Darshan

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I decided to study Cyber Security at Surrey because of its strong reputation for applied, industry relevant research in the field. The course's focus on both theoretical foundations and practical skills aligned perfectly with my goal of specialising in AI security and emerging threats. Surrey's connections with industry partners gave me confidence that I would gain real-world exposure alongside my academic studies. 

"The proximity to London's tech sector also made it an ideal base for pursuing professional opportunities concurrently."

The Cyber Security course at Surrey covers a broad and rigorous curriculum that has deepened my understanding of everything from applied cryptography to AI governance frameworks. The faculty are engaged and research active, which creates an intellectually stimulating environment for postgraduate students. The campus itself is well equipped and the support available for students is genuinely impressive. I have also valued the strong sense of community among students, which led to collaborative achievements like winning the SheHacksSurrey Hackathon with my teammates.

What are your career plans? 

I aim to specialise in AI security and LLM threat research, focusing on areas like AI threat modelling, RAG pipeline security, and applied cryptography. I plan to keep growing through my current role at Quinine Cybersecurity Ltd while seeking research collaboration opportunities. In the longer term, I hope to contribute meaningfully to AI governance and potentially pursue a PhD. Surrey has been a strong foundation for making that path a reality.

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

Get involved in hackathons and competitions early, as they build both skills and confidence. Try to gain work experience alongside your studies if you can, as real-world application accelerates learning significantly. Most importantly, collaborate with your peers, as some of the best learning happens outside the classroom.