MFA - Computational Arts

I studied Data Science at Goldsmiths from 2016 to 2017. Actually, I jumped into the MSc in Data Science from my PhD programme in Social Sciences. The reason for this switch was the increasing importance of data science in all walks of life and sectors. I have since been offered a job at a renowned, world-class university in London.

The programme has been an amazing learning process. I have learnt as much in one year as in ten years of social sciences. The leadership of this programme was amazing as well – probably the best supervision and mentorship throughout my higher education period. Additionally, the syllabus was created in such a way that any lay person will get the chance to learn Machine Learning, coding, Natural Language Processing and Big Data. It is indeed a valuable program, with so much mentorship alongside as well as many project opportunities.

One of the projects I have been involved in, with the Data Science laboratory the department owns, was in the health sector. Specifically, using Machine Learning in predicting the time of remission in psychotic patients. It was a valuable and meaningful experience that lead to other opportunities, such as working in the health sector as a research assistant in Data Science, at Imperial College.

I knew about Goldsmiths as I was previously studying art and design related degree in London and Goldsmiths is renowned for its Fine Art course and alumni. My previous course was called Illustration and Visual Media which I completed from London College of Communication, UAL, and I specialised in experimental moving image. What made me select the course at Goldsmiths was its unique structure and simply the course itself is something I did not find at other UK universities, the options available for Scholarships to international students also played a major role in me deciding to apply to Goldsmiths. The atmosphere on the course is very lively and collaborative, I feel surrounded by people who are passionate about their field of interest and also at the same time extremely helpful and approachable. I am finding the course very intensely structured to maximise your skills in the span of one year which is unlike other art courses and I feel gives you more value for money.

I have lived in London for the past 5 years but nevertheless there are always so many interesting exhibitions and events going on in the capital that one is seldom bored. London (even Goldsmiths) is particularly good for a niche like computational arts as there are many talks and lectures on my topics of interest which are often not found in many cities. Once I graduate I plan to move my career forward as a creative technologist and artist, either in London or in India and form interesting collaborations to explore how technology can impact different cultures and spirituality.

I did my master’s in software engineering in Bangladesh. I always wanted to study in abroad so that I get to know about different cultures, regions, food, and people. I chose this program because of the course content. It is well organized and connected with real-life experiences. Moreover, recieveing the commonwealth shared scholarship helped me pursue my dream.

I have now been here for two months. The atmosphere of the university is very welcoming. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the university campus. It is large, lively and beautiful. The teaching quality is excellent. The teaching staffs are very friendly and expert in respective fields. They are always eager to help if required. Other staff are also helpful. The university offers a great range of facilities from education (well-equipped lab, rich library) to recreation (canteen, gym). There are several organizations connected to university, like the students union and CEN8 which offer students different types of activities. I am involved with some of these organizations which helped me to meet with people from diverse backgrounds. During my time at Goldsmiths, I expect to expand my professional network, do some quality research in my field, and enjoy my surroundings. London is an amazing city full of history. I feel fortunate to be here. It is one of the best decisions that I have made.

I worked in the Korean game industry for about 6 years. During the time, I always felt a desire of self-development, and the narrowness of the local market made me dream of studying abroad. One day in 2017, I happened to find the MA Independent Games and Playable Experience Design, which I am on now. It was fascinating, well structured and most of all, unique. I could not find any similar course in the UK.

I recieved offers from two other universities, but I chose Goldsmiths because the other courses didn't speak to me as much as this one – I had already fallen in love with it. An interview with my professor, Phoenix Perry, was also one of the key factors in choosing Goldsmiths. Her passion and research were admirable, and I really wanted to study under her.

I am now in the second month of my course, and quite sure I made good choice. Students are nice and creative, and teachers are enthusiastic. Modules and classes are fairly interesting and helpful. I want to be a stand-alone developer, and my course supports my dream so far. I feel fulfilled every week after classes and assignments, even though they make me exhausted.