Siddharth Raja Chandra Prakash Raja, MSc Computing Science

12 Mar 2026

What made you choose Ireland and UCC, and how has the experience matched your expectations? 

I chose Ireland because of its strong technology sector, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Europe, with many global tech companies and a thriving innovation ecosystem. It offered the opportunity to study in a welcoming, internationally recognised academic environment while being close to industry developments.

I chose University College Cork because of the quality of its Computing Science programme, its balance between theory and practical learning, and its strong connections with research institutes and industry partners. The experience has met and exceeded my expectations, particularly through the hands-on modules, industry relevant projects, and the supportive learning environment. 

How has your experience been settling into life in Ireland, especially in terms of community, culture, and feeling at home? 

Settling into life in Ireland has been a very positive experience. Irish people are among the friendliest in the world, which made adapting to a new environment much easier. UCC also helps students feel right at home by providing strong support from the beginning, including assistance with accommodation and access to medical help whenever required.

The multicultural environment made it easy to connect with people from different backgrounds, and over time UCC truly felt like a second home, both academically and socially. 

What has been the most positive or surprising part of studying and living in Ireland so far? 

One of the most positive aspects has been the openness and collaborative learning culture, along with the strong focus on application oriented learning. I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible academic support and resources such as labs were throughout the day, which created an encouraging environment for practical learning and growth. 

How is your experience studying here helping you grow personally and build the confidence you need as you plan your future career? 

My MSc in Computing Science at University College Cork has helped me grow significantly, both personally and professionally. The programme offered a strong balance of theoretical knowledge and practical applications across different software engineering domains, helping me build technical confidence and industry readiness.

Working on my thesis, which was in a completely new domain for me, strengthened my foundation, expanded my perspective, and opened up new career paths, adding an extra feather to my professional journey. Working on assignments, group projects, and independent research also improved my analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, preparing me to take the next step in my career with confidence. 

What kinds of career support have been most valuable to you during your time here? 

The CV clinics, coding workshops, and career fair have been especially valuable during my time here. They helped me improve how I present my skills, strengthen my technical abilities, and connect with industry professionals while gaining a clearer understanding of career opportunities. 

Tell us about one moment from your time here that makes you smile when you think about it.

A moment that always makes me smile is completing my dissertation project and seeing how my dedication to it paid off beyond just good marks and new knowledge. The work I put into the research not only helped me grow academically but also led to an opportunity to join one of UCC’s research teams as a Research Assistant, which was a very rewarding and proud moment for me. 

What do you wish you had known before coming here that would reassure or excite future students?

I wish I had known how supportive and collaborative the learning environment would be. Even if you come from a different background or feel unsure at the beginning, the programme is designed to help you grow step by step, and there is always support available when you need it.