Aishwarya Vijay
Why did you choose to study your programme at Queen Mary and why Queen Mary?
I chose to study my MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Queen Mary because of its strong academic reputation, research-led teaching, and focus on practical, real-world applications of AI. QMUL offers a great balance between theory and hands-on learning, and being part of a Russell Group university in London also meant exposure to industry, research, and diverse perspectives. The course structure and modules aligned very well with my interests in applied AI and emerging technologies.
What is your favourite thing about Queen Mary?
My favourite thing about Queen Mary is the diversity and sense of community. You meet people from all over the world, with different backgrounds and ideas, which makes discussions and group work very enriching. I also really appreciate the supportive academic environment and how approachable the lecturers and staff are.
Which modules do you most enjoy and are there any academics that have a strong influence on shaping your time and studies here?
I particularly enjoy modules that focus on applied AI, machine learning, and research-based problem solving, as they encourage critical thinking and experimentation. I’ve justcompleted Semester 1, and the AI module taught by Dr Iran Roman was especially engaging, the sessions were highly interactive and encouraged active participation. I also really appreciated the guest lectures that were conducted, as they gave valuable insights into real-world applications and research perspectives. Overall, the academics have been very influential in shaping how I approach problems, pushing me to think beyond surface-level solutions and truly understand how and why systems behave the way they do.
Are you a member of any societies or attend any industry events during your time at Queen Mary? If so which and what do you gain from them?
I actively engage with tech and AI-focused events, talks, and workshops organised by the university and external organisations. I’m involved with the Machine Learning Society, where I get exposure to current trends, technical discussions, and peer learning. I also attend entrepreneurship-focused events, which have helped me understand how technical ideas can be translated into real products and startups. These experiences have given me a clearer view of industry expectations, emerging opportunities, and allowed me to connect with like-minded students and professionals.
What kind of careers/employability support do you get during your studies?
Queen Mary provides strong careers and employability support throughout the course. There is one-to-one guidance available, including tailored support for international students, which can be accessed both online and in person. The university also runs regular workshops on CV writing, interviews, and career planning, as well as career fairs held at the Octagon, where students can meet employers and learn about internships, placements, and graduate opportunities. Overall, the support is very accessible and helps students feel more confident when preparing for their next steps.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to work in a role where I can apply artificial intelligence and software engineering skills to real-world problems, ideally in areas such as applied AI, product development, or research-driven technology. I’m keen to continue learning, gaining industry
experience, and working on impactful projects that combine strong technical foundations with practical use cases.
What's one piece of advice you'd offer to someone considering studying Artificial Intelligence at Queen Mary?
My advice would be to stay curious and make the most of everything Queen Mary offers beyond the lectures. Get involved in societies, attend talks and workshops, and work on projects alongside your coursework. The course provides a strong foundation, but the real value comes from actively engaging, asking questions, and exploring your interests in depth.