Divya Nadar (MSc Artificial Intelligence, 2024)
'What I loved most about my course was the pace and intensity, a real roller coaster! Each week brought new assignments, projects, and group work that pushed me out of my comfort zone. The course had a great mix of technical depth and collaboration, and working with classmates from such diverse backgrounds made the experience even richer.'
Why did you choose to study your programme and why Queen Mary?
I’ve always been passionate about programming, and over time I became fascinated by how AI can make systems smarter and more efficient. After more than eight years working in data integration and production environments, I realized I wanted to move beyond just maintaining systems and explore how intelligence and automation can transform workflows. The MSc in Artificial Intelligence was the perfect way to expand my skills and explore how technology learns, adapts, and evolves.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
I chose Queen Mary for its strong global reputation in Computer Science and AI: it’s ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide and is part of the prestigious Russell Group. What really stood out was how practical the MSc Artificial Intelligence course was. The modules covered exactly what I wanted to learn — from Machine Learning and Deep Learning to Cognitive Robotics and Applied Statistics — giving me a mix of foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. Being in London also provided access to excellent academic resources, tech events, and networking opportunities, making it a great environment to grow both professionally and personally.
What did you most enjoy about your course?
What I loved most was the pace and intensity, a real roller coaster! Each week brought new assignments, projects, and group work that pushed me out of my comfort zone. The course had a great mix of technical depth and collaboration, and working with classmates from such diverse backgrounds made the experience even richer.
Can you share an example of a project, assignment, or activity that stood out to you?
Two projects stood out during my course. My dissertation focused on Facial Expression Recognition (FER), where I worked independently on data preprocessing, model training, and evaluation, applying the skills I had learned throughout the programme. Another project involved building an AI model to find the most efficient routes across the London Underground network. Working with real-world data and seeing the algorithms produce tangible results made both projects particularly engaging.
Which modules did you enjoy the most and were there any academics that had a strong influence on shaping your time and studies here?
I particularly enjoyed the Artificial Intelligence module, along with Machine Learning, Cognitive Robotics and Deep Learning & Computer Vision. These modules challenged me to apply concepts in practical ways and helped me connect theory with real-world applications. The teaching staff were approachable and supportive, and their guidance encouraged me to explore ideas independently and develop my problem-solving skills.
Describe your career path since graduating.
After completing my MSc in Artificial Intelligence in 2024, I joined the University of Cambridge’s Finance Division as an ODI Developer. I work on data integration, migration, and automation projects, creating end-to-end workflows using tools like Oracle Data Integrator, Cognos, and Power BI to move and transform data from legacy systems into Oracle Fusion Cloud. The combination of my prior experience and what I learned at Queen Mary played a big part in helping me secure this role.
How has your degree remained relevant throughout your career and are there any particular areas of your degree that you use in your day-to-day job?
My MSc in Artificial Intelligence has shaped the way I approach problem-solving and process optimization. Concepts from AI, data analysis, and algorithmic thinking help me design and automate workflows more effectively. Even though I don’t work directly in AI day-to-day, the analytical skills, structured thinking, and exposure to intelligent systems have been highly valuable in tackling complex data integration and migration projects.
What's one piece of advice you'd offer to someone considering studying your programme at Queen Mary – especially international students?
Make the most of every opportunity — engage with your peers, take part in volunteering or societies, stay consistent, and explore London. The course can be intense, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Also, start preparing early for your job applications — balancing both academics and career planning will make the transition smoother.