Matt C
"Surrey is a lovely community... so for those applying, know that you have the academic security and quality but also the social sphere that will make your experience extra enjoyable!"
Course
Public Affairs MScEntry year
2025Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?
I transferred to Surrey during my second year of my undergraduate degree in International Relations, after a bad experience at two previous institutions. Despite making this gamble on my studies, after two years at Surrey I felt really connected to my department of Politics and International Relations, and I feel that I’d established a feeling of belonging at the University which had eluded me in the years before.
Surrey gave me the confidence to pursue both extracurricular and academic activities, and my department gave me the confidence to pursue further study.
The teaching experience at undergraduate also reassured me that I would be in safe hands for my masters degree, and I would have a sufficient support network both academically and in wellbeing terms from my department and the University services.
What are the best things about Surrey and your course?
I actually really love the campus. It is possibly my favourite thing about Surrey in that there are so many spaces to socialise and relax. Guildford and Stag Hill also deliver on the nightlife, most of the time. I’ve always wanted to live on campus although I’ve never got the chance so far in my studies.
With regards to my course, I really do like my lecturers and the close knit community of students. The lecturers treat students with a degree of respect that makes it feel like you are almost on a level playing field with them as academics, but also use their experience sufficiently to guide you in your journey as a student. Even if you never use it, the knowledge that the help is always available is really reassuring. You can also tell that the lecturers are passionate about what they teach, and overall they are quite friendly which makes everything more pleasant in the student experience.
In my course specifically, I also feel I have the opportunity to turn it into whatever I like and craft it towards my particular interests. Some of my course mates are very policy focused, while I’ve tailored my course more towards activism and campaigning. This kind of autonomy really allows me to invest in what I’m learning interested in, rather than doing modules I don’t like.
What are the best things about life here as a postgraduate student?
The close-knit student community of postgraduates and the integration with undergraduates. No matter what age you are you still feel as much a part of the University as the second or third years.
I think there are also a good amount of spaces to really focus on assignments and intense research away from the buzz of campus, but also countless opportunities to socialise (maybe in societies or the student bars) for some respite from academic study.
What are your career plans?
Personally, I have a particular interest in campaigning and public-facing politics, but I also have an interest in matters concerning student engagement and participation, as well as social welfare, so I’d love to work in any of these fields.
Running in the student union elections has also inspired me towards these goals alongside my course.
What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?
Go for it. But if you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to email someone in Politics and International Relations. They are very helpful, but they also treat you like an individual rather than a number, which makes it easier to communicate your needs or queries.
Surrey is a lovely community, even as someone who has never had the chance to live on campus I don’t feel like I’ve lost out, so for those applying, know that you have the academic security and quality but also the social sphere that will make your experience extra enjoyable!
Discover more about our postgraduate courses in Politics and International Relations, including our Public Affairs MSc.
