Max's Year in Computing

From a Year In Computing to a future in Computer Science research

The Year In Computing sparked Max’s interest in Computer Science research. They went on to complete an MSc in Advanced Computer Science and are now applying for a PhD.

Can you tell us why you chose to study Digital Design at the University of Kent?

"I chose to study Digital Design because I enjoy creating things. I wanted to learn 3D modelling as a skill and have always enjoyed learning technical skills. Although I ultimately pivoted to Computer Science, I really enjoyed learning all I did, and it helped me to become a bit of a jack-of-all-trades alongside what I learned in my Year In Computing and Master's."

What made you take a Year In Computing? Any advice for others considering it?

"I chose to take a Year In Computing as I became interested in the prospect of research, and the research opportunities in my field didn't interest me. I decided to see if Computer Science might be something I would enjoy, and found that I really loved it, and there were many interesting research directions. I hadn't done computer science in about 5 years, since my A-levels, and the Year In Computing taught me everything basically from scratch.

In terms of advice, I'd say that a Year In programme will get you as far as you're willing to engage with it. I worked very hard in my Year In Computing to absorb as much as I could, and because I did this, I was able to get into the Advanced Computer Science MSc and have now found an academic who wants to supervise me for a PhD. 

If you engage and speak to your lecturers and class supervisors, they will be thrilled to help you get where you want to go, no matter where you came from or what your aim is. Similarly, your final project is an opportunity to push yourself and a chance to do something really cool with what you've learned. If you do something interesting, you can sort of collate everything you've learned into something tangible, and set yourself apart from others in applications in the process."

If you engage and speak to your lecturers and class supervisors, they will be thrilled to help you get where you want to go, no matter where you came from or what your aim is.

Max Scorer, Digital Design with a Year In Computing

How was the support from academic staff in the School of Computing?

"From my time in a Year In Computing, I knew I would enjoy taking it further into something more complicated. My Year In Computing project supervisor Anna Jordanous helped me build my confidence and select the right MSc course. If it weren't for her, I would have only applied for the Conversion MSc because of my non-CompSci background, but she helped me see I was capable of the Advanced course.

I'm really glad I did the Advanced now, because while it was hard, I learned a lot more than I otherwise would've, and got to do a really interesting, technical research project at the end.

Aside from her, I had great programming teachers (Kemi Ademoye and Elena Botoeva) who were very encouraging and patient with all of us students, as well as a great course lead, Marek Grzes who encouraged me to apply for funding opportunities, internships and summer schools. All of them were incredible, and I'm grateful for all of their help."

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