Meet MSc Computer Science graduate Richa Sharma
- Written byStéphanie Malm
- Published date 13 October 2025
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Richa Sharma recently graduated from MSc Computer Science at UAL Creative Computing Institute (CCI). We caught up with her and spoke about her time at CCI, her experience as an international student and how her postgraduate degree helped her prepare for her current role as a software engineer.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?
My name is Richa Sharma, I’m a software developer and self-taught programmer with over five years of experience in the tech industry. I’m originally from Delhi, India, and my journey into technology began while I was studying Business Administration. I realised early on that combining business knowledge with technical skills could open up unique problem-solving opportunities. This curiosity led me to move to Bangalore, often called the Silicon Valley of India, to immerse myself in software engineering.
Over the years, I have worked on programming, web development, data analysis, and project management, tackling projects that strengthened my technical and problem-solving abilities. I recently completed my Master’s in Computer Science at UAL’s Creative Computing Institute, graduating with distinction for my dissertation. Alongside my course, I had the opportunity to work as an Associate Lecturer for the university’s Peckham DAz programme, where I taught computer science to students. This experience allowed me to share my knowledge while learning from their fresh perspectives.
Currently, I work as a System Software Engineer at TTEC, focusing on automating processes in the infrastructure department.
What made you choose to study MSc Computer Science at UAL’s Creative Computing Institute?
I chose CCI because it offers something I couldn’t find in a traditional computer science course. A genuine blend of technical depth, creativity, and critical thinking. Most computer science programmes focus heavily on coding, algorithms, and theory, which are important, but I was also looking for a place that would encourage me to think about the why and how behind technology, not just the what.
CCI stood out because of its interdisciplinary approach. It combines programming and data science with design thinking, human-computer interaction, and creative experimentation. The course encourages us to work on projects that go beyond functional solutions, exploring how technology can also be artistic, interactive, and socially impactful. Another reason was the opportunity to be surrounded by a diverse community. Not just software engineers, but also artists, designers, and researchers. I knew this would push me to think differently, collaborate across disciplines, and develop a broader perspective on problem-solving. For someone like me, who comes from both a business and technology background, this unique environment felt like the perfect space to grow.
How did you find transitioning to university as an international student, and what support did you receive?
Transitioning to UAL as an international student was both exciting and challenging. Moving from India to London meant adapting not only to a new education system, but also to a completely different cultural and social environment. The teaching style was more independent and research-driven, and I had to quickly get used to managing my own learning, participating in critical discussions, and balancing multiple projects at once.
What made the transition smoother was the strong support network at UAL. The international student services team provided guidance on everything from visa processes to settling into life in London. At CCI, the faculty were approachable and always willing to offer feedback or advice when I was unsure about something.
There were also dedicated workshops, orientation programmes, and peer groups that helped me connect with other students, many of whom were also adjusting to life in a new country. These resources not only helped me academically but also made me feel part of a community where I could share experiences, ask questions and find encouragement whenever I needed it.
How did studying help you develop a more creative outlook?
Before joining CCI, my approach to technology was mostly functional. I focused on building systems that worked well and solved problems efficiently. Studying at CCI shifted my perspective and encouraged me to look at technology as a creative medium, not just a set of tools. The course introduced me to concepts like creative coding, interactive design, and user experience storytelling. I learned how to prototype ideas quickly, test them, and refine them based on feedback even if that meant starting over. This gave me the confidence to experiment with approaches that were new to me, such as combining data visualisation with artistic elements or exploring how AI could be used for creative expression.
Collaborating with students from different disciplines also played a big role. Working alongside artists, designers, and researchers exposed me to new ways of thinking, which often led to more innovative and engaging solutions. By the end of the course, my projects were not only technically sound, but also visually engaging, human-centred, and more impactful.
What was your favourite project you've worked on while studying?
My favourite project was my Master’s dissertation, which I completed in collaboration with Open Climate Fix (OCF), a London-based non-profit dedicated to tackling climate change by bridging the gap between the energy sector and scientific research.
For this project, I developed elexonpy, a Python Software Development Kit (SDK) for the Elexon API, which is now published on PyPI for public use. The Elexon API provides valuable data such as solar forecasts, electricity demand, and settlement system prices. These datasets are crucial for developing nowcasting models that predict solar energy generation models. These help the UK’s National Grid ESO and other stakeholders make informed decisions about balancing energy supply and demand, especially as the country transitions to renewable energy sources.
The goal of elexonpy was to make this complex data more accessible to climate researchers and developers. The SDK allows them to connect to multiple API endpoints quickly and reliably, without having to manually handle the intricacies of the API. To accelerate its development and maintain API standards, I used Swagger Codegen, which allowed me to focus more on optimising functionality and usability. To demonstrate its practical applications, I also created ForecastFlow, a web app built using Streamlit. ForecastFlow allows users to visualise and analyse solar and wind forecasts in a simple, interactive interface — showcasing how elexonpy could support decision-making in real-world energy management scenarios.
One of the most exciting aspects of the project was seeing it officially published on PyPI, making it accessible to the global developer and climate research community. I also integrated features like default DataFrame outputs, which made data manipulation easier for researchers by removing extra configuration steps. The project received strong recognition within my cohort, and I was honoured to achieve third place for my dissertation. Beyond the award, what made this project so meaningful to me was knowing that I had created a tool that could have a tangible, positive impact in the fight against climate change while also sharpening my skills in Python, API development, data processing, and visualization.
How did MSc Computer Science help prepare you for your current job?
It gave me both the technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills I use daily as a System Software Engineer. I learned to approach challenges holistically, understanding the problem, prototyping solutions, testing, and refining them, which mirrors how I now design automation tools.
Working on interdisciplinary projects prepared me to collaborate with diverse teams, a key part of my role at TTEC. The course’s emphasis on innovation and adaptability also helps me navigate the fast-changing technologies and requirements in infrastructure automation.
Can you tell us a bit more about your current job, and what it entails?
I currently work as a System Software Engineer at TTEC where my main focus is on automating processes within the infrastructure department to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure systems run reliably. In practical terms, this means I design and build automation scripts, develop internal tools, and create workflows that replace time-consuming manual processes. For example, tasks that might previously have taken hours for an engineer to complete can now be done in minutes, sometimes even seconds, through automation. This not only saves time but also frees up the team to focus on higher-value work, such as optimising infrastructure or tackling complex technical challenges.
The role demands both technical expertise and a strong understanding of operational workflows. I need to be comfortable with programming, scripting, and systems architecture, but also deeply aware of how different teams within the organisation work, so I can design solutions that integrate seamlessly into their processes.
What I enjoy most about this job is seeing the tangible, measurable impact of my work. Every time a new automation is deployed, I can directly see how it reduces workload, speeds up delivery, and improves reliability and that’s incredibly rewarding. It’s also a role that keeps me learning constantly, because infrastructure technology evolves quickly, and each project comes with its own unique challenges.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who is thinking about studying MSc Computer Science at UAL?
If you’re considering this course, think of it as more than just a traditional computer science degree. It’s designed for people who want to combine strong technical skills with creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Here, you won’t just learn programming languages or algorithms, you’ll also explore how technology connects to art, design, and human experiences.
My advice is to come with curiosity and an open mind. Be ready to experiment, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and work on projects that might push you outside your comfort zone. This course values creative thinking as much as technical accuracy, so don’t be afraid to try bold ideas and even fail.
That’s often where the best learning happens.
If you’re someone who wants to build technology that not only works well but also inspires, engages, and solves real-world problems, then MSc Computer Science at CCI will give you the tools, environment, and support to make that happen.