Undergraduate Student Profiles

Craig Anderson, BSc Computer Science, Embedded systems and robotics

Essex University stood out from the crowd during my research for a university. With great computer facilities (running a variety of operating systems), a well equipped robotics laboratory, very knowledgeable and helpful teachers (all with a ‘my door is always open’ policy), a great campus atmosphere and excellent night life, it was an easy decision to put University of Essex as my first choice.   I initially chose to study for a BSc Computer Science (Embedded Systems and Robotics) degree. Learning about the techniques used to assess the physical surroundings of a robot and putting them into practice have been a real highlight of the course. I really enjoyed building a robot using the Lego Minstorms kits and programming it to drive itself round a track, while climbing over obstacles.

During my second year I took some internet technology courses, and developed a very strong interest in web application programming. This triggered my change to the BSc Computer Science (Internet Technology) degree, which was incredibly easy to do, with all the friendly and helpful administration staff to assist.   The skills in programming and application design I gained from the courses enabled me to get a summer job at a local web design company, as a web application programmer during the 2nd/3rd year break.

I would highly recommend checking out the careers centre here at Essex. This proved to be an excellent experience, giving me great insight to the industry and introducing me to the asp.net framework. They also gave me the option to work for them on a casual basis during my final year, which I gladly accepted, with the possibility of a permanent job at the end of my degree.   I have truly enjoyed my time here at Essex University and look forward to a successful career in internet technology and mobile applications.    

Miles Cooke, BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

After completing sixth form I knew that I wanted to apply for a computer science related degree, but I was unsure of the best place to study. So I visited several universities to determine which would prove the most beneficial – both in teaching quality and facilities available.

Ultimately my decision was an easy one; the facilities offered at Essex far outweighed those offered by the other departments I had visited. Also another difference I noticed, which I didn’t find in other departments, was the friendly, relaxed atmosphere apparent at Essex.

My successful application was to study for a BSc in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence. Overall the course has been everything I had hoped for. It introduced a plethora of new and appealing subjects relevant to my interests, such as natural language processing, mobile-phone game programming and advanced web development. The academic staff members are extremely helpful; their interest in the courses they teach really shows and clearly benefits the learning process. Importantly, the degree maintains a nice balance, giving you the opportunity to choose which subject areas you study within the wide-ranging field of computer science as well as learning compulsory skills such as programming. Now that I have completed the course I believe my academic potential has grown exponentially and my employability prospects are greatly widened. Finally, I have enjoyed my time at Essex so much that I will be returning to study for a Masters degree in Computer Science at the end of the year.

Vicky Samways, BSc Computing and Management

I chose Essex University on the basis of its diversity and enthusiasm for individuality. The course has offered me an amazing insight into computing and management, and then allowed me to be specific in the following years to shape a career and future with the skills I’m learning. It really helps that lecturers are passionate about their subject and the range of methods in which material is taught certainly helped me to understand difficult concepts in classes, labs, seminars, lectures, team work and individual work. When course content was challenging, the lecturers and administration staff (really friendly!) are so open and approachable, getting you in touch with the right person. They never rush you, and they give you the one to one attention you need.  

Socially, it is not as stereotypical as it may seem. I have a lot of friends from my accommodation (South Courts, by the way, which is fantastic) as well as from societies I belong to, and from both sides of the course. If there is time between lectures it’s more likely we will be in the bar than hiding away.  

I would definitely recommend Essex because it’s genuinely a friendly place, the staff here really want to help you and nurture your interests. People are very multi-cultural and diverse and it’s very easy to make friends. Oh and there are most societies you can think of and range of nights out on campus.

William Chung, BSc Computer Science

I was not your typical computer science student; when I first applied to Essex, I applied for a different course within a different department, but after a short period of time I thought that the course was not right for me, so I changed to Computer Science.  

Since I joined late, I missed the whole introduction the students had had with each other and found myself feeling lonely, but it did not take long for the fellow students to befriend me.   The facilities the School have to offer include many computer labs which are open twenty-four hours a day, which any computing and electronic systems student can use in their free time if they wish, and a student common room where you can have somewhere to socialise with friends without disturbing other students who wish to work.   The university itself offers many facilities such as fast food outlets for students who are in a hurry to rush assignments, or the option of a cooked meal in a restaurant. There are also many clubs and societies which you can actively participate in and make friends at the same time.  

I definitely feel I made the right choice in coming to Essex and I would recommend it to anyone.

Gavin Carpenter, BSc Computer Science (Embedded Systems and Robotics)

I chose to study robotics at Essex because when I visited the campus I was very impressed with the passion of the academic staff and the facilities available. The course also covered a wide range of other topics that appealed to me and would provide me with skills that would be useful in my future career.   The School has a relaxed atmosphere and everyone including support staff, lecturers and fellow students are all really friendly and happy to help with any problems you might have. The general computing facilities are first class and many of the labs are open twenty-four hours a day.  The campus itself has almost everything you could ever need including numerous catering outlets and social areas where you can relax and chat with friends in between lectures and lab sessions.   Going to university is such a unique experience that I think everyone should have. I have enjoyed every aspect on university life from meeting and living with people from all different cultures and backgrounds to being intellectually challenged in the field I love the most.   I have absolutely no regrets about choosing to study at Essex and I would recommend it to everyone.

Nick Barnard, BEng Electronic Engineering

I decided to study at the University of Essex after research showed it highly ranked in the league tables for electronic engineering teaching and research. I was certainly not disappointed once I began my course, as the teaching has been of the very highest standard. Many lecturers have considerable professional and commercial experience as well as excellent teaching skills, from which I think all students benefit. In particular I felt that the lecturers were helpful in the way they explained the relevance of the academic aspects with what we might be doing in our future careers. I came to the University with an existing IT background, wanting to develop and combine this with electronic engineering. This has worked very well for me as I gained valuable skills in electronics, robotics and even enhanced my IT skills!

I found my specialty after studying a particularly interesting course, “Digital Systems Design”, in the first year. I developed this further in the second year and have completed a successful robotics application for my final year project. This involved developing Celoxica™ Handel-C™, targeting Celoxica™ RC10 and RC200 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) development boards. I have always found the electronics hardware, robotics and computing laboratories very well equipped, with excellent technical support available whenever required.

I found studying at the University a very rewarding experience, making good friends along the way and I would recommend it to everyone. I think it widens your horizons and experience, preparing you well for the whole of your career. I have gained both skills and experience which I know will give me every opportunity to enjoy my chosen career path. I worked for a local company in Essex during my second year vacation, developing a highly functional embedded microprocessor. The company were very impressed with my education and skills from Essex and I have an offer to return to them if I wish after graduation.

Luke Whittington, BSc Computer Science (Internet Technology)

To say I'm a computer geek is an understatement, so it's only natural that I wanted to study Computer Science at university. A bit of research narrowed the choices down to Essex and UEA.      I attended open days for both universities and was very impressed with Essex. The members of staff were very accommodating and friendly and the students seemed to be having the time of their lives. The School is very well equipped, with special computer labs for use only by CES  students, as well as the many other University computer labs available for all students. After arriving here I've found things to be even better than I had expected. I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent here. I have been able to immerse myself in computer-geek heaven and not feel out of place.  Also, I have found myself heavily involved in the badminton club, and was elected captain of the 2nd's after just a year of competitive playing. With so many societies in this University it's very hard not to meet new people!  It sheds new light on the old stereotype of geeks not having social skills. After your time at Essex, you'll have plenty! I recommend coming to Essex and definitely recommend throwing yourself in at the deep end and getting as involved as possible. You'll push yourself but you will have a fantastic time doing so.

Jason Caits-Cheverst, BSc Computer Science

Before I came here, I had no academic experience with computers at all, but I'd loved to play with them and on them since my mother was a student at Essex university eighteen years ago. I decided that my strength with computers should be exploited, so I applied to Essex on the grounds that they have a great computing School here - and I'd been on the campus for two years of my life already. The open day was fantastic, and cemented the notion that I'd chosen the right place. I was given an unconditional offer of acceptance and from there my progress as a computer scientist was upwards all the way. Each lecturer has his or her own style. If you're open-minded you can harness each different teaching style to pull you forward, and I think that's very important. The responsibility does lie on you to adapt your thinking to suit these styles. Though you must also bear in mind that the lecturers really will help you out of a tight spot, so if you're confused don't be afraid to ask for help!

The facilities are excellent, with many computers available for students to use around-the-clock. I can't put enough emphasis on the multiple facets of Computer Science. Of all the courses you could take, this is likely the most varied of the lot. In your first year, you'll get experience in many different fields - and you'll need to consult some of those over and over again before the end of your course. The first year's marks are not counted toward the degree total, but I heartily recommend that you hit the ground running and try for as high a mark as you can. This will give you a firm foundation on which to build the rest of your knowledge.

James Barratt, BSc Computer Science

I did not originally intend on going to university. After finishing my A levels I went straight into full time employment, an administrative role for an NHS Trust in London. This was fine to begin with but after about a year I started to think about my future prospects and considered a degree in Computing. I enquired into places at a number of universities but hoped I’d be successful with the University of Essex. Their degree scheme consisted of a good introduction, covering several different areas, and optional courses available in subsequent years looked very appealing. The School is well organised and the support provided to students is excellent. Lecturers are usually quick to respond to queries and are very helpful. As a Student Representative for my year group, I was involved in school meetings and know just how important the School views feedback from students. All resources and tools needed to carry out the work are made available, some of which make good preparation for use in industry, and if there are any problems the lab technicians will try to resolve the issue promptly. I found the content of the course very engaging and often challenging, which was great. In my first year I received the K.F. Bowden prize, given to the two students with the best overall marks of their year group. I mostly followed a Software Engineering path supplemented by various programming and database modules. I am now considering the possibility of further study towards an MSc and eventually hope to be involved in the analysis and design of software systems.

Alexandra Alderson, BSc Computer Science, 2007

I wasn't your classic Computer Science student - my background was linguistics, history and biology - but I wanted to do something new and challenging. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I ever made from both an educational and career point of view. I found the courses stimulating, interesting and yes, requiring effort, but definitely worth it. Looking back I'm amazed at just how much I learned while I was there - not just languages and concepts but whole new ways of thinking. The lecturers really took the time to help - they answered a countless number of my emails and took the time to chat one-on-one when I needed their guidance. The warm and friendly administration staff are a real strength too - you will need them! If you're looking for a strong support network you won't find a better one than here. My biggest recommendation if you study here is to take every software engineering course you can get your hands on! No matter what technological aspect grabs your interest, in the work arena you are guaranteed to need these skills. One interviewer said to me, "We need more than coders, we need the whole package - programmers looking to become designers looking to become project managers and up!" When I got given my first project after a few weeks to look after from idea to finished product I understood what he meant! If you want a challenge, quality education, interesting topics and a great time, this is the place for you!

Alexander Brown, BSc Computer Science, 2007

I wasn't sure what degree course I wanted to do or which university to study at. I just applied to universities which looked interesting. My favourite was Essex, for the simple reason when I arrived I was told that the research School had an open door policy.

The course is well taught through the classes and lectures. The classes are brilliant to reinforce what you learn in the lectures. Since coming to the university my academic potential has increased exponentially thanks to the excellent guidance from the members of staff. If a student ever has a question about their work the lecturers are always willing to offer help on either course matters or if students want to expand on researching outside the course.

The accommodation is of an excellent standard - I was lucky enough to get into South Courts which has en-suite bathroom facility. The atmosphere between the other students in the court is very friendly. You get to meet a lot of friends on your course which later you realise are living in the same court. I wasn't sure if I would fit in as I was worried about making friends, but found out that the diversity from the student body would allow me to be myself. There is a strong emphasis on multicultural society.

I have really enjoyed getting involved in the student representation schemes. I have played numerous sports including badminton and hockey. I would recommend Essex University highly.

Chris Wilson, BEng Computers and Networks, 2006

Chris obtained First Class Honours, and was also awarded the BT Project Presentation Prize, worth £200, for the best presentation on a final year project.

After obtaining my first degree at a French university I applied to and was accepted by a number of universities in the UK. Somehow the contact with Essex seemed to be just right and I decided to go there. This I have never regretted. I have just spent the best two years* of my life at Essex University enjoying all aspects of university life e.g. the bars, the clubs, the sport and the studies. In addition I joined the ski club, sailing club, the theatre group and scored 46 runs in my first cricket match! Despite all this I managed to obtain a First Class Honours Degree - all tribute to the marvellous teaching staff at Essex. In summary anyone privileged to be offered a place at Essex should grasp it with both hands.

Currently I am studying at an Ecole d'Ingenieurs just outside Paris (not a patch on Essex University) to hopefully obtain a double Masters degree in Information Systems Management in liaison with Cranfield University. These French Ecoles d'Ingenieurs are regarded as the tops in French education to prepare one for management in their selected field. They offer a much more general curriculum including subjects such as, in my case public speaking, a third language, statistics, knowledge management and multiple group projects, but sadly in Compiegne there is no proper university campus and a total lack of campus life as we know it in the UK so I can't wait to get back to English university life for my final Masters year!

* Chris was a direct entrant to Year 2 because of his French qualification.

Carolina Bailey, BSc Computer Science, 2006

My experience of Essex University and the Computer Science School in particular has been amazing. I've mixed with people from all backgrounds, and gained some friends I will keep forever. The School has been extremely encouraging and supportive during my time here, providing advice and support whenever needed. Having access to lecturers with wide ranging expertise and experience, who are always willing to help and advise, has been a great bonus too.

The Campus is like an insulated town of its own, providing all the services you could ever need a theatre, bars, cafes, shops are often open until late. Getting onto campus from anywhere in Colchester or surrounding areas is easy, there's a great bus service, and it's pretty much within walking distance to Colchester town.

All of the courses have been informative and interesting, but of course, some more than others, but that's part of the learning process. It's all very flexible which courses you can take; you can choose to follow specific paths of study or simply take the courses that interest you most, as I have done.

I wouldn't change a thing about my experience at Essex University; I've loved every minute of it, and would recommend it to anyone. It's hard work, but extremely rewarding.