Student case study: Postgraduate conversion courses in artificial intelligence and data science

Abdus-Samad Bin-Sarfraz: MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics student, University of Bradford

What inspired you to study a postgraduate course in AI and/or data science?

A friend of mine, who had studied the same undergraduate degree as me, spoke highly of this programme and recommended it.

When I saw the opportunity for a scholarship for home students, everything seemed to fall into place at once, and it felt like destiny.

I was incredibly grateful for the chance to pursue something that didn't quite exist yet, but I believed would be central to my future career. The University of Bradford's reputation for being at the forefront of innovation in AI, combined with its esteemed academics and the renowned School of Management, made it an easy choice. 

I've always wanted to lead an impactful, meaningful life, helping others. This programme was the perfect starting point for that journey. AI, as the catalyst for change, felt like my calling to represent the human element in all the technology to come.

The role I'll one day step into may not even exist yet — and that’s incredibly exciting.

I see AI as a way to increase productivity and free up time for what truly matters — connecting with others, creating meaningful experiences, and making a real difference. 

What have you enjoyed most about the course?  

What I’ve enjoyed most about the course at Bradford is the combination of technical depth and business understanding. We're not only learning how to analyse data and implement machine learning algorithms but also how to craft our own digital ventures. The creative space to experiment with real-world projects has been invaluable. One aspect that really stands out is how we've been taught to look beyond what's apparent in data, inferring deeper insights and understanding the serendipity of decisions in business. Data is always the first point of reference, and this has helped me build a strong analytical mindset.

The course has also equipped me with a solid foundation in machine learning, decision-making, and communication skills to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences. Plus, hearing from industry experts has been a massive advantage, offering insights that connect our academic learning to the fast-moving industry landscape. 

Where do you hope your course learning will take you?  

I'm excited about the future and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

The AI and data science space feels incredibly dynamic, with breakthroughs happening every month (if not every week), and that makes it even more fascinating.

This rapid pace of development means there's always something new to learn, and what I've gained from the programme has real-world applications. It's evolving at such an exciting rate, and I'm eager to consolidate my learning with industry experience. I'm also ready to explore all aspects of the field, as the linear path of career progression seems like a thing of the past. I'm focused on finding my unique set of skills and leading innovation in this field, learning alongside others who are also growing in their careers. It's a great time to be part of this ever-changing landscape.