Zoe's Top 5 Favourite Things about Studying Data Science

Read all about Zoe's top 5 favourite things about studying BSc Data Science from her perspective as a UCL Statistical Science Digital Student Ambassador.

Hi, I'm Zoe, a second-year Data Science student at UCL! Choosing to study Data Science at UCL has truly been one of the most rewarding decisions of my academic journey and I hope to help you make the right choice!

Here are my top 5 reasons to study Data Science at UCL:

1. Preparing Me for My Future Career

During my time on this programme, I’ve gained a wealth of skills highly sought after in the workforce. Technical skills wise, my programming experience gained in Python, R, and SQL have come in extremely handy in the coding assessment stages of my job application process! In addition, courseworks, which are compulsory mini-projects modelled after real-world problems for specific modules, have honed my ability to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets. I found these to be good practice for the group assessment / case study stages of job interviews. Personally, I found that the strong quantitative and analytical reasoning abilities I developed as part of the course played a huge role in me securing internships across diverse roles in Data Science, Technology, Finance and Consulting. I am excited that I will have the opportunity to apply all that I’ve learnt about modelling during my summer internship with the Data Science and Innovation team at Standard Chartered!

2. Supportive Learning Environment

The strong academic support has been a highlight of my experience. Small seminar and tutorial groups foster in-depth discussions and personalised attention from lecturers. For example, in my Science and Ethics module, we have small group seminars where we are all free to share our thoughts on the weekly case study and engage in meaningful discourse on the ethicality of issues through considering different ethical theories. In computer practicals, multiple instructors ensure prompt assistance when needed. Beyond the classroom, lecturers’ office hours and responsive online forums for each module provide additional support. This comprehensive system has significantly enhanced my learning journey, allowing me to fully engage with complex concepts and excel in my studies.

3. Interdisciplinary Learning

One of the aspects I’ve most appreciated on my programme is the flexibility to tailor my studies. Each year, you get to select optional modules from any department which will give you the opportunity to apply statistical methods to various fields ranging from healthcare to finance, or even language studies. For instance, I had the opportunity to study game theory in my first year, something I had always been curious about! This interdisciplinary approach has broadened my perspective and equipped me with the ability to tackle problems from multiple angles.

4. Department-Specific Opportunities

Being positioned within the Department of Statistical Science at UCL also offers unique opportunities that enrich our learning experience. We get to benefit from highly knowledgeable professors who are leaders in their fields, bringing cutting-edge research and industry insights into our classrooms. The department also has regular updates on available internships and research opportunities, creating a rich and stimulating learning environment that encourages you to explore your full potential. Occasionally, there are even workshops and panels on topics like machine learning where renowned industry professionals come to UCL to share their expertise. In one of my modules on SQL, the professors brought in a guest lecturer from Google to share about the real-world case study applications of what we were learning!

5. Invaluable Friendships

The last, but the most important aspect, is the friendships I’ve formed! My peers, despite all coming from diverse backgrounds, have been a great inspiration, key pillar of support and make up a huge part of my university life. The positive influence of my friends has made my educational journey much more enjoyable and rewarding, creating a network that I’m confident will extend far beyond our time in the programme.

Overall, choosing to do Data Science at UCL has been a transformative experience, offering a perfect blend of academic rigour, practical skills and personal growth. For anyone considering a future in Data Science, UCL provides an unparalleled platform to launch your career and make a meaningful impact in this rapidly evolving field. Hope to see you at UCL!

Author & Photo Credits: Zoe Lee