Postgraduate Student Profiles

Caroline graduated with a BA (Hons) Psychology in 2000, followed by an MSc in Computer Science, both from The University of Manchester. She is now continuing her studies at Manchester as a PhD student in the School of Computer Science.

"I was interested in pursuing a research career in experimental psychology, and I felt that gaining programming skills would give me a real edge. On graduation I took a job as a software engineer in an engineering firm (ALSTOM Transport and Distribution).  However, my desire to work in research prevailed and I returned to Manchester after a year to start studying for a PhD.

If I hadn't undertaken the MSc in Computer Science then I simply wouldn't be in the position I am today. My research area, human factors in computing, relies on the combination of my knowledge of psychology and my technical skills, so both my University of Manchester degrees have been vital to my career success!

One of the things I appreciate most about studying at Manchester, particularly within Computer Science, is that it provides a truly international research environment. I have had the opportunity to attend the top conferences in my research area and collaborate with other universities, both in the UK and America".