MSc Computer Science (conversion course) - 2019/2020
Seemed the 2018/19 thread was still getting a couple posts so thought I should maybe create a new one!
Thread is for anyone who's applying for a computer science conversion course or has an offer!
I only found out about these courses a few days ago I've applied for Imperial, UCL, and Bristol. Hopefully I'm not too late!
Thread is for anyone who's applying for a computer science conversion course or has an offer!
I only found out about these courses a few days ago I've applied for Imperial, UCL, and Bristol. Hopefully I'm not too late!
Scroll to see replies
Reply 3
Original post by maria:)
I've just sent my application for Imperial and UCL. Do you guys know how long it usually takes these unis to get back to you?
Good Luck!
My last reference for Imperial was submitted on the 11th and references were approved on the 14th. I read some posts from a few weeks ago from people who had their references approved November saying they hadn't heard anything back yet, though most seemed to find out within a few weeks? Seems to change from department to department.
Some people on the UCL postgrad thread say it's been 8 weeks and they've heard nothing.
Reply 4
Good to see this thread -
I'm applying to the below courses (in order of preference):
St. Andrews
Birmingham
Bristol
Newcastle
Liverpool
Kent
Swansea
Cardiff
Not too sure what to expect as I haven't done anything academic in years though I have a fair bit of relevant professional experience, I'm not too sure how much they would value it.
I'm applying to the below courses (in order of preference):
St. Andrews
Birmingham
Bristol
Newcastle
Liverpool
Kent
Swansea
Cardiff
Not too sure what to expect as I haven't done anything academic in years though I have a fair bit of relevant professional experience, I'm not too sure how much they would value it.
Original post by pseudoname
Good Luck!
My last reference for Imperial was submitted on the 11th and references were approved on the 14th. I read some posts from a few weeks ago from people who had their references approved November saying they hadn't heard anything back yet, though most seemed to find out within a few weeks? Seems to change from department to department.
Some people on the UCL postgrad thread say it's been 8 weeks and they've heard nothing.
My last reference for Imperial was submitted on the 11th and references were approved on the 14th. I read some posts from a few weeks ago from people who had their references approved November saying they hadn't heard anything back yet, though most seemed to find out within a few weeks? Seems to change from department to department.
Some people on the UCL postgrad thread say it's been 8 weeks and they've heard nothing.
Thanks! Hopefully we're one of the ones who only have to wait a few weeks.
What's your background if you don't mind me asking? And would you prefer UCL or Imperial?
Reply 6
Original post by maria:)
Thanks! Hopefully we're one of the ones who only have to wait a few weeks.
What's your background if you don't mind me asking? And would you prefer UCL or Imperial?
What's your background if you don't mind me asking? And would you prefer UCL or Imperial?
Yeah I hope so! I think most universities really start combing through the applicants around this time so I don't think we'll be waiting more than a few weeks!
I study Politics and Business studies at Liverpool right now, but I managed to score a software engineering internship last summer after demoing an app I'd made, so I'm hoping that'll compensate for my degree that isn't particularly math related!
What about you?
Hi guys,
Thought I’d join theTsr thread.
I’ve applied to both UCL and IC.
I’m studying maths and philosophy and Birmingham uni on track for a first (hopefully lol).
In terms of my previous coding I’ve done an internship in the data analytics team of KPMG luxembourg, where I used VBA and SQL but no major coding. Self teaching my self python.
Applications completed start of feb still awaiting response.
Thought I’d join theTsr thread.
I’ve applied to both UCL and IC.
I’m studying maths and philosophy and Birmingham uni on track for a first (hopefully lol).
In terms of my previous coding I’ve done an internship in the data analytics team of KPMG luxembourg, where I used VBA and SQL but no major coding. Self teaching my self python.
Applications completed start of feb still awaiting response.
Reply 8
Original post by James Rea
Hi guys,
Thought I’d join theTsr thread.
I’ve applied to both UCL and IC.
I’m studying maths and philosophy and Birmingham uni on track for a first (hopefully lol).
In terms of my previous coding I’ve done an internship in the data analytics team of KPMG luxembourg, where I used VBA and SQL but no major coding. Self teaching my self python.
Applications completed start of feb still awaiting response.
Thought I’d join theTsr thread.
I’ve applied to both UCL and IC.
I’m studying maths and philosophy and Birmingham uni on track for a first (hopefully lol).
In terms of my previous coding I’ve done an internship in the data analytics team of KPMG luxembourg, where I used VBA and SQL but no major coding. Self teaching my self python.
Applications completed start of feb still awaiting response.
Haven't heard anything either, though seems practically nobody has heard anything from UCL even if they applied in November! Good luck!
Got an offer from Bristol today, conditions are 65% in degree.
Reply 10
Original post by Adderall
Any tips on the personal statement? also did you guys mention in your PS why you where choosing the University? I am not entirely sure if I should.
It depends on your personal situation obviously but I structured mine (roughly) like this:
1. How I became interested in Computer Science
2. Professional experience
3. Relevant skills gained from my first degree
4. Why this particular university (not in great depth maybe two or three sentences).
5. Long-term career goals and particular interests within computer science.
I've had offers from all my applications so far (which I'm really pleased with) so I'm confident my personal statement wasn't complete rubbish.
Thanks Nerdlinger250, much appreciated. Yes my structure looks quite similar to yours although slightly in different order. How much characters or length was your Personal Statement may I ask? I have about almost a page, but I hear some universities are recommending people to have about a page and a half?
It depends on your personal situation obviously but I structured mine (roughly) like this:
1. How I became interested in Computer Science
2. Professional experience
3. Relevant skills gained from my first degree
4. Why this particular university (not in great depth maybe two or three sentences).
5. Long-term career goals and particular interests within computer science.
I've had offers from all my applications so far (which I'm really pleased with) so I'm confident my personal statement wasn't complete rubbish.
1. How I became interested in Computer Science
2. Professional experience
3. Relevant skills gained from my first degree
4. Why this particular university (not in great depth maybe two or three sentences).
5. Long-term career goals and particular interests within computer science.
I've had offers from all my applications so far (which I'm really pleased with) so I'm confident my personal statement wasn't complete rubbish.
Reply 12
No worries dude. It was about 400 or 500 words long.
Reply 13
Rejected from UCL MSc Computer Science for having too much experience (did a software engineering internship for 3 months). I was going to pick modules that I knew very little about though — I have so much I need to learn regardless.
Fingers crossed for imperial now...
Fingers crossed for imperial now...
Reply 14
That seems a little unfair, it's only a three month internship. Good luck for Imperial.
Reply 15
I have offers from Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow, Dublin and St Andrews.
And I have decided to go for St Andrews because of its size, reputation and the freedom to choose modules.
Which uni would you guys have picked?
And I have decided to go for St Andrews because of its size, reputation and the freedom to choose modules.
Which uni would you guys have picked?
Reply 16
how are you guys funding your studies? esp at london unis
Reply 17
I have an offer from Uni of Hertfordshire. Cs Conversion
Don't really know much about the school and it's reputation as I'm not from the UK.
Don't really know much about the school and it's reputation as I'm not from the UK.
I've had offers from Bristol, St Andrews, Birmingham and Queen Mary. Bristol looks great but the course fees are very high. Leaning to St Andrews as a result.@manfredbeluga - was that Trinity you applied to? Or UCD?
Reply 19
Hi all.
I studied Architecture during my undergraduate and began learning coding during my last year out of interest in computing. I graduated about 5 years ago, and landed a junior developer job at a startup a little over a year ago.
When I look for progression at the company or others, it is clear to me that my fundamental computing science knowledge is lacking in areas other than coding. I do know a bit of data structures and algorithms, but am unable to dedicate much time to learning to put me on equal footing to computer science grads.
I applied to Imperial, UCL, Birmingham and Hertfordshire (the one year placement seems lucrative). I was rejected at Imperial within a couple days, because I didn't meet their minimum entry requirement. I knew this going in, but thought it might be worth a shot. Even though I met the minimum requirements for UCL, I was rejected with no explanation, which was disappointing. They reached out a couple weeks later suggesting I apply for their MSc in Banking and Digital Finance. Insulting, but alright. In retrospect, reading other people's reviews on the programme, I believe it is fortunate I wasn't accepted, because that was my first (realistic) choice. The living costs would also have been significantly higher, so I'm glad I was made to dodge that bullet. I received offers from Birmingham and Hertfordshire, and I am gearing to accept Birmingham's offer to begin this September. I have heard good reviews for the programme, and from what I know of Google's hiring policy, I think the lack of premium connections I would have gotten at UCL or Imperial will not be much of a problem.
I am an international student and so the education will be expensive. I will need to look into loans, but I am treating this as more of an investment, so it helps cushion the blow, just a bit. Hertfordshire is half as pricey, but I'm not so sure about the programme - or the university in general. The only reason it's still semi-on-the-table is because of the placement year (which, as an international student could be beneficial to me), and the half price. Birmingham, however, has a module in ML and that is something that interests me, is a much better programme, has a much better environment to live in, and is worth paying the extra for, in my opinion. I'm heavily leaning towards Birmingham and only an extreme situation will make me take up Hertfordshire's offer.
I was hoping to find work while studying, which I'm on the fence about. On the one hand, it would be preferable to loan out a smaller amount if I can cover part - or all - of my living costs by working. If I can land side-gigs for developing websites or working in software development, that will boost my portfolio as well, I feel, while helping pay my bills. On the other hand, I hear this is a rigorous course and will grind people down to the bone. Which is something I'm definitely looking forward to, but that could mean I won't have time to work and keep my sanity as well, and I'd very much like to retain the latter. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Have we had reviews from previous batches of students? I came over from the last batch's thread but I don't see anyone posting anything once they actually got into the course. I can't find any real feedback on the programmes/universities on the internet either. I'd love to hear their thoughts.
I would also like to throw in my recommendation for CS50x, freely available on edx. It is a superb course and in my opinion will prepare you for a life of computer science. I can not recommend this enough.
In other thoughts, I feel we should discuss other forms of preparation should one make before entry to these courses? I mean not just in terms of prior knowledge of x language or y mathematics modules (which have been discussed already) but things like what to expect of the courses in terms of assignments, projects, submitting workload and tutorials and classes (I would like to know about this in particular as it would be my first time attending a UK university), what sort of equipment we would need (essentially computer requirements, laptop v desktop arguments, OS requirements), how to best network during the course, what sort of online portfolios we should be building while studying, what sort of personal projects we should work on on the side, and essentially how best to utilize our time. University-specific tips would be particularly helpful as well.
On another note, I would like to apply for my Visa with the help of a solicitor. The reason for this is I have been refused a study visa for the US in the past, and would not like to take chances with this one. I hope this isn't against the rules or anything, but contacts for good, affordable immigration solicitors would be ideal.
I studied Architecture during my undergraduate and began learning coding during my last year out of interest in computing. I graduated about 5 years ago, and landed a junior developer job at a startup a little over a year ago.
When I look for progression at the company or others, it is clear to me that my fundamental computing science knowledge is lacking in areas other than coding. I do know a bit of data structures and algorithms, but am unable to dedicate much time to learning to put me on equal footing to computer science grads.
I applied to Imperial, UCL, Birmingham and Hertfordshire (the one year placement seems lucrative). I was rejected at Imperial within a couple days, because I didn't meet their minimum entry requirement. I knew this going in, but thought it might be worth a shot. Even though I met the minimum requirements for UCL, I was rejected with no explanation, which was disappointing. They reached out a couple weeks later suggesting I apply for their MSc in Banking and Digital Finance. Insulting, but alright. In retrospect, reading other people's reviews on the programme, I believe it is fortunate I wasn't accepted, because that was my first (realistic) choice. The living costs would also have been significantly higher, so I'm glad I was made to dodge that bullet. I received offers from Birmingham and Hertfordshire, and I am gearing to accept Birmingham's offer to begin this September. I have heard good reviews for the programme, and from what I know of Google's hiring policy, I think the lack of premium connections I would have gotten at UCL or Imperial will not be much of a problem.
I am an international student and so the education will be expensive. I will need to look into loans, but I am treating this as more of an investment, so it helps cushion the blow, just a bit. Hertfordshire is half as pricey, but I'm not so sure about the programme - or the university in general. The only reason it's still semi-on-the-table is because of the placement year (which, as an international student could be beneficial to me), and the half price. Birmingham, however, has a module in ML and that is something that interests me, is a much better programme, has a much better environment to live in, and is worth paying the extra for, in my opinion. I'm heavily leaning towards Birmingham and only an extreme situation will make me take up Hertfordshire's offer.
I was hoping to find work while studying, which I'm on the fence about. On the one hand, it would be preferable to loan out a smaller amount if I can cover part - or all - of my living costs by working. If I can land side-gigs for developing websites or working in software development, that will boost my portfolio as well, I feel, while helping pay my bills. On the other hand, I hear this is a rigorous course and will grind people down to the bone. Which is something I'm definitely looking forward to, but that could mean I won't have time to work and keep my sanity as well, and I'd very much like to retain the latter. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Have we had reviews from previous batches of students? I came over from the last batch's thread but I don't see anyone posting anything once they actually got into the course. I can't find any real feedback on the programmes/universities on the internet either. I'd love to hear their thoughts.
I would also like to throw in my recommendation for CS50x, freely available on edx. It is a superb course and in my opinion will prepare you for a life of computer science. I can not recommend this enough.
In other thoughts, I feel we should discuss other forms of preparation should one make before entry to these courses? I mean not just in terms of prior knowledge of x language or y mathematics modules (which have been discussed already) but things like what to expect of the courses in terms of assignments, projects, submitting workload and tutorials and classes (I would like to know about this in particular as it would be my first time attending a UK university), what sort of equipment we would need (essentially computer requirements, laptop v desktop arguments, OS requirements), how to best network during the course, what sort of online portfolios we should be building while studying, what sort of personal projects we should work on on the side, and essentially how best to utilize our time. University-specific tips would be particularly helpful as well.
On another note, I would like to apply for my Visa with the help of a solicitor. The reason for this is I have been refused a study visa for the US in the past, and would not like to take chances with this one. I hope this isn't against the rules or anything, but contacts for good, affordable immigration solicitors would be ideal.
(edited 6 years ago)
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