Student Spotlight: Ben, MSc Health Data Science

What attracted you to study your programme at UCL? 

My first degree was in Mathematics, also in London. I found my current programme while I was searching for Data Science MScs, and it just caught my imagination - I liked that it had a hard focus on electronic health research and clear applications, which I was missing during my BSc. Data Science itself was a good fit for me. It's a good mix of domain knowledge and mathematical/programming skills, so it opens up a lot of options for where to go next.

What are your future goals post-graduation? 

I'd like to stay focused on data science or digital health. I'm applying to PhDs in data mining and network analysis approaches to health and research, as well as to jobs with the NHS and health consultancies. This year has really helped me to focus my academic interests, and exposed me to a really valuable way to apply my skills.

What do you like about your programme and why?

It's a pretty small programme (there are about 15 of us), which means that you get to know everyone. It also means that module tutors have enough time to tackle the specific question or issue you have. What's also nice is the variety of backgrounds - we have clinicians, health informaticians, and statisticians, so it's very multi-disciplinary.

What can a student expect to learn on this course?

You get experience with using Python for data management and analysis, and statistical training from t-tests through to cox regression. Most of your lecturers will be active researchers in epidemiology, statistics or data science, so it's well-backed by references to literature and the applications to healthcare. Optional bits focus on wider awareness - machine learning methods in more detail, or database management, or statistics for genetics.

What were you doing before you became a student at UCL?

I was working as a sabbatical officer at Imperial College Union, supporting student clubs and societies to do cool things for other students. I've been using that experience to help out as a course rep for my MSc, and to be part of the Pole Dance committee.

What piece of advice would you give to new students? 

Get involved! There's a tendency with a Masters to shut yourself away and study, but UCL has lots of interesting people from interesting places, and it's a shame to miss out on meeting them. Clubs, representation, volunteering - whatever works for you. It's also a really good way to explore London.

Where do you identify as home?

I grew up in the south-west of England, by the seaside. I think I'd call London my home - I've been here for about five years now, and it's a pretty special place to be.