Narmin Mustafali

What’s your background?

I am from Azerbaijan, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Science at French-Azerbaijani University in Baku. The mix of local and international education there inspired me to pursue further studies abroad, ultimately bringing me to UCL.

Before starting my master’s programme, I worked in software engineering, technology consulting, and data management roles alongside my bachelor’s studies. This experience gave me a practical understanding of how these fields work in real-world scenarios.

What inspired you to pursue a Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering at UCL?

During my bachelor’s studies, where we covered various aspects of computer science, I developed a strong interest in AI and data. This led me to look for courses that focused specifically on these areas until I found the MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering at UCL.

What attracted me most to this programme was its thorough focus on Data Engineering and Machine Learning, along with Software Engineering. Additionally, I was searching for courses that had practical, hands-on experience, and I believe this programme at UCL offered exactly that.

This combination of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Engineering and Software Engineering seemed perfect for me and was exactly what I had been searching for.

What aspects of your course do you find most exciting?

One of the most exciting parts of my course at UCL are the modules on Engineering for Data Analysis (EDA) and Data Science. What’s really interesting about the EDA module is that it’s split into two parts: EDA 1 and EDA 2, taught over different terms.

This lets us start with the fundamental concepts in the first part and then move on to more complex topics in the second part. It really feels like we’re covering one big topic in two comprehensive steps.

In the Data Science module, I really appreciate how we start by learning all the essential theories and methods, and then transition into several weeks of practical work. I think it is efficient because it first allows us to understand the theory and then apply what we’ve learned directly to real-world data sets.

What are the most useful resources available to you as a Computer Science student?

UCL’s libraries are invaluable- they have tons of both digital and print resources, from academic journals to books, which are super helpful for my coursework and projects. I appreciate the quiet spaces available in the libraries, where you can sit, focus, and really get into your studies.

Additionally, for our Engineering for Data Analysis module, UCL Computer Science has developed a service that allows us to freely generate and manage virtual machines. This is extremely beneficial as it allows us to have practical experience with technologies that are often costly.

Can you tell us about a memorable project or piece of work you’ve done during your time at UCL?

One memorable project from my time at UCL was a coursework challenge, where my task was to help biochemistry researchers scale their data analysis. My goal was to transform their existing script into a distributed analysis system that could handle massive datasets efficiently.

The experience of building a distributed system from scratch was extremely intense but incredibly rewarding, as it pushed me to apply my coding skills and understanding of cloud infrastructures directly to a real-world challenge.

In my opinion, this coursework was valuable because applying what we learned in lectures in a practical way is the best method of learning for me. I find that I retain knowledge much better when I can see its real-world application, rather than just learning it theoretically.

How has UCL Computer Science supported you so far with industry connections and career development?

I believe the Department of Computer Science at UCL is very supportive when it comes to building industry connections and helping career development. They frequently invite representatives from various companies to give talks, which can be incredibly informative.

These sessions often cover the latest technologies, future career paths, and practical tips on landing a job. Although tickets for events featuring big-name companies go quickly, it is great that these opportunities are available.

Hearing directly from experienced professionals about the opportunities at their companies is invaluable as they provide insights on what to include in a CV, how to excel in interviews, and other career tips that are directly applicable to our job search.

What is the student community like at UCL, especially for international students?

The student community at UCL has been fantastic, especially as an international student. It is diverse, and I have met people from all over the world, which has been enriching both inside and outside the classroom.

I have also joined a few tech societies, where I have connected with others who are just as passionate about technology as I am. And to my surprise, there is even a skiing society! I was so excited to find that, as I love skiing and didn’t expect to continue it in London.

Additionally, I’m part of the Azerbaijani society at UCL. Connecting with other students from Azerbaijan has been a comfort away from home.

While I enjoy learning about different cultures and have made many friends from my courses, there are times when I just miss the familiarity of my own culture. Being part of this society helps fill that gap, making my experience here feel more balanced and homely.

What are some of your favourite things about living in London?

Living in London has been a great experience, and it is particularly meaningful considering I have always wanted to study in this city since my school years. There’s always something to do or see, from museums and galleries to live music and theatre productions.

Despite coming from a bustling city in Azerbaijan, the diversity in London really stands out. The mix of cultures and nationalities makes it a truly global city.

As an international student, this has been fantastic because it’s not just about academic growth—I’ve also had the chance to enjoy a wide range of social experiences.

What’s more, London’s position as a global hub for industries like finance, tech, and the arts means there are countless networking opportunities and internships available, which I believe are essential for career development.

This mix of cultural diversity professional opportunities, and connectivity makes living in London a truly rewarding experience.

What advice or insight would you give to prospective students considering Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering MSc?

One piece of advice I would offer is that having 1-2 years of experience in the field before starting can be hugely beneficial. It will help you relate the advanced topics you will study to real-world applications you’ve already encountered, making the advanced concepts much more comprehensible and relevant. But even without that background, I believe the courses are manageable and understandable.

Additionally, make sure you have at least a basic understanding of virtual machines and related technologies before starting, as this knowledge really helped me in the data engineering and analysis modules, which are some of the most practical modules of the course.

Also, it is helpful to look through the module catalogue on UCL’s website to see detailed descriptions of what each module involves. This way, you can make sure that the programme covers topics that interest you and that you’ll be learning exactly what you’re passionate about.

What are your plans for after you graduate?

After I graduate, I plan to return to my home country. I am excited to bring back the advanced skills and knowledge I have gained in AI and data engineering from UCL. My goal is to contribute to the growing tech industry back home, where I see a lot of potential for applying what I’ve learned to help local businesses innovate and grow.

Additionally, I am looking forward to reconnecting with my community and using my international experience to make a positive impact. While I love London and the incredible opportunities it has offered, returning home has always been part of my plan, where I can make a meaningful difference in my local tech ecosystem.

Want to learn more about our Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering MSc?

Visit our online prospectus where you'll find detailed information about UCL Computer Science's Artifical Intelligence and Data Engineering MSc. You will be able to browse modules, learn more about our teaching and learning, and explore the skills and knowledge you'll develop on this programme. 

The information on this page reflects the student's status at the time of publication (February 2025).