Student Stories

Choosing where to pursue my bachelor’s degree was an important decision for me. I was looking for a programme that would give me both a strong academic foundation and practical skills that could prepare me for the next stage of my education and career. Coventry University stood out to me for its industry-relevant curriculum and the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification while studying in Singapore.

Through the partnership between Coventry University and PSB Academy, I saw an opportunity to gain an internationally recognised UK degree while remaining in Singapore. The flexibility of the programme also allowed me to manage my studies effectively and stay on track academically.

I first came across PSB Academy through its strong presence in Singapore’s private education sector and positive feedback from alumni. What ultimately stood out to me was the combination of Coventry University's comprehensive curriculum and PSB Academy's supportive learning environment. The module exemptions also helped accelerate my path towards graduation, allowing me to make the most of the knowledge and experience I had already gained.

What I appreciated most about the Coventry University curriculum was the balance between theory and practical application. Rather than simply memorising concepts, I was encouraged to question ideas, apply what I learned through real-world case studies and develop my own critical thinking. Individual reports and group projects also gave me experience that reflected the collaborative and problem-solving nature of the professional world.

Several modules have continued to benefit me beyond my undergraduate studies. Algorithms and Data Structures strengthened my computational thinking and problem-solving abilities, while Big Data and IoT gave me a broader understanding of the data pipeline, from sensor data collection to large-scale analytics. Computer Hardware also helped me better understand system constraints, while Human-Computer Interaction and Web Development strengthened my ability to design intuitive interfaces and communicate data effectively.

Perhaps most importantly, the Individual Computing Science programme and Contemporary Issues in Computing developed my independent research skills, project management discipline and awareness of ethical considerations in technology. These experiences gave me a stronger foundation for the research-focused environment I would later encounter in my master's studies.

Two lecturers in particular had a lasting impact on my learning journey. Dr. Tan Boon Leing, who taught Contemporary Issues in Computing, played an important role in helping me clarify my aspirations to pursue research in Brain-Computer Interfaces. During one consultation, he helped me map out how the knowledge I was gaining from different modules could serve as stepping stones towards this specialised field. He also encouraged me to consider the ethical dimensions of technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, including privacy, security and cognitive liberty.

That conversation transformed what had once felt like a distant and highly specialised area into a realistic path that I could work towards. It gave me greater clarity about my direction and the confidence to pursue my postgraduate studies.

My final-year supervisor, Ryan Suryanto, also made a significant impact on my development. When I was initially unsure about choosing a project topic, he guided me towards a challenging but achievable web-based system. Throughout the project, he supported me across different aspects of development, from front-end and back-end implementation to user interface design and algorithm efficiency.

One particularly memorable experience was troubleshooting a memory leak in my programme. Instead of simply showing me where the problem was, Ryan worked through the code with me using a debugger and taught me a systematic approach to identifying and solving the issue. That approach has stayed with me and continues to influence how I tackle technical problems today.

His guidance extended beyond coding. Through his feedback on my thesis, I learned how to build a stronger academic narrative, present results effectively and defend my methodological decisions with confidence. His patience and high standards helped me see my final-year project as more than a graduation requirement—it became an opportunity to develop the research discipline and technical rigour that I continue to apply today.

Although I am currently a full-time master's student rather than working full-time, I continue to draw on the knowledge and skills I developed at Coventry University. My Bachelor’s degree in Computing Science gave me the technical grounding, independent learning skills and confidence to take on more complex academic and interdisciplinary challenges.

I also do not believe that studying at a private institution in Singapore has put me at a disadvantage. For me, what matters is what I was able to build from the education I received. The project-based learning at PSB Academy helped me develop practical technical skills and a portfolio of work, while the internationally recognised Coventry University qualification gave me the foundation to pursue the next stage of my academic journey.

Ultimately, my experience taught me that where you start does not define where you can go. What matters is how you use the opportunities, knowledge and experiences you gain along the way. My time at Coventry University gave me that foundation—and the confidence to keep building on it.