westminster.
Cognizant, one of the world’s leading information technology and professional services companies, funded 40 student places on two short courses at the University of Westminster aimed at enhancing the digital and analytical capabilities of participants. The places were prioritised to students from Computer Science and Business-related subjects to provide them with additional professional qualifications to support their early career development, with an emphasis on supporting those from underrepresented backgrounds who may not otherwise have the means to participate in such upskilling programmes.
The Data Analytics and Business Intelligence course equipped students with the knowledge to gather, analyse and interpret data, and covered essential industry topics such as big data, market trends and predictive modelling. Meanwhile, the Digital Marketing Strategy course provided students with insights into contemporary marketing strategies applicable across various business roles and industries.
Femi Davies, a recent Westminster graduate who participated in the Data Analytics and Business Intelligence course, shared his experience: “The programme gave me a much deeper understanding of digital and tech, especially in areas like data analytics. It helped me see how I could apply what I’ve learned in real-world roles and clarified the kind of career I want to pursue.”
The courses were uniquely designed to include mentoring from Cognizant employees. The Cognizant mentors worked closely with the student learners, offering guidance and sharing real-world experiences in small group settings. The group mentoring provided students with valuable industry contacts and practical insights into applying digital marketing and data analytics methods. At the end of the courses, students and mentors celebrated their achievements together, cementing new professional relationships.
Femi further explained how the mentoring enhanced his course experience: “Being in a small mentoring group made the experience even more valuable — it wasn’t just about learning technical skills, it was also about reflecting on who I am and how I grow. Our mentor, Natasha, really challenged us to think differently, offering the kind of guidance you only get from someone who’s lived it. I’m genuinely so grateful to Cognizant — their funding and support meant I could take part without having to choose between learning and earning. It’s made a lasting impact on me, and I know it’s going to shape how I think about giving back in the future too.”
Muhammad Areeb, Computer Science BSc Honours student at the University of Westminster, also highlighted the benefits of the group mentoring experience: “The group mentoring experience with Cognizant has been one of the most enriching parts of my personal and professional development journey. What I found most valuable was the opportunity to connect with a mentor who brought genuine insight, encouragement, and real-world experience into the course sessions. I would highly recommend mentoring to any student or graduate looking to gain clarity, direction, and inspiration—it’s a powerful way to invest in your future.”
About the programmes Midhusa Mohan, UK and Ireland Social Impact Programme Manager at Cognizant, said: “We believe that real-world guidance from experienced professionals can be a game-changer, especially for those who might not otherwise have access to such support. Mentoring isn’t just about passing on knowledge, but about empowering students to see their own potential and take confident steps towards their future.”
Anita O’Connor, UK and Ireland Social Impact Lead at Cognizant, added: “Cognizant is proud to collaborate with the University of Westminster through our Synapse programme, as we work toward our goal of equipping one million people globally by 2026 with work-ready digital and technology skills. We are especially honoured to support a university whose UK domiciled entrants include a high number of students from the most disadvantaged of backgrounds (22%). The University was also ranked second in the UK for social mobility in 2021. By providing access to additional learning opportunities and dedicated mentoring, we are empowering students on their journey into meaningful employment.”
As a member of the University’s Chancellor’s Circle, a group of organisations committed to significantly supporting its students, Cognizant has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting students through mentoring and through offering different professional experiences. This includes including career insight days at the Aston Martin Formula 1 Headquarters to break barriers to the tech and motorsport industries for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
The University of Westminster delivers a diverse portfolio of short and professional courses, designed to equip learners with in-demand skills and support businesses in upskilling their workforce. Courses can be customised to meet specific industry needs, making them ideal for organisations looking to invest in talent development and futureproofing.
This partnership contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about short courses at the University of Westminster.
To find out how you or your organisation can collaborate with the University, contact Westminster’s Development Team.
Related articles
