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Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I chose the MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Surrey because of its strong emphasis on practical laboratory research and industry-relevant skills. The University has excellent facilities that allow students to deeply engage with complex genetic and metabolic processes. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to conduct intensive, hands-on research projects alongside experienced faculty. Furthermore, being in Guildford provides a great balance of a focused academic environment while still being well connected for professional and career opportunities.

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

The best part of the MSc Biotechnology course is the extensive hands-on experience and the collaborative environment in the laboratories. I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with my project supervisor and my lab colleagues, which makes the rigorous daily laboratory work highly rewarding. Our specific research projects and laboratory experiments have been fascinating. It is incredibly fulfilling to work on projects that have such practical and real-world applications within the scientific community.

What are the best things about life here as a postgraduate student?

Life as a postgraduate student here allows for an excellent balance of intense academic focus and personal development. The campus environment is highly supportive, offering quiet spaces where I can focus on reading self-improvement books regarding communication, discipline, and human psychology. The local area in and around Guildford is also very convenient, offering opportunities to explore part-time work to support my studies. Overall, the community makes it easy to stay disciplined and focused on my broader educational and professional goals.

What are your career plans?

My career plans are currently dynamic, as I am exploring several distinct pathways within the scientific sector. Primarily, I am looking into entry-level industrial roles within the biotechnology industry where I can directly apply my laboratory and research skills. At the same time, I am actively exploring fully funded global PhD opportunities to continue my academic journey and deepen my expertise. Ultimately, I want to ensure I build a versatile and impactful career, whether that keeps me in the lab or takes me into other professional avenues.

What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?

My main advice is to build a strong foundation of discipline and time management before you begin your studies. The laboratory research can be intense, so developing good communication skills to interact effectively with your supervisors and lab partners is essential for success. I highly recommend taking the time to understand team dynamics, as working well collaboratively will make your long lab days much smoother. Finally, stay very organised with your daily logs and research notes, as staying on top of the workload is the key to thriving on this demanding programme.

Find out more about our Biotechnology MSc