Below is the Sample Cover Letter / SOP for UK Study Permit
I, Nutan, a seasoned IT professional from Bangalore (India), would like to apply for my study permit to pursue my master’s in Computer Science from Middlesex University. I am seeking career progression after upgrading my knowledge and skills through a global master’s program at such a coveted institution. I profoundly believe that this program at this point in my career will prove to be a millstone and would help me to achieve my career aspirations and future goals.
My Academic & Professional Background
My inclination towards computers and technology kept on growing, since the time I was first introduced to these subjects during my school. After schooling, I enrolled in B.Sc. Program in Computer Science in the year 2011 and in order to devolve deeper into this domain, I went for Master of Computer Applications from Seth Vishambhar Dayal University in the year 2014. Focusing on my 360-degree development by attending regular classroom coaching and participating in sports and extra-curricular activities allowed me to emerge as a leader while working in a team. During my Bachelors of Computer Science and Masters of Computer Application studies, I undertook project work to be able to apply my theoretical knowledge into practice to develop solutions that could hone my technical forte. After completing my education, I joined Technians Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd. as a Software Test Engineer where I worked for a year. Marching ahead, I decided to join Magelab as a Test Engineer and later worked as a Senior Test Analyst for Dnata International (Emirates Group). Soon after resigning from Dnata International, I joined Zeta India as a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer and worked there to date.
Why to pursue higher education:
Working as Quality Analyst, my role demands finding the bugs in a software to fix it and re-test it before the delivery. Over the period, I found my job monotonous because it lacked learning and growth opportunities. QA can be promoted to QA Lead or QA Manager at the maximum, and thus I realised that I need to upgrade my skills and move towards Software Development. As a software developer, I would get new challenges every day and can be later promoted as Principal Engineer, Tech Lead, Solution Architect, Development Manager, and Engineering Manager, etc. It is amazing how technology has evolved since I graduated. The concepts of cyber security, block chain development, data visualization, and cross-platform application development are bringing positive changes to the way we do business and implement solutions. I feel stagnant in my career in India as a Quality Analyst. I am not able to move forward—the reason being the absence of industry-ready knowledge and skills in my field. I aim to work as a Technical Leader or a Project Manager to lead technical projects and reach the top of my career. It asks me to brush my technical proficiency as per the latest innovations in the computer science field in the world. And hence, acquiring formal global program from UK can be an ideal progression for me.
Why Not India for higher studies?
I have already done my Master’s in Computer Application (MCA) in India, which is considered as equivalent to BE in India. While opting for my master’s I was not aware of this fact due to limited knowledge and understanding of the domain. Moreover, Indian Institutes also lack practical exposure to studies. The curriculum of the programs is not updated as per the latest industry requirements. The teaching methodology fails to improve students’ innovation skills but instead asks them to follow the pre-defined working methods. This is something I faced during my studies in India. Though I want to make my career in India only as my family is here, I don’t want to compromise on the quality of education to pursue my further studies and this is the reason why I have chosen the UK for the same.
Why UK:
The United Kingdom has a great reputation globally for imparting quality education and Indian employers always seek employees who possess the most advanced knowledge and skills in their fields. In such a scenario, the best option seems to be a foreign education. The UK is an advanced country that invests heavily in technology, and as a result, the programs related to technical fields are updated as per the latest industry demands to impart training that can give students hands-on practical training. Regular seminars, workshops, presentations, and field trips to prepare students for the working world’s challenges mould students into professionals. In addition, the UK’s coaching setup that instills in students the best possible knowledge and skills of their domain guarantees career success in India. Moreover, in the UK, I shall only have to invest one year into studies, and I shall attain a lifetime of career advantages in India. I also had the option of choosing Canada’s one-year certificate programs, but obviously, the UK’s master’s degree programs hold more value in India. As a result, the UK qualification will give me a competitive edge over other Indian candidates.
MSc Computer Science at Middlesex University:
Through a Master of Computer Science at Middlesex University, I will strengthen my understanding of the significant concepts of the field to pave my way to a successful professional career. The freedom to choose electives as per my passion and career plans will enable me to gain subject-specific knowledge and achieve excellence in my preferred areas. Middlesex University maintains strong links with the industry to update the curriculum of the program from time to time to instill in students the best possible knowledge and skills of their fields. This opportunity would make me industry-ready, and implementing the modern working methods tested and proven to be more result-oriented will enhance my contribution to my future job. The world-class amenities with modern infrastructure, rich library and practical labs would make the learning process smoother and better by allowing students an opportunity to gain hands-on practical training. Global rankings of the university at different platforms has helped me to finalise my search for the institution.
Future Plans:
After completing my program, I intend to come back to India and join some of the leading IT firms in India, where I can utilize my previous work experience and current skills and knowledge gained at the course. India has a great demand for trained IT professionals and software developers, especially those who are having a global degree and experience. Bangalore is an IT Hub of India and my hometown and since I have worked for more than 6 years here in the industry, I would prefer joining leading firms here only, though I am open to explore some good opportunities in Gurgaon and Hyderabad as well, which are also having leading start-ups and software companies. MSc Computer Science from Middlesex University will bolster my profile and fetch me better career opportunities in my country where I can reach the top of my field within a short period. While studying in the UK and then bringing my expertise to my country will help me gain my employers’ trust in me. They will be able to rely on me for my suggestions and solutions. My working methods, formal etiquette and cross-cultural skills will be more advanced as per the international standards, which will increase my chances of promotion as well. The UK qualification will help me enhance my employability in this growing field in India and help me elevate my career to the next level. As my family is in India, I wish to make my career in India only. In fact, the UK qualification will ensure I achieve financial, professional, and social success in my country, where I can easily earn between GBP 16,719 to 21,201.
I have saved enough money during my professional journey, which is more than enough to fund my studies and living expenses during the course in the UK. I have paid the total tuition fee of 14500 GBP along with a mandatory deposit of GBP 7250 and Regional Bursary of GBP 2000. Apart from that, I have GBP 32,687 in my savings account which I can use for the rest of the expenses there. I have attached all the relevant copies of the documents along with this application.
I am confident of climbing the organizational hierarchy and ultimately reaching the pinnacle of my career within a short period after returning to India. Therefore, to help me live my career goals in my country, I request you to allow me to attend this coveted program in the UK.
Nutan
