International student Saad Irfan chose Liverpool Hope University because he was attracted to a unique degree that few other institutions offer.
And he’s convinced his studies won’t just provide a great qualification, but they’ll set him up for a productive professional career, too.
Saad, 21, was born in Pakistan but has lived for much of his life in the stunning coastal city of Muscat, Oman.
After completing A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics, he began scouring the globe for universities that offered courses that explored both computer software and hardware.
And Saad says the he’s enrolled on at Hope really appealed - because there’s very little like it available at other universities.
He explains: “I was looking at lots of universities, all across the world, and Hope’s offering immediately jumped out because it had a course that covered electronic and computer engineering, and not just computer science.
“It was a unique combination that really appealed.
“So I’m going to be learning about both the software and the hardware aspects of computer systems. And that’s a really good thing, professionally, both in terms of the current era and the future of the technological industry.
“Software in particular really has my curiosity because it underpins pretty much everything we do right now - it’s all around us.
“You then look at recent innovations, such as the Metaverse, which could create many thousands of jobs for the industry in the future.
“I also think that the Blockchain is going to be increasingly important - from online banking and contactless payments to cryptocurrency. Blockchain and the Metaverse are two areas I’d love to work in. And I feel like my degree at Hope will enable me to do just that.”
Saad is in just the second semester of his studies at Hope, but is already looking forward to his third year, which will see him spending a year working in industry.
He adds: “Again, I’d like to spend a year in industry with a firm that deals in software and hardware. Because that won’t just help me with my degree, but it will help me in my professional life as well..
“And, for me, that’s the most important thing.”
Another element of his study he’s relishing is getting to grips with more programming languages, having already had experience working with ‘Python’ and ‘Rust’.
He adds: “You could say that there’s almost a programming language for every letter of the alphabet, and they’re all unique in terms of what they do and what they produce.
“I’m really fascinated by this and I’m keen to learn more about it at Hope.”
Saad admits that moving from the picturesque Arabian Peninsula and arriving in Merseyside has been something of a ‘culture shock’.
But he says that everything he’d heard beforehand about how welcoming the city is, and how there’s a real sense of inclusivity, has been proved true.
He says: “I’d heard a lot about how the people in Liverpool are very friendly and I just thought, ‘Why not give it a try’. And it’s a beautiful city, by the way, with so much history and culture.
“And, most definitely, I’ve been welcomed here. People are nice, respectful and they don’t judge you based on race or religion.
“My tutors are also really great. If you ask for help, they always make time, advising me on what approaches I need to take.”
Associate Professor Emanuele Secco, Associate Professor in Robotics, says he’s delighted to have welcomed Saad to Hope, and adds: “If you enjoy Engineering and Robotics, then visit our campus and learn more about our facilities, including the full suite of modern equipment and devices we have for students to get engaged with.”