Emily Merritt

What made you choose the University of Birmingham?

Attending a Postgraduate Open Day at the University of Birmingham, I was amazed by the beauty and vibrancy of the campus and the friendliness of both staff and students. The campus at Birmingham stood out to me, as it is filled with both modern and historic buildings. Most notably, the spectacular Old Joe clock tower, which stands tall amongst green space and to many, forms the heart of campus. As a Russell Group University, with award-winning links to industry, I was attracted to Birmingham's commitment to preparing students for professional life and bridging the gap between academics and industry.

Why did you choose to study your course?

I chose to study MSc Computer Science at Birmingham because the course is perfectly designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge required to pursue a career in technology. After studying Mathematics as an undergraduate, I was eager to apply my logical and critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems and strengthen my programming abilities, supporting my ambition of becoming a software developer.

What is your student experience like? 

Not only will you form connections with peers on your course, at the University of Birmingham, there are over 350 societies for you to join and meet like-minded people. As an A-level Spanish student, who is determined to continue learning the language, I decided to join the Modern Foreign Languages Society. Through this, I have met a group of lovely people from a range of degree backgrounds and years of study. As well as Language Cafés and Film Nights, the society participates in the Campus Netball League, which I have found to be the perfect way to have some fun and stay active in an informal, friendly setting.

Did you attend any events, online or on campus? 

I attended the Postgraduate Open Day at the University of Birmingham in the November prior to the start of my studies. During this event, I had the privilege of speaking to current students from various Computer Science Masters degrees; they talked about their student experience and the opportunities available, as well as answering any questions I had regarding student life. In the afternoon, there were department-led talks, which explained the content of each Masters course and included details about scholarships and other funding support. I found the Open Day to be both informative and reassuring but, most of all, I was impressed by the approachability and enthusiasm of all staff and students.

What's your favourite thing about Birmingham so far?

As someone who has no prior experience of city living, I was apprehensive about moving to Birmingham and living in such a built-up area. However, I was immediately surprised by how easy it is to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. As an avid runner, I love running along the canal, finding it to be a safe, calm and beautiful route and the perfect way to switch off from my studies. I hadn't realised how much green space there is dotted around the city, making Birmingham the perfect mix of opportunity and serenity.

What support did you receive for your postgraduate studies?

I received the Birmingham Masters Scholarship, which is a £3,000 tuition fee discount open to all UK or Ireland students who are eligible for Home fees and studying for an eligible Masters degree. The scholarship prioritises applicants who have graduated from a Midlands-based university, criteria which I met as an alumna of the University of Warwick, with the aim of increasing talent retention in the Midlands. I was impressed by how easy the application process was and would recommend all prospective students to look into potential funding support.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students to help them make the most of their time at Birmingham?

My biggest piece of advice would be to research the content of the courses that you are considering as much as possible. Knowing what the department specialises in, the details of each module and how the course is structured enables you to make an informed decision and enrol on a course which is right for you. Finding a course which you enjoy means that you will want to dedicate time to studying and gives you a great sense of purpose. That being said, university is so much more than just academics. The people you meet and the life skills that you learn will stay with you forever; don’t forget to relax, have fun and let your hair down!