Kirstie Tingley

When I first started looking at university courses, I didn’t have a clue exactly which path I wanted to take. I knew I was interested in technology, but there are so many specific routes (like cybersecurity, game development, or web design) and I was worried about choosing a course I would end up not liking. That is what inspired me to choose a Computer Science degree. It gave me the freedom to experience every different aspect of computing and figure out what I enjoyed most. Taking that broader approach was the best decision I could have made. It was only through getting hands-on with those varied modules that I realised my true passion wasn’t in games or cyber, but in Machine Learning and Data Analysis. I found out that I loved coding predictive AI models and making sense of complex data, and I wouldn’t have discovered that if the course hadn’t been so diverse in module options!

Edge Hill really stood out because of the support and facilities it offers. When I visited on open days, the campus was obviously beautiful, but what actually sold me was the atmosphere. It was so clear that Edge Hill genuinely cares about its students. I wanted an environment where the lecturers were approachable and actively invested in my development, rather than just feeling like a number in a massive lecture hall. The modern computing labs and the focus on the practical, hands-on application of theory were exactly what I was looking for. It just felt like a place where I could push myself to tackle complex, challenging subjects knowing I’d have the academic support system there when things got tough.

Through my final-year project, I learned how to build predictive AI algorithms in Python, handle massive datasets, and use advanced models like Random Forest and XGBoost. During my degree, I have also developed the skill of complex problem solving as I learned how to build robust software systems and logically debug them. As well, when running into servere limitations, I had to come up with ways to get around them. Finally, the skill I am most proud of is my technical communication and confidence. I used to be absolutely terrified of public speaking. But this degree pushed me out of my comfort zone. By the end, I was able to confidently explain highly complex concepts to groups of people without a tech background.

The most memorable moment of my degree has to be the Computer Science End-of-Year Showcase. As I mentioned, I used to be incredibly nervous about presenting, so setting up a stall to demonstrate software I’d spent months building felt like a massive milestone. Seeing people genuinely engage with my work was an amazing feeling. The highlight was stepping back and realising I had successfully built a complex, working piece of software that people found genuinely fascinating and useful.

My research project investigated what actually triggers algorithmic “virality” on YouTube. I was inspired by a massive gap in digital marketing: current analytics tools focus entirely on text-based metadata, completely ignoring the video thumbnail, which is what actually drives human clicks equalling views. To solve this “multimodal blind spot”, I engineered a machine learning pipeline that uses computer vision to extract visual data from thousands of thumbnails (like facial prominence, text density, and emotional expressions). Ultimately, my research mathematically proved that a video’s thumbnail design is the true primary driver of its success, taking the guesswork out of content creation and providing creators with data-driven proof of how the algorithm actually works.

My favourite thing about Computer Science is the constant problem-solving and the feeling of building something from nothing. It is incredibly satisfying to start with a blank screen, write lines of code and eventually have working system that can actually solve real-world problems. Also, the tech is always evolving (especially in areas like AI and data science) so you are never bored and there is always something new to learn.

The best thing about Edge Hill University is definitely the supportive community, particularly the academic staff. When you are tackling highly complex subjects like advanced machine learning, it is incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed. However, the lecturers here are genuinely invested in your development. They don’t just deliver lectures, they actively encourage you to aim higher and are always approachable when you need them. Having that level of support and knowing there is a safety net makes all the difference when you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

My favourite place of campus are the private study rooms in the Catalyst building. They are absolutely great for getting together to work on group projects, or just having a dedicated space to study away from your room when you need a change of scenery and really need to focus.

When I graduate, I hope to secure a role as a Data Analyst. Working on my final-year project made me realise how much I genuinely enjoy taking massive, messy datasets and turning them into clear, actionable insights. I want to build a career where I can use machine learning and data analysis to solve real-world problems, helping businesses make informed, data-driven decisions.

To anybody considering studying Computer Science at Edge Hill, my biggest piece of advice is to push past your comfort zone, both in your code and in yourself. Don’t worry over errors, you will learn much more from your code breaking than from it working perfectly the first time! As well, don’t let fear hold you back. I started university terrified of public speaking and networking, but pushing myself to actually present my work at the showcase was the best thing I ever did. Take on ambitious projects, put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because that is where the real personal and academic growth happens. Remember that your personal tutor, the lecturers, and well being staff are here to help you through.

The support at Edge Hill has been incredible on both a personal and academic level. Personally, the Wellbeing services were a massive help to me. Dealing with severe social anxiety was really tough when in a completely new environment, but having access to their support gave me the tools and confidence I needed to manage it, which ultimately allowed me to stand up and present at the Showcase. Academically, my supervisor (Professor Yannis Korkontzelos) was absolutely brilliant during my final project. He really pushed me to take my project to the next level and tackle the difficult machine learning concepts head-on. Having that balance of personal wellbeing support and strong academic encouragement made all the difference in my university journey.