Student Stories

My path into choosing the MSc data science programme was not a straight path; it was a purposeful pivot. Through my earlier Bachelor's degree in Robotics and AI at PSB Academy, I discovered that it was not the hardware, "AI" half of that title that pulled at me. Through the MSc Data Science programme, I was able to explore my curiosity about how intelligent models learn. I wanted to look inside these models and understand how machines actually learn to make decisions. 

What stood out early on in the programme was the freedom to explore projects that genuinely interested me. Rather than working on rigid assignments, I could apply the skills I was learning to topics that sparked my curiosity from analysing GDP trends and the World Happiness Report to exploring healthcare datasets, deep learning models like ResNet50, and even the ethics of AI. That flexibility made learning far more engaging, allowing me to focus on solving real questions instead of simply completing assignments.  

However, that freedom came with its own challenge—it wasn't the technical concepts, but learning how to apply them beyond the classroom. Real-world data is rarely as clean or straightforward as textbook examples, so I sought out internships and external programmes to gain exposure to real industry problems. Working with messy datasets and ambiguous objectives pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice.  

That same instinct is what I'm carrying forward now.  Today, I continue applying that same mindset by building my own projects and experimenting with real-world problems using a personal server. Rather than waiting for opportunities, I enjoy creating them, identifying challenges, exploring solutions, and continuously learning along the way. The programme didn't just strengthen my technical skills; it also shaped the way I approach problem-solving.  

One thing I'd tell anyone considering this programme: prioritise curiosity over grades. The projects you'll remember most aren't necessarily the ones that earn the highest marks, but the ones driven by genuine interest. Make full use of the flexibility the programme offers, explore topics you're passionate about, and don't be afraid to go beyond the coursework. The deeper your curiosity, the more rewarding the learning experience will be.  

A line from Richard Feynman I keep coming back to “"Everything is interesting if you go into it deeply enough." That’s the idea I tried to carry through this degree – depth is what makes something interesting not the label on it.