Kingston University computer science student comes through Clearing to secure graduate job

A Kingston University graduate who came through Clearing has secured himself an internship at Sky and has a graduate job lined up at a financial technology company.

Alexander Duya, 21, is from East London and had planned to study dentistry before having a change of heart a few weeks before results day in 2023 and chose computer science due to the diverse number of careers it can lead to after graduating. In the process, he became part of the first generation of his family to attend university. 

Alexander explained how his decision to study computer science led him to starting at Kingston University. “I know I wanted to stay in London and commute from home so the diverse community around Kingston was a big factor for me,” he said. “I also saw the examples of other Clearing students’ journeys on the University website and LinkedIn and how successful they had gone on to be so that was really appealing. The Clearing process was also very straightforward.” 

Studying at Kingston University

While his subjects at A-Level did not directly translate to computer science, he praised the first year of the course and how it built up his relatively basic knowledge through not just teaching theory but also gaining practical experience as well. 

He also praised his lecturers including Professor Graeme Jones and Paul Neve for their teaching also always being on hand to help. 

Alexander reflected on some of his favourite moments from his time at the University. “The programming modules, in particular, really prepared me for a career as a software engineer and taught me a lot of transferable skills such as communication. A personal highlight was of course coming back to Kingston to graduate and to catch up with all the friends I made here.”

Looking to the future

Alexander’s time at Kingston has led directly to his first steps into the world of work as a software engineer. The University’s Future Skills programme provided a solid foundation for him with the mock assessment centre preparing Alexander for job interviews. 

He also praised the University’s careers team, which helped him secure internships at BAE systems last summer, Sky this summer and a graduate job at finance technology company Wise (formerly TransferWise) starting in September.

When asked for advice for people going through Clearing this year, Alexander’s answer was simple: “Go for it,” he said. “Do as much research as you can, look at the type of alumni the University has, but most importantly just make sure you make a decision because University has been vital for me.” 

• Find out more about studying computer science at Kingston University.
• Find out more about Kingston University's sector-leading Future Skills programme.
• Kingston University's Clearing hotline is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4.30pm until the start of term.
• Potential students should call 0800 0483 334 (or +44 20 8328 1149 from outside the UK) to speak to the University's friendly and knowledgeable hotline operators who will be able to provide information on courses available and guide callers through their options. 
• Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK. International call costs may vary and callers should check with their network provider.
• Students should have their UCAS identification, if they have one, to hand and full details of qualifications, including subjects, grades, dates obtained and exam boards before calling the hotline.