From lectures to launching products; how his degree in Computer Science helped Theo launch the Reverie app
Theo has always been fascinated by computers and technology. After studying Computer Science at GCSE and A-Level, he knew he wanted to develop his skills further and turn his interest into a career.
Having grown up on the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth was close to home while still offering the chance to experience university life. With its balance of understanding the theory behind computing concepts alongside practical experience, Theo applied for the BSc in Computer Science at the university.
This hands-on approach to learning became especially important for Theo during his final year where he had the opportunity to build a real project - which is where he saw his app, Reverie, come to life.
Building Reverie: A Music-Driven Emotional Journal App
For his final year dissertation, Theo wanted to create something meaningful that could become a real product for people to have in their hands.
Using Flutter, Firebase, and SQLite, Theo created the mood-driven journaling app for users to connect their emotions to the music they listen to. The app allows users to record how they feel, connect those emotions to songs, and create a personal journal that reflects their experiences over time.
The freedom to choose my own idea and build it from scratch was one of the best parts of the course. Your dissertation is yours - you pick the idea, you own the product, and there's nothing stopping you from continuing it after you graduate. I don't think I'd have had the confidence to do that without the support and freedom the course gave me.
Developing skills through hands-on learning
Creating Reverie allowed Theo to apply everything he had developed throughout his degree; with modules covering mobile development, artificial intelligence and data-focused technologies, these gave him the foundation to explore his own interests and continue learning independently.
With support from lecturers in the School of Computing, students like Theo have the opportunity to develop their own ideas, receive guidance from experienced academics, and create projects that reflect their interests.
After graduating, Theo is moving to Brighton and looking for graduate developer roles across mobile, web, and full-stack development. He is continuing to develop Reverie, building new projects, and expanding his technical skills through further learning and certifications.
Life beyond the classroom
Alongside his course, Theo enjoyed the social aspects of studying at the University of Portsmouth - joining the Athletics Club in his final year to help him balance work and play.
Living near the Southsea seafront also became one of his favourite parts of being a student, providing a place to run, relax, and take a break from coding.
For Theo, Portsmouth offered the perfect combination of supportive teaching, practical learning, and the freedom to create - helping him turn his passion for technology into a published app.
Pick a project you genuinely care about. When you’re passionate about what you’re building, staying motivated becomes much easier.
