Students from under-represented groups get a UNIQ+ taste of postgraduate study
Posted: 16th August 2024
Today marks the end of the department’s UNIQ+ Research Internships, where budding computer scientists have been getting a taste of postgraduate study for the past seven weeks, working with academic staff from our community of world-leading researchers.
The University’s UNIQ+ Research Internships, offered across a range of subject areas, are for talented undergraduates from under-represented groups, who would otherwise find going into postgraduate study a challenge, for reasons other than academic ability.
At the beginning of July, the department welcomed its UNIQ+ interns to work on research projects in biological systems and modelling, and data science and AI.
Saja, a Physics student going into her fourth year at the University of Exeter, worked with Professor David Gavaghan on research which saw an ecological predator-prey model — the Lotka-Volterra model — applied to real data using Bayesian inference. Saja found the UNIQ+ experience rewarding, both professionally and personally. Saja said: ‘The experience not only broadened my knowledge but also deepened my understanding of how to approach complex research problems in a multidisciplinary context.’
Participating in UNIQ+ has notably reshaped my outlook on pursuing graduate studies. I’m now considering the idea of entering a doctoral training program. Saja
When asked if she would recommend UNIQ+ to others, Saja’s reply was unequivocal: ‘If you’re considering applying for the UNIQ+ Internship, I’d say it’s a no-brainer—there’s everything to gain and nothing to lose.'
UNIQ+ provides an enriching experience that prepares you for future academic and professional success, while offering a supportive and engaging environment.’ Saja
Harvey has just completed a third year studying Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Bath. Working alongside Professor Michael Benedikt on data science and AI research concerned with logic and learning on graphs, Harvey’s experience of the UNIQ+ programme has been a highly positive one. ‘I’ve met many great new people, been able to research alongside academics, and enjoy and explore a new city,’ he said.
Being on the programme has been one of the best experiences. It really helped me grow, not just in my studies but as a person. Harvey
One of the key reasons behind Harvey's UNIQ+ application was to see whether a research degree or career would be right for him. Following the internship, his path forward is clearer. He says, ‘After working on my project with my supervisor and going through the programme, I’m now leaning towards further study and applying for PhDs.’
Even if you’re not sure it’s something you’d want to pursue, you’ll not only improve your skills but also have fun and meet new people! Harvey
These internships have provided an outstanding opportunity for these talented students, who may otherwise not have been able to consider postgraduate study. Through their study and research on the UNIQ+ programme, they have acquired invaluable experience of postgraduate life in the department, while creating lifelong connections, and greatly enhancing their research skills and career prospects.
Good luck to our interns! We wish you every success in your future study.
Find out more about the UNIQ+ Internships here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/access/uniq-plus