Graduate Story

Thomas Jacobs, MSc Advanced Computing (Software Engineering)

"Since graduating from the MSc Advanced Computing (Software Engineering), I have been working as a software engineer for a UK-based organisation providing HR, finance, and operational services to schools. The company is focused on improving its technological capabilities and recruited me specifically for my academic background to support this transition. 

I have since developed my role into a hybrid application and software engineering position, where I advise departments on technical solutions, plan system integrations, and build tools to automate and streamline internal workflows, alongside occasional web development. The technical and analytical skills gained during my degree have been directly applicable in enabling me to bridge business needs with effective software solutions. 

In parallel, I am exploring teacher training pathways where academic credentials are highly valued. My degree has significantly supported this progression, and I was offered a scholarship from the British Computing Society, which I have chosen to defer while continuing to develop my engineering career. 

I chose to apply to the University of Suffolk after having a very positive experience during my undergraduate degree in Game Programming. I valued the supportive learning environment and the fact that the lecturers were engaged, approachable, and brought strong industry experience into their teaching. The University’s encouragement of progression to postgraduate study, alongside the postgraduate fee discount available to returning graduates, made continuing my studies at Suffolk an attractive and accessible option. More importantly, I appreciated the benefits of studying at a smaller university, particularly the smaller class sizes. This allowed for regular one-to-one interaction and feedback from lecturers, which provided substantial academic support and contrasted strongly with the more competitive and impersonal environments experienced by peers at larger institutions. 

One of the main strengths of the University of Suffolk was its small size, which enabled a more bespoke and student-centered learning experience. Small class sizes meant lecturers had a strong understanding of my progress and could provide accessible, targeted support when needed.  

The University also placed a strong emphasis on employability, which is particularly important in engineering. Course content was clearly designed to prepare students for work after graduation, and as a result, I entered employment with skills and knowledge that exceeded my employer’s expectations. Lecturers brought a broad range of real industry experience, helping to ground learning in practical application. 

Importantly, the course allowed flexibility to tailor work towards individual interests within computing. Given the range of engineering specialisms, this enabled me to focus on software engineering and build a portfolio aligned with my career goals, while others pursued different pathways, such as operations. 

My student experience was highly positive and well balanced between strong technical training and personal support. The course content was technical, relevant, and up to date, aligned with industry standards, and delivered by lecturers with real professional experience. Alongside core computing knowledge, I developed a broad range of academic and professional skills, including project management, which employers have consistently been pleased to see at an early career stage.   

On a personal level, the learning environment was supportive and welcoming. Lecturers were genuinely caring and empathetic while also being technically strong, creating a culture where students felt encouraged to engage and ask questions. The University provided good learning resources and benefited from strong industry links, particularly through its connection with BT at the tech campus, which further enriched the overall student experience."