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Meet Sanan, currently studying Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc at UCL East with a scholarship from the Azerbaijani government. Learn about his experience so far with UCL Computer Science.
Tell us a bit about you
My name is Sanan Garayev, and I am from Azerbaijan. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at University College London (UCL).
I completed my undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in Turkey.
During the final year of my Bachelor's degree, I worked as an AI Engineer at Baykar Technologies, a leading defence industry company in Turkey. Afterwards, I applied to UCL and was accepted.
I am also the winner of a fully-funded scholarship provided by the Azerbaijani government through the "State Program for the Education of Youth at Prestigious Universities Abroad for 2022-2026."
Why did you decide to study Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc? And why at UCL?
Robotics and AI have always been among my primary interests. I was introduced to the basics of AI during the early years of my undergraduate studies. However, I have always been more intrigued by applied AI, particularly in the robotics domain.
What attracted me most to this program is that it is part of the Computer Science Department, which means it focuses on software-based modules and research.
Typically, robotics is associated with mechanical engineering, but I was more interested in exploring the software side of the field.
As for UCL, several factors motivated me to apply. The opening of the new UCL East campus, which features state-of-the-art robotics labs, was particularly appealing.
Additionally, the availability of advanced resources such as manipulators, legged robots, drones, and ground vehicles, along with opportunities for interdisciplinary research in fields like life sciences and architecture, further solidified my decision to pursue my studies here.
How have you found studying at the new UCL East campus?
The UCL East campus is a newly developed site with two modern buildings located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Unlike the main campus, which is often busier and more vibrant, the East campus offers a calmer and quieter environment, making it an ideal place to focus and study.
The campus features various study spaces, including a well-equipped library, and most of the resources for my field are conveniently located on this side of UCL.
The local area is very safe, and the campus is situated right next to the Aquatics Centre, where many students enjoy swimming and working out at the gym. In the mornings, the park comes alive with joggers, creating a refreshing and active atmosphere.
Additionally, there are several coffee shops nearby, and with the Westfield Stratford shopping centre just a short walk away, we have easy access to anything we might need.
What has been your favourite module so far?
It's hard to choose, honestly, because all the modules are incredibly engaging, combining both theory and practical applications. However, if I had to pick one, the Computer Vision course stood out for me.
During my job in Turkey, I worked with Computer Vision algorithms, but I didn’t have enough time to delve deeply into the underlying theory.
This course was extremely intensive—so much so that there were nights we barely slept—but it was incredibly rewarding. In just four weeks, we covered almost all aspects of Computer Vision.
The final project was particularly memorable; it involved modelling the Earth figure inside the Marshgate building. After 10 gruelling days of hard work on the project, seeing that Earth figure still brings back vivid (and slightly traumatising) memories!
How does the Department of Computer Science support you with professional development?
From the very first day of, I actively explored UCL’s career services. Through this, I found two short-term opportunities as part of the Department of Computer Science’s outreach scheme.
Firstly, I am collaborating with PhD and Master’s students to create workshops for middle and high school students, which has been a fulfilling experience.
Secondly, I was selected as one of the ambassadors for the Computer Science department. I truly enjoy teaching kids, and these projects not only allow me to stay engaged during my studies but also provide some financial support.
Another highlight is the Department's strong support for entrepreneurship, including startup challenges where students can pitch their ideas and compete for prizes, which serve as initial investments to kick-start their ventures.
What is the student community like at UCL?
We have an active Students’ Union team that organises a wide range of activities for socialising, engaging in sports, or volunteering. There’s a society for almost every interest, making it easy to find something that matches your preferences.
What I particularly like is that these activities cater to different groups, whether it’s undergraduates, postgraduates, or by gender.
Beyond social events, there are also plenty of contests, workshops, and career-planning sessions. I’ve participated in a few hackathons, which not only allowed me to work on exciting projects, but also helped me build a strong network with students from various disciplines.
What are some of the things that have surprised you about living in London?
London is a big, vibrant city where people from all sorts of backgrounds, religions, and cultures live together. Since I grew up in a smaller city like Baku, getting used to life in such a fast-paced and diverse place has been a bit challenging at times.
One thing that really surprised me about living in London is how much thought has gone into making life easier for disabled people.
Everywhere you go—on the Underground, roads, restaurants, or even restrooms—there are specially designed spaces and facilities for them. It’s amazing to see how inclusive the city is.
There are also lots of benefits to living in London. It’s a great place to meet people, build your network, and connect with others from all kinds of fields—even very niche ones. Plus, you get to learn how to interact with people from so many different walks of life.
What would you like to share with prospective students considering the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc?
Firstly, as I mentioned earlier, the Robotics program falls under the Computer Science department, which means the courses are heavily focused on math and programming.
I’ve seen many students with theory-based backgrounds struggle with coding. So, meeting the entry requirements and being prepared for programming is really important.
Secondly, students should be ready for intense and challenging problem-solving. The modules are very hands-on, and solving robotics problems isn’t easy.
Modern robotics covers a wide range of topics, so staying on top of everything requires consistent effort, daily learning, and, at times, some late nights.
Lastly, make sure your computer meets the programme's requirements. We’ve often faced issues where the software didn’t work properly on certain operating systems, especially macOS. Most of the tools we use run best on Linux, which can be tricky to work with if you’re not familiar with it.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
With a Tier 4 visa, we are granted a 2-year work permit after completing a Master’s degree. I aim to work in the AI field as there are many opportunities in larger companies like Google DeepMind and Microsoft, which offer various roles in AI and data.
However, some positions may require a PhD, so I am also considering pursuing a suitable PhD programme to further my studies.