Abdullah

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I chose to study my MSc University of Surrey because of the university’s strong reputation in computer vision, AI and related research areas. I was highly impressed by the work being carried out at Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP), the quality of the academic staff, and the university’s research environment.

For me, the Computer Vision, Robotics and Machine Learning course felt like the right combination of academic depth, practical learning and future career value. I also felt that having the University of Surrey on my profile would leave a positive impression throughout my professional journey.

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

One of the best things about my course is how well the modules are designed. The course gradually builds from core concepts to more advanced topics, which makes the learning process structured and meaningful. 

I have especially enjoyed the lab work and coursework as they are interactive and give us the chance to apply our learning in a practical way. There is a lot of hands-on activities, which helps connect theory with real-world applications. Even during research-focused subjects, where there is less practical work, our professors connect the material with modern industry practice through guest lectures to make it relatable.

Another thing I appreciate is that everything feels very organised and considered. The academic year is well balanced with semesters planned in advance and there is a good choice in elective modules, plus dedicated time for exams. Feedback is taken regularly throughout the year, showing an appetite from the academic staff to deliver the best course possible. 

"The University of Surrey has an inclusive and supportive environment. There are students from a vast range of different backgrounds and cultures studying at Surrey; it feels like a place where people can learn from each other and celebrate different cultures and ideas."

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

Life as a postgraduate student at Surrey has been very enjoyable.

The campus is beautiful and peaceful. My favourite place on campus is the lakeside area because it is calm, close to nature, and a lovely place to sit with friends or focus on work.

I appreciate that Surrey has so many facilities to help students balance study and personal life. The Surrey Sports Park is a great asset on the Manor Park campus where I go to exercise, and there are many spaces on campus, such as the Library and various coffee shops, where students can relax, study and meet others.

The University of Surrey has an inclusive and supportive environment. There are students from a vast range of different backgrounds and cultures studying at Surrey; it feels like a place where people can learn from each other and celebrate different cultures and ideas.

What are your career plans?

My plan is to transition into industry and apply the knowledge and skills I have gained during my masters course to real-world problems. Through this MSc, I have developed a stronger understanding of computer vision, machine learning and AI systems, and I want to use this knowledge to work on practical industry use cases.

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

My advice would be to come with curiosity and be ready to work consistently. The course gives you many opportunities to learn and you get the most value when you actively take part in labs, coursework, projects and discussions with professors and course mates.

I would highly recommend this course to students who are interested in computer vision, robotics, machine learning and AI. It is suitable for students that have background in these areas and want to study them at a more advanced level.