What do our students say?
Jayashree Sathyanarayanan
MSc Software Engineering student, Graduated 2007
"I'm from India where I did a 4 year Batchelor of Engineering Computer Science course before working for a year as a software engineer. The QMUL modules fitted the skills I was interested in advancing - specifically Interactive Systems Design and Entrepreneurship. They are really useful for when I go back to work. When I return home I now think I will get a job in usability. There is a really important niche that few people have the skills for. I can now fill that niche!"
Software Engineering jobs are booming generally, but they need someone
like me with the usability skills I learnt on the course. 
Stuart Battersby
MSc Advanced Methods in Computer Science (Graduated 2007), current PhD student
"I chose to study at Postgraduate Level at Queen Mary as initially I planned to go into employment and thought an MSc might put me further ahead than just a BSc. Secondly, I wanted to come to London. I was in Swansea beforehand, so finding the course I really wanted to do, and being in London was a good match for me. It was such a good decision that I am now staying on at Queen Mary and doing a PhD in Computer Science.
I would describe Computer Science to have traditionally been more of a mathematical based subject, but nowadays it is kind of a centre point between traditional mathematics and anything else you want to link it with, for instance, sociology and engineering. I think it's become quite a middle point between the sciences.
One of the best things about the MSc in Advanced Methods course, is I found the course to be quite research focused, rather than just teaching you how to program for example. Which for me has been quite good as I am going into a research role. The facilities are good, the Computer Laboratories are open when you need them to be, and the Lecturers are always available when you need to contact them.
My final dissertation was one of the most interesting aspects on the MSc programme. I like being able to go off and do my own research and be in control of it. My dissertation was about people talking and communicating in an online environment, I analysed dialect convergence in an online community.
Queen Mary in terms of social activities, well they knocked down the main gym and pub for refurbishment this year, so that's not been so great, but there are other bars, shops, and eating-places on campus. My favourite place on campus is Bar Med, as they serve really good fair trade coffee!
I love the East End, I think its wonderfully diverse and there are lots of social facilities around. I use the Mile End gym and sports facilities, but look forward to using the brand spanking new Health and Fitness Centre being built on campus and of course not forgetting the new student bar and nightclub in 2008!
If I had to describe a typical Queen Mary student, well from the ones I have interacted with they are very likeable, everybody seems quite relaxed. It is very diverse as there is a wide range of people here, which is another part of the reason I like it."
Lim LiShiang
MSc Software Engineering student, Graduated 2007
Being an International student, before I decided to attend Queen Mary I did my research to find out more about the university's reputation. I was very impressed with its ranking scores when I saw it was ranked 100th out of the top 200 universities in the world and 14th in the UK.
I am studying on the MSc in Software Engineering course and one of the best things about the course is the Lecturers. I've had the honour to meet some very good lecturers and my thesis supervisor is really supportive and very helpful. Teaching quality is excellent and I find the department highly innovative in their approach to teaching and research.
One of the most interesting things I have done on my course is the Interactive Systems Design module. This module is about design, how to best design a Graphical User Interface for different software and hardware. Our team received a good result that really encouraged me, and the module lecturers were excellent. It was a good experience all round.The Computer Science facilities are also very good; they upgrade the computers and monitors in the student's Informatics Teaching Laboratory (ITL) every year. There are also lots of wireless network hotspots available on campus. My favourite places on campus are The Informatics Interdisciplinary Hub and the ITL.
A typical Queen Mary student, well if I use my classmates as an example: they are all really hardworking, very friendly and very helpful. They are not selfish with information; they tend to enjoy sharing their knowledge and are very helpful and intelligent people.
Gulmina Rextina
MSc Software Engineering student
"I'm from Pakistan where I did a 3-year Batchelor of Computer Science followed by a Masters in Computer Science. I was working at COMSATS as a lecturer and won a scholarship from there to study for a UK Masters. I was looking forward to coming to the UK as I had been reading lots of English Literature classics so was interested to see what it was really like. I like the way the course is not just theory but targeted towards industry. Even though I want to pursue a lecturer career, the industrial focus will help in my own teaching. Previously I had no idea what Human-Computer Interaction was about. We didn't study it in Pakistan. Now I realize that many things I took for granted need a lot of thought to get right usability-wise."
Guliman, Jayashree and LiShiang were on the winning team for coursework project as part of the Interactive Systems Design Course. Their design and a longer interview with them can be found on the pages of cs4fn
Anuruddha Jaithirtha
MSc Computing and Information Systems, Graduated 2007
I wanted to study on a conversion degree and Queen Mary attracted me due to its reputation and because it is part of the University of London , which definitely helps! I also had a look at the programme structure and the various modules and choices available, and it seemed to fit very closely with what I wanted to study.
If I was asked to explain what Computer Science is about, I would say, in the broadest sense it's about applying technology to solve problems. One of the most interesting things I did was my project. I was exposed to lots of new ideas and new ways of looking at things, and I like the fact that it was pretty much a self study project. I received guidance and formed a study plan with my advisor, but the nitty-gritty was up to me. I had to struggle with the problem and find my own solutions. I like that! It was a challenge. It was difficult and I spent a lot of time ripping out my hair but it was really fun!
A typical QMUL student, is someone who is academically strong, quite self-motivated, and, at the postgraduate level at least, is willing to take initiative for their own study. From what I have seen, and think is equally important, they also have a social side and are open to new experiences and ideas.
I also like the fact that Queen Mary is a research driven university. That means there is a great deal of innovation going on. With respect to the college itself, one of the nicest things is the location. It's very convenient to get to central London from here.
I like that the university is located in a fairly diverse region of London , which makes it a more interesting area all round. There is Brick Lane and Columbia Flower Market, just up the road, and it's quite an interesting blend of areas. It is still reasonably small and compact with quite a friendly atmosphere. That is one of the other things I like about the place. One of my favourite places on campus is sitting next to the Canal, looking out over the park.
The social and leisure activities in the local area are pretty good and there is a fair amount happening around the East End including Canary Wharf and Greenwich . The fact that you are less than 20 minutes from Trafalgar Square , where everything else happens, is also very good.
I have several good memories of my time at Queen Mary. One is looking back now with a sense of accomplishment and realising what I have done and how far I have come. That's a good feeling, especially since it has been a pretty intense year! There is no question: this course has been the toughest thing I have done. There was also a nice point when suddenly acquaintances transitioned into friends and you look back and suddenly you realise that you have a nice group of people around you.
For, me it has really been about two things: my own personal growth and accomplishments, and finding my place in a social group. I've also come to terms with being an independent person. This is the first time I have really been able to say I am financially and emotionally independent. It has been a nice growing up process.
I'm quite happy I came to Queen Mary. It has been a good year. I think wherever you go there will be always, of course, be some frustrations. I am more than happy with the choices that I have made: I am about to start a job in central London, for a small software consultancy group, called IM.
The best things I have found about the course have been the breadth of content available and the quality of teaching.
Azadeh Nikookhesal
Visiting Project Student
I had been studying Computer Science in Germany on a 4-year course to gain the equivalent
of a UK Masters qualification. The system in Germany allows students to do their final
year project overseas, so I decided to apply to UK universities to experience a new
academic organization. Of the many universities I applied to, the most inviting response
was from Queen Mary. There was also a link between most of my interests and the IMC
Research Group. They also had an ongoing research project running on Human Error Modeling
(HUM) that sounded interesting and which I could join.
After the first meeting with my supervisor on arriving at the college, I knew that choosing Queen Mary was the right decision. From that first meeting I was made to feel a member of the group. I was immediately inspired by them and quickly gained a much clearer idea about my project. Even though my entire stay lasted only seven months I got to know many interesting people and made good friends. The whole project and the helpful meetings with my supervisor were very enjoyable and I learnt a lot during my stay at Queen Mary. I definitely gained much more experience than I had expected before coming to London.
..choosing Queen Mary was the right decision.
Kamran Ahmed
MSc Software Engineering, Graduated 2007
I started my career as a Database Developer after completing a computer science degree in Pakistan. After working for several years for software houses and IT consultancy firms, I realised I needed a Masters degree to accelerate my professional growth and enhance my professional skills.
Queen Mary's MSc. Software Engineering programme was my first choice. Why? It is a pioneering institution for Computer Science studies in the UK , offering a world recognised University of London degree. Queen Mary also has state-of-the-art computing facilities and a curriculum designed in line with the needs of the latest market trends.
From the very first day, Queen Mary fascinated me. With its diversified, multicultural environment and friendly atmosphere, I never felt home sick and it helped me to concentrate on my studies. This advanced course helped me to get in-depth knowledge of areas like software risk assessment and risk control, usability and acceptance of software products, software design and implementation considerations, and data security issues. The distinguished lecture seminar series, given by outstanding Computer Scientists extended my learning at Queen Mary beyond the curriculum.
I had the chance at Queen Mary to explore emerging areas of computer science and academic staff provided me with great assistance doing research. Despite the commitment to their research, academic staff at Queen Mary are very approachable. The department's Informatics Teaching Laboratory and Main Library were also very useful resources for me throughout my studies.
I feel proud to be a part of such a great institution and believe that the MSc Software Engineering degree at Queen Mary has widened my professional and technical skills. I recommend Queen Mary for those seeking a rewarding career in Computer Science.
Marcel Neumann
MSc Advanced Methods graduate
"Before I joined Queen Mary I had already finished a diploma in
computer science in Berlin. After my graduation I worked several
years as a software architect for a major e-business software
vendor. I decided to accomplish a degree in Advanced Computer
Science after this time of practical work experience in order to
achieve a deeper insight into the topics being currently
discussed in the field.
As I wanted to study in Great Britain, my choice fell on Queen Mary because of the good reputation the institution has in the areas my genuine interests lay. It was a great challenge for me to study abroad and I am convinced that I have both deepened my understanding in relevant subjects like Information Retrieval and Network Computing as well as gaining skills in scientific methods and academic writing. As my future plans are to work in IT consulting, I feel that I have taken the right place to study as I have widened my horizon both academically and personally.
Being an elected representative of my course myself, I always felt that the students opinion was respected by the institution. In addition the modern Information Teaching Laboratory and the well-equipped library had a positive impact on my studies. I would recommend the course to anyone who is interested in studying in this highly motivating and demanding environment."
The members of the academic staff are enthusiastic about their research. Also, the
assistance given whenever I had an issue or questions regarding my personal studies was
always excellent.
Tobias Blanke
MSc Advanced Methods graduate 2004, current PhD student
"I originally came to Queen Mary from Berlin, as during
my studies there I had to read some books written by
staff at Queen Mary. I chose the Advanced Masters
course as it best suited my interests. It introduced me
to some of the latest developments in computer science
and helped me afterwards in deepening my interests.
Particularly, I liked the more generic approach to
teaching at Queen Mary. Instead of focusing too much
on teaching special technologies, which are easily outdated,
we were taught to think for ourselves. We learned
how to learn, which, from my job experience, is the most
important quality an IT specialist should have in todays
industry and academic world. By helping us to research
technologies for ourselves, the staff at Queen Mary
prepared us very well for the real world of industry.
Another thing, which particularly struck me coming from a German university, was the open door policy at Queen Mary. In the lectures, we were treated as equal partners in discussions. In labs, we developed systems together with the tutors, rather than just following their instructions. With this experience, it was just natural for me to continue my research as a part-time PhD within the vibrant international Information Retrieval research group at Queen Mary. At the same time, I work as a database programmer at a Swiss bank in the City of London."