Why I Decided to Pursue an Online MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
As a data analyst with a passion for technology and creativity, I became interested in learning more about the field of data science and artificial intelligence. That’s why I decided to start an online MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of London Goldsmiths in October 2022. In this blog post, I will share my decision-making process and why I chose this particular course.
My Background
After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Chinese Studies, I worked in a wide range of roles and sectors. I had chosen my degree based on genuine interest but found afterwards that I wasn’t interested in most of the career pathways open to me. I spent a few years working in retail while I pursued other interests until I found myself in a role as a Business Analyst. From there I became more and more interested in data analysis, and have worked in various Data Analyst and Data Engineer roles for the past 6 years. I am mostly self-taught, and since obtaining my Bachelor’s I had always held a desire to further my study.
I had been through the search for a Master’s degree a few times but had not found anything that interested me enough to seriously pursue it. I was also accepted into the University of Edinburgh in late 2019, but I could not pursue it at the time due to financial concerns — this ended up being very lucky, as my studies likely would have been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Around the summer of 2022, I began reading more and more about the field of Data Science, and that’s when I decided it was time to take the plunge and seek out a program to obtain a degree in that subject.
Why Data Science
The field of data science is an exciting and rapidly evolving area of technology that offers a wealth of opportunities. In today’s digital age, data has become the lifeblood of businesses, and companies need skilled professionals who can harness the power of data to make informed decisions.
As a Data Analyst, I have seen firsthand how valuable insights can be extracted from data to drive business outcomes. With an MSc in Data Science, I can further expand my skill set and take on more advanced roles that require a deeper understanding of the technology and techniques used to process and analyze data. This will help me to advance beyond my current position and pursue new and exciting career opportunities. I also have a head start with this course, as many of the things I will be learning are things I’ve already touched on in my work life.
Moreover, data science is a well-paid job that can be done remotely, making it an ideal choice for those who want to travel while working. As more and more companies move their operations online and embrace remote work, the demand for data science professionals has skyrocketed. This has led to a surge in job opportunities, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and finance sectors.
Studying Remotely at the University of London Goldsmiths
The course I chose is offered by the University of London Goldsmiths, a well-respected institution with a strong reputation in the field of technology. I was particularly drawn to the fact that the course is delivered entirely online and tailored towards working professionals, with an aim to teach students skills from day 1 that can be used in their day jobs. I am currently based in the Midlands of England, but it is reassuring to know that I can relocate for work if necessary without interrupting my studies.
All my lectures are pre-recorded and the entirety of the class material is made available at the start of the term, which means I am responsible for creating my own study plan. I find this works for me as I can decide when and how long I study, pause and rewatch lectures, and skip subjects I already know about.
Studying Part-Time Alongside Working Full-Time
Another factor that influenced my decision to pursue this course is that I can study part-time while working full-time as a data analyst. This means that I can continue to gain valuable work experience while also furthering my education. It also means that I can apply the skills and knowledge that I learn in the course to my job in real time. I am already using some of the skills I’ve learned in my role as a Data Analyst, and my employer has taken notice of my newfound skills.
The course I chose can be completed in 1 year, but students are allowed to take up to 5 years to complete it. I choose which classes to take each semester, and how many. This appealed to me as I can take my time with my study and feel like I’m fully absorbing the learning material. It also allows me to ensure that I balance my work, study, and personal life, to avoid feeling stressed or burned out.
My Employer is Supporting Me
I am fortunate to have the support of my employer, which has offered to let me take training days as study days so I won’t have to use my leave, and offers flexible working hours so I can arrange my day in a way that works for me. They recognize the value of investing in their employees and want to help me develop my skills and knowledge. This has been a huge motivation for me, as I feel that I am not only investing in myself but also in my career. Some employers will even sponsor their staff to study, offering to cover part or all of the cost. I knew this wouldn’t be offered to me, but luckily I was able to access a loan to cover the cost of the degree.
Getting a UK Government Student Loan to Cover the Cost
I would not have been able to study this course had I not been able to secure a UK government student loan to cover the cost, which is around £13,000 in total. This means that I can pursue my studies without worrying about the financial burden, which is a huge relief. It is a large price tag and I am already paying off the loan with regular deductions from my salary, but I am fortunate enough to be able to handle that financial loss. The other UK master's degrees I researched ranged in cost from around £8000 to around £25000, so this one sat around the middle in terms of cost. At the end of the day, I see this as an investment in my future, and that made it seem a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.
A Wide Range of Topics to Study
One of the most exciting aspects of this course is the wide range of topics that I will learn. Some of the key subjects include statistics, Python programming, blockchain programming, natural language processing (NLP), neural networks, and artificial intelligence. In my first semester, I’ve already started learning about a few of these subjects and I am particularly interested in artificial intelligence, as I believe that this field has the potential to transform the way we live and work.
Choosing A Specialisation
The course I chose offers two ‘pathways’: Artificial Intelligence and Financial Technology. When it came to choosing between an AI or a Finance Technology pathway, I decided to go with AI because I find it more engaging. While finance technology is an important field, I feel that AI has the potential to impact a wider range of industries and has a more significant impact on society as a whole.
Should You Try a Part-time Masters Degree?
The decision to study at any degree level is a difficult and personal one, and each person will have their own list of considerations and requirements. The financial burden is a big consideration: I’m lucky to live somewhere where I can access government assistance to cover the cost, which would be too much for me otherwise. I also have relatively few responsibilities outside work as I have no children or other dependent family members, so in my free time, I am able to focus on studying.
Unlike bachelor’s degrees, which are largely uniform unless they relate to a specialised subject like Medicine, master’s degrees vary a lot in terms of structure and delivery. My degree program is a new offering at the University of London which they rolled out in 2020 in response to the pandemic and the increasing demand for remote-study programs. More and more universities are offering similar degrees, but the range of subjects is still limited. In my own search, I found it important to find a program which worked for me and my life, rather than to try and fit my life around my study.
Finally, I plan to document my studies here and share what I learn. This not only helps me to stay accountable but also allows me to connect with others who are interested in the same field. If you are interested in learning more about my studies, what subjects and topic I learn, how I organise my time, and what it’s like to study and work at the same time, I’ll be posting more to share my experiences.
If you’re interested in the specific degree I’m studying, you can find more info here: https://www.london.ac.uk/courses/data-science-msc
