Fuzhan Rahmanian

Artificial Intelligence - MSc (Distance Learning)

Fuzhan is a graduate of the Artificial Intelligence MSc course and studied it from overseas in Germany. Despite working on her PhD at the same time as her Master's, she excelled in her studies and received a number of University awards, including the Chancellor’s Prize. Discover more about her distance learning journey…

Choosing to study AI at Huddersfield

I was drawn to the University of Huddersfield because of its excellent balance of academic rigor and practical application, which is especially important in a field as dynamic as Artificial Intelligence.

What stood out to me about the AI Master's course was its comprehensive curriculum, which combined the theoretical foundations with hands-on learning. I was particularly excited about the diverse programming languages I would have access to and the emphasis on developing real-world skills, which are essential for a career in AI.

Fuzhan stood outside the University Schwann Building during a campus visit.

The University of Huddersfield provided all of the qualities that I was looking for, especially the possibility to attend classes at any time and to reach tutors and professors via email.

Opting for online study

In 2019, I had just finished my Master’s in Biophysics and a Master's in Advanced Materials and was about to start my PhD. However, I was keen to change my field of study to AI, whilst pursing my PhD at the same time. Distance learning was therefore the logical choice for me because it allowed me to optimally divide my time without being bound to a specific schedule.

Studying online was a very interesting experience. Whilst I missed the face-to-face contact with other students on my course, I really enjoyed the flexibility of distance learning.  I had the freedom to adapt my routine to include enough time to study my online classes after or alongside my daily commitments.

The flexible structure of the course allowed me to balance my studies with my other commitments, which was essential for me to be able to continue pursuing my PhD at the same time.

Learning from AI experts

The quality of teaching on the AI Master's course at Huddersfield was notably high. What stood out for me was not just the academic rigour, but also the amicable nature of the teaching staff. They were always accessible and willing to engage, whether it was to clarify my doubts or to help me to delve deeper into a topic. The overall responsiveness and dedication of the School of Computing and Engineering significantly contributed to my understanding and appreciation of Artificial Intelligence.

Fuzhan stood next to her course supervisor Dr George Bargiannis at her graduation ceremony. Fuzhan with Dr George Bargiannis, a Subject Area Leader (Computing and Information Systems).

Developing AI skills for industry

Academically, the course's in-depth focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of AI, especially in areas like machine learning and data mining, provided me with the foundational knowledge and skills required for my career.

Professionally, the challenge of learning and applying diverse programming languages significantly enhanced my technical proficiency, preparing me well for a role in data science.

Achieving academic success

At the end of my studies at Huddersfield, I was awarded the Chancellor's Prize. This was a profound honour for me, which recognized my dedication and academic achievements on the AI Master's course.

The moment I learned I had received the award, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude, as it not only validated my hard work but also reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence. It was truly one of the most memorable and rewarding moments of my academic journey.

Fuzhan wearing her graduation gown and hat, holding her Chancellors Prize certificate.

Attending graduation on campus was the highlight of my whole experience of studying at the University of Huddersfield.

Experiencing Huddersfield

Despite being a distance learning student, I was always eager to attend graduation in person. And when I completed the course I had to opportunity to do so.

Participating in the graduation ceremony was a dream come true. It was an adventurous trip to England, but it was worth it. The whole ceremony was well organised and the countryside around Huddersfield was also very beautiful and worth a visit.

Fuzhan and her fiancé stood together at her graduation ceremony.

My future in AI

I am currently writing my last paper for my PhD at the Technical University of Munich and I hope to complete my thesis at the end of the year.

After this, I have already secured a postdoctoral position, where I will be working on AI applications in battery development. I want to use this opportunity to connect with the academic world and scout the industry for cutting-edge research opportunities in the AI field.

My advice for people considering studying an AI Master’s

Go for it! Talk with your tutors and teachers and trust in their abilities to guide you. Work hard and follow your passion. Huddersfield is a perfect place to study AI at Master’s level.

Want to hear more from our AI graduates? Read Stefano's profile.