Here at Kent, we are proud to offer the opportunity for students with an undergraduate degree in any subject to do a conversion course in Computing. Meet Hamza Ali, a postgraduate student currently studying our conversion course in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). Hamza is an international student from Pakistan, who did his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. We caught up with Hamza to find out about his experience of scholarships, transitioning to postgraduate study and advice for Kent students looking to stay on for a Master’s degree.
Why did you choose to stay at Kent for a Master’s a degree?
There were a few reasons why I chose to stay at Kent for my Master’s. Even though I covered some AI topics during my undergraduate degree and worked on an AI-focused thesis, I felt there was still a lot I needed to refine before stepping into the industry. I wasn’t quite ready to jump in just yet, so I decided that a Master’s would be the right next step to build on what I already knew. Kent felt like a good fit for me, mainly because of its diversity. The variety of people from different backgrounds creates an environment where you can learn a lot outside of just academics. Also, Kent’s overall ranking and course rankings gave me confidence that I’d be getting a solid education here.
A big reason I stayed was the opportunity to work with professors whose research aligned with my own interests. It’s important to me to learn from people who are not just teaching but actively contributing to the field. I also appreciated the range of computing modules at the Master’s level, which allowed me to continue exploring AI and related areas in greater depth. Lastly, being offered a fully funded scholarship definitely made the decision easier. It took away a lot of the financial pressure and allowed me to focus on the academic side of things.
Did you apply for any of scholarships and how was the application process?
I applied for the Bestway Foundation scholarship, which is a highly competitive award given to just six individuals at Kent for a fully funded Master’s program. The application process was anything but straightforward. It was rigorous, involving multiple interviews, a personal statement, and a lot of attention to detail. While they certainly looked at my academic achievements, they were just as focused on whether I was a motivated individual and whether my goals aligned with what the scholarship intended to support. They really wanted to understand what I hoped to achieve in the future and how the knowledge and skills I would gain at Kent would help me get there. Despite the process being long and demanding, I can honestly say it was worth it. Knowing how competitive the scholarship is, I felt incredibly proud to be selected. It reinforced that I was among the best candidates for it, and that recognition definitely made the effort worthwhile.
What are you using your scholarship award funds towards, and how has it helped you?
The scholarship has been incredibly impactful, covering my entire tuition fees and providing extra maintenance funds, which have been invaluable for managing living costs and other everyday expenses. It’s made a massive difference in my ability to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how I’ll afford everything. Financial stress can be a huge distraction, so having that burden lifted has allowed me to dive deeper into my academic work and research. Beyond just easing day to day concerns, the scholarship has given me a sense of security, enabling me to pursue opportunities that I might not have been able to otherwise. For example, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to independent research, take part in projects, and attend events or conferences that could enrich my learning. These opportunities are critical in a field like mine, where networking and staying up to date with the latest developments can make all the difference.
It’s also helped me build confidence, knowing that someone believes in my potential enough to invest in my future. That sense of validation drives me to push harder in my studies and aim higher in my career goals. All in all, the scholarship has not just supported me financially, but it’s also played a key role in my growth as a student and as a person, giving me the space to truly focus on what matters most right now: my education and future opportunities
What have been the main differences from undergraduate to postgraduate study?
The transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study has definitely been noticeable, and while it’s been a challenge in some ways, I’ve also found it to be a rewarding experience. One of the main differences is the level of independence expected at postgraduate level. In my undergraduate degree there was more structure, and it was easier to follow a set path, but in my postgraduate degree I’ve had to take much more initiative, whether it’s managing my own research projects or deciding how to structure my time and learning. The expectations are higher, and there’s more pressure to be self motivated and proactive.
Another difference is the depth of the material. While undergraduate courses introduced me to the basics, postgraduate studies dive much deeper into complex topics, which have been both exciting and overwhelming at times. The focus is much more on research and applying what you know in real world contexts, which requires a different kind of thinking and problem solving approach. It hasn’t always been a smooth transition. At times, I’ve had to adjust my approach to studying, and it’s taken some time to get comfortable with the more self-directed nature of postgraduate work. But overall, it’s been a learning curve that I’ve embraced. The workload can be intense, but I’ve also found a lot of satisfaction in the challenge, especially when I can see the progress I’m making in my research and overall understanding of the field.
What advice would you give to current students considering stay on at Kent for a Master’s degree?
If you’re considering staying on at Kent for your Master’s, I’d say go for it if you’re genuinely passionate about deepening your knowledge. Kent isn’t just a great academic institution, but it also offers a diverse, welcoming environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. It’s not just the academic stuff, but the cultural diversity and opportunities outside the classroom that make it special.
One piece of advice: take your time with choosing your modules. Think about what excites you most, and find professors whose research aligns with your interests. The Master’s program gives you more freedom, and having professors who understand your goals can make all the difference in keeping you on track and motivated. Postgraduate study is a jump in terms of independence. You’ll need to manage your time better and take more ownership of your learning. But while it’s definitely challenging at times, it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready for a deeper dive into your field and more hands on research, you’ll really thrive here.
And don’t forget to reach out for support when you need it, whether it’s academic help or just someone to talk to. Kent has a lot of services that can make your experience smoother. Also, take the opportunity to connect with people, both academically and socially. Building a good network can be super helpful, whether for collaborations or simply having people around to chat with. Finally, securing funding or a scholarship can really take the pressure off and allow you to focus on your studies and your goals. It’s worth looking into those opportunities to ease the financial side of things so you can concentrate on making the most of your time here.