MSc in Advanced Computer Science at UEA or elsewhere?

I have been accepted for an MSc in Advanced Computer Science at the UEA after my BSc in Computer Science this October. I have a year experience as a researcher for the police, where I developed machine learning/AI solutions. I have also focussed on machine learning in my undergrad. I achieved three A*s at A level including Computer Science, and I am currently working at 82% in my degree.

I applied for many roles in machine learning in Cambridgeshire, but haven't heard back, is my undergrad at the UEA putting employers off? Would it be worth applying for a MSc elsewhere?

I did my undergrad at the UEA since it is local to home, as I am a carer for my mother who is disabled. She has since improved, so I would be able to relocate with some additional adjustments provided for her, but the price of a masters degree is limiting my options, especially when including the cost of living in the area. The MSc at UEA is £7,500 since I am a continuing undergraduate student, and I would be able to live at home. I am primarily considering the University of Nottingham, since it is around £12,500 for a MSc in Machine Learning for Science, and is of course more specialised in machine learning. Is it worth doing this, or could I just do an MSc locally at the UEA, and do a dissertation in a machine learning project? My concern is also that the University of Nottingham does not teach anything that I don't already know. I am just having difficulty proving what I know to employers.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

Altaranfer123

Firstly congratulations on your grades! No UEA isn’t putting the employers off it’s firstly, the lack of work experience (entry roles realistically want 5 years senior level experience). Secondly they often want people with deep learning PhD degrees or MScs from top unis at minimum. If I were you I would target a Russel group MSc plus PhD, then focus on getting papers in top journals.