Case study: Emma Croft

Emma, who is studying MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University of Hull, explains how the fast pace of the course was satisfying as it helped her quickly progress her knowledge, including in Python programming.

What made you interested in studying AI and data science?

I became interested in studying AI and data science through my undergraduate course in mathematics, when I realised just how much data and its analysis could explain, predict, and support ideas, thus assisting businesses and organisations. I wanted to be able to use the knowledge and skills I would develop from this masters’ course in data analytics and artificial intelligence to acquire vital conclusions from large data sets and help shape the future as a data scientist.

What have you been expected to do and are there any particular parts of the course have you enjoyed the most?

The MSc is outstanding, it has a whole range of modules covering the fundamental techniques needed in a data science career exploring numerous applications, it truly is one of a kind.

The course consisted of 7 modules, ranging in specialty and area of AI and data science. Modules tended to consist of 1 report and a presentation as way of assessment, making it the perfect way to get used to the working world, as that is what you’d generally be asked to do in a data science career. Every week there are lab sessions to work through questions and methods discussed during the week, to help consolidate knowledge, and will likely be needed for the assignments, however they do push you , as not everything is taught, you do have to research and develop skills yourself as well.

The freedom in assignments through choosing you own subject/context or investigation direction is truly reflective in what a career in data science will be like and thus the course prepares you for that, not through just the work but the advice and experience shared by the teaching staff. The whole course was one great module after another, with undue no pressure on students by having no exams, as it is not reflective of how a data scientist would have to work, also evident through the way staff encourage discussions with one another.

The grade I achieved and career I have are a testament to the support, environment, skills, and knowledge the staff and course give.

What attracted you to the courses?

The University of Hull's opportunities to work with industry partners on projects allowed me to gain experience by working directly on real-life scenarios. The addition of artificial intelligence into a data science course made this postgraduate course particularly appealing to me. It opened up numerous career options within the data science and analytics sector, as well as giving me the knowledge and technical expertise that helped me pursue my career goal of working with large data sets and creating a better future, by assisting analysis, identifying potential issues and developing prediction models to aid companies and individuals.

What are your plans for the future?

I wish to become a valued member of a data science team, making a difference in the job I’m in. The course has already assisted me in gaining my current job, a data science consultant in the counter fraud team for Direct Line Group, where I am the go-to for machine learning questions and projects in the team.

My current main project is building models and analysing trends in claims, allowing the potential to save us and customers money. I have also been the lead in getting the team access to Python and communicating with the data/data engineering teams to organise this. The skills I gained through the course as well as the confidence in presenting and communicating ideas have been invaluable.

What advice would you give someone like yourself, who might be thinking about studying on the postgraduate conversion course programme?

To get the most from this conversion course you’ll need to be motivated as you’ll be learning a discipline in a relatively short time. I’d also say, it is an MSc so it’s going to be tough at times and will be a lot of work, but that goes for any masters’ level course so you need to be prepared, but it’s so satisfying when you see yourself progress and learn.

The first module is spent giving everyone a whistle stop tour to Python programming, specifically for data science purposes, so don’t worry if you haven’t coded before. But don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help, it’s okay not to understand everything at first, all the staff are welcoming and approachable and want you to do your best.

My final points would be to embrace the obstacles and learn from them, don’t forget to enjoy your time on the course, meet new people, and explore the university and facilities (they are there for you)!