Maria

Why did you choose to continue your postgraduate studies at Surrey, instead of another university?

I chose to stay at Surrey because I knew it was the right place to continue my education. I was keen to pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) pathway in my legal career and explored different masters programs to enhance my studies. 

Having done a lot of research, I was really happy with the overview of Surrey's course and had full confidence that the lecturers were going to support my individual studies.

How did the university support you in your transition to becoming a postgraduate student?

Knowing all the lecturers already, I knew that it would be easy to transition. In advance of September, I got a range of emails which were helpful in preparing me both for freshers' week and the beginning of the year. I had a call with my tutor in advance, which reassured me and allowed me to do some pre-reading. 

What have been the biggest benefits so far of continuing your studies at Surrey?

The biggest benefits of continuing are familiarity and flexibility. Familiarity has allowed me to jump straight into learning without having to take weeks to figure out routes, buildings and processes at a new university. Also, the flexibility of the LLM course means that all the teaching is over three days a week and I can devote the other days to other learning and work alongside my masters. I'd also decided to live in London, so this flexibility has allowed me to commute.

What do you plan to do after graduating and how has your masters degree supported that?

My masters course is structured around preparation for employment and the SQE. My current plan if to sit the SQE exam in Jan 2027 and find a full-time job after my graduation in September 2026. This will allow me time to prepare for the exam fully and find a job in the city! 

My masters has equipped me with an enormous number of skills, which will help me navigate life as a solicitor.