International student profiles content store_hidden Animesh Singh Basnet Our students and alumni

I am originally from Nepal, where I grew up before moving to the UK to pursue my postgraduate studies. My interest in technology started in high school, when I began creating simple games using Visual Basic. This developed into a professional interest in data and technology, leading me to work as a Data Analyst with data from one of Nepal’s large coffee chains and later at a gaming company handling more than one million data points every day.

Specialising in artificial intelligence felt like a natural progression from my background in data and my interest in technology, which led me to pursue an Artificial Intelligence MSc at London Metropolitan University. Moving from Nepal to the UK was a significant personal and professional step. It gave me the opportunity to experience a different culture, meet people from diverse backgrounds and develop my skills in an international environment.

The MSc in Artificial Intelligence offered a balance of academic knowledge and practical skills. I also wanted to study in a strong research environment, particularly because of the university’s well-regarded Cyber Security Research Centre and its work in research and academic publications.

Receiving the London Met and International Student House Scholarship also played an important role in my decision. As an international student, it made London Met an even more attractive choice.

London Met was about much more than studying. The MSc gave me a strong foundation in artificial intelligence, but some of the most valuable experiences came from the people and opportunities I encountered.

As a student, I had the opportunity to work on research with my professors and academics from other departments, which broadened my experience beyond my course and gave me valuable insight into different areas of research. Working as a Student Ambassador was another highlight. It allowed me to work with fellow students, meet people from different backgrounds and better understand life in the UK.

I also had opportunities to showcase my project through the School of Computing and Digital Media and get involved in university clubs and activities. I made great friends during my time at London Met, many of whom I have stayed in touch with even after graduating. 

I am currently working as a KTP Associate and Machine Learning Researcher at Aston University, as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Lee Mount Healthcare. My role combines research, artificial intelligence and practical implementation, applying AI and digital technologies to real challenges within the care sector to improve efficiency, quality and information management.

Before this, I worked as a Research Fellow with professors from London Met on the UKRI-funded CyberASAP project through the university’s Cyber Security Research Centre. This gave me valuable experience in applied research and innovation.

My current role has built on this experience while allowing me to develop further skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, system design, testing and coordinating development work. It has been a natural progression from my MSc, allowing me to apply what I learned at London Met while continuing to grow in an industry-focused research environment. What interests me most is not technology for its own sake, but how it can be used to solve problems that have a real impact on people and organisations. Working on research such as CyberASAP and now applying AI within the care sector has reinforced my interest in finding practical applications for emerging technologies.

I am driven by learning, problem-solving and the opportunity to create something useful. AI is a rapidly changing field, so there is always something new to understand and explore. I also enjoy taking a complex problem, breaking it down and developing a practical solution. Being able to see an idea progress from research or experimentation into something that can actually be used is particularly rewarding.

One of my proudest achievements was completing my MSc as a recipient of a scholarship. Coming from Nepal and moving to the UK for postgraduate study was a major step for me, so completing the degree was particularly meaningful. Having my parents attend my graduation and see me complete that journey made it even more special.

I am also proud of my MSc project in cybersecurity, where I explored Advanced Persistent Threats, a completely new area for me at the time. It challenged me to learn beyond my existing knowledge, and I was later able to develop the work further and publish a paper based on it in the SCDM Journal. 

Outside university and work, I would describe myself as a bit of a jack of all trades. I enjoy exploring different interests, learning new skills and trying things that are very different from my usual work in technology.

I enjoy photography and doodling, and recently took part in an exhibition with friends from UAL, where I showcased an artwork that combined technology and poetry. I enjoy having a creative outlet because it allows me to express ideas in a completely different way. I also love exploring the outdoors and am an avid trekker. I have climbed Snowdon and am planning to complete the Three Peaks Challenge by next year. 

Another experience that has been important to me was working as a Teaching Assistant with the Upward Bound Programme, in collaboration with Islington Council. I helped with the Saturday sessions for students aged 8 to 13, helping them develop their academic skills while creating a safe and engaging environment. I enjoyed being able to support younger students and contribute to their development.

In the future, I would like to continue working on challenging AI problems while contributing to projects where the technology has a measurable real-world impact. I am particularly interested in developing AI systems that can make complex information more accessible and help organisations improve the way they operate.

I would encourage prospective students to look beyond simply completing their degree. Make use of the opportunities available through the University, speak to your lecturers and look for opportunities to get involved in research, projects or other activities alongside your studies.

For international students, I would also encourage you to make the most of the experience of studying in the UK. It can be a big adjustment, but it is also an opportunity to build confidence, develop a professional network and experience different perspectives. My own experience showed me that the opportunities you take during your degree can continue to influence your career after graduation. 

The student community was very diverse, with people from different countries and professional and academic backgrounds. I enjoyed that diversity because it meant that people often approached the same problem from very different perspectives. The teaching staff were approachable and supportive. I particularly valued the opportunities to discuss ideas beyond the standard coursework and to get involved in research activities.

The library and study spaces were probably my favourite areas. A lot of my MSc involved reading, coding, researching and working on projects, so having a space where I could concentrate was important.

My favourite place in London is Regent’s Park. It was right next to my student accommodation, so it became a familiar part of my life during my time at London Met. I spent a lot of time there with friends, from casual walks and conversations to simply taking a break from studying.

The park holds many memories from my time as a student, which is what makes it special to me. I also enjoy its greenery and peaceful atmosphere, and still see it as one of my favourite places to relax and enjoy London.

London Met helped me develop academically and professionally, but it also gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career in the UK.