Prospects Postgrad 1

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Postgrad 69 DARREN LUNN JOHN BARNARD Computer gods Computer experts are highly sought after professionals who make the modern world go round and, as Andrew Shanahan found, it’s now chic to be a ‘geek’. Back in the 1980s when the primitive consumer computers were first being discovered by a generation of teenage boys playing with BBC Micro computers, the word “geek” was used as a pejorative expression. Fast forward to the present day where fast, cheap and efficient computers are an integral part of everyday life and the people who can programme them command excellent salaries and the usage of the word “geek” has shifted slightly. These days it’s practically a compliment; geek culture is going mainstream. YOUR INNER-GEEK Two computer science was at an interview I could show that I’ve meant that the subject of computer science got that degree backing me up. Because I did has become increasingly complex over time. ‘There’s a fascinating array of subjects that history as a first degree I was slightly concerned that it might be something that would stop me from progressing. The other thing was that in the computer industry things change all the time, you’re constantly learning new languages and programmes. I thought that the Masters would give me the foundation knowledge that would enable me to learn in the future and I could pick things up easier. In essence, I thought that if I was going to spend my career learning new languages, getting a grounding in the basic laws and foundations of computers would be useful. So far, it’s been really good for that.’ COMPUTING PHD Darren’s career path took an you can get involved with in computer science now,’ says Lunn. ‘There are now all of these cross-disciplinary approaches between computer science and other subjects, like cheminformatics which is a blending of chemicals and computers, and e-social science. Computer science is in every field now basically.’ COURSES FOR EMPLOYMENT Barnard has had first-hand experience of how valuable a computer science qualification can be when searching for employment. ‘I’ve been applying for jobs over the summer and last week I was offered a job as a web developer. I start almost as soon as I hand my dissertation in.’ Lunn too has found that the decision to return to computer science has been worthwhile and after his PhD finishes he says that providing funding is available, he’ll remain in academia. ‘For me, and I think for anyone thinking about entering the subject as an academic discipline, then the MSc is really worthwhile. The difference between an undergraduate degree and a PhD is huge and I don’t know if I could have coped with the change, but the MSc is a great intermediary. When you go onto the PhD you’re pretty much on your own, which is another reason why it’s important to enjoy the project, obviously you have your ultimately you’re researching on your own.’ It seems that whether you’re considering taught or research courses, the future for computer science postgraduates is bright. alternative route - the PhD was a chance to extend his interest in computer science after taking a break to work in an unrelated field. ‘I did my BSc in computer science and then I worked for two years as an English postgraduates who believe that there’s every reason to celebrate your inner-geek are John teacher. After a while I thought I’d like to Barnard and Darren Lunn. John Barnard is get back into computing, so I did an MSc in currently in the middle of his dissertation to complete his MSc in Advanced Computer Systems: Software Systems at the University of Bath and Darren Lunn is in his final year of a PhD at the University of Manchester’s renowned School of Computer Science, where one of the first computers in the world was created. For Barnard the decision to study for a Masters was a way of adding some weight to his aspirations of working in the computing industry. ‘I thought this would be a good conversion course for two reasons really,’ he explains. ‘Firstly, I wanted to have that formal qualification behind me, so in the future if I Advanced Computer Science at Manchester and went straight from there onto the PhD. ‘I’ve spent the last three years looking at web accessibility. We’re trying to investigate methods of how you make the web, which is essentially a visual medium, more suitable for people with visual impairments. It’s been a fascinating area to look at – I don’t think I’d have made it through three years without being interested in it and I would certainly to do their own research and make sure they’re going to enjoy it.’ The importance of computers in our lives has led to rapid development, which has warn any PhD students considering a project supervisor who you can go to for ideas but

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Prospects Postgrad 1

Prospects Postgrad Autumn 2008 Contents: What’s Inside For Love and Money Cash for Qualifications A Tale of Two Students Meet the Postgrad People All Aboard The Postgraduate Environment Maths Market The Postgrad Programme Teacher Training Arts and Humanities Science and Engineering Business and Management Social Sciences

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