Sam L.
"What I've valued most about my course is its exceptional flexibility and the emphasis on student-led, interdisciplinary projects. While my degree is in Aerospace Engineering, the structure allowed me to explore my broader interests in applied mechanics and systems engineering."
Course
Aerospace Engineering MEngWhat do you like about your course and why?
What I've valued most about my course is its exceptional flexibility and the emphasis on student-led, interdisciplinary projects.
While my degree is in Aerospace Engineering, the structure allowed me to explore my broader interests in applied mechanics and systems engineering. For instance, I chose a Final Year Project in materials, which actually won the Departmental Prize. I was also able to work on a district heating system project during my MEng year, which involved a lot of chemical and process engineering principles.
This flexibility was possible because of the fantastic staff. We're encouraged to talk to professors across departments about their research, which is how I found and selected the projects I was genuinely passionate about.
So, beyond the core curriculum, the course has given me the unique opportunity to build a very broad skill set, follow my curiosity, and work on tangible, award-winning projects by connecting with experts in different fields. It's really taught me how to tackle complex engineering problems without being constrained by a single discipline.
What do you enjoy most about Surrey?
What I've enjoyed most about Surrey is the vibrant and balanced campus life. The campus itself is beautiful and really well-equipped; having the lake at its heart creates a fantastic, relaxed atmosphere to study and socialise. It’s also incredibly self-sufficient, with a wide variety of food options that cater to everyone. This environment makes it easy to connect with people, which is how I got so involved in student activities beyond my degree
This involvement was most significant through my society, Team Peryton UAS. Being an active member for three years was a highlight. It went far beyond a hobby—it was a major engineering project where we designed, built, and flew unmanned aircraft to compete in the global IMechE UAS Challenge. Collaborating with a dedicated team, applying our academic knowledge to a real-world challenge, and competing against universities from all over the world was an unparalleled experience that truly defined my time at Surrey.
Sam enjoying the vibrant student societies that Surrey has to offer.
What do you want to do when you graduate?
Building on the broad engineering foundation from my degree, I'm targeting roles in product design or renewable energy. My project experience—whether winning an award for a materials project or designing a heating system—has shown me I thrive on turning concepts into practical, optimised solutions. I see both fields as areas where I can use my systems-thinking approach and passion for applied engineering to make a direct impact.
Your advice to new students
My advice is to adopt an 'opportunity mindset' from day one. Don't see the course as just a fixed syllabus. See it as a platform. The flexibility means the course doesn't limit you—it's what you make of it.
If you have a curiosity about a different field, like I did with materials and chemical engineering, you can pursue it. The resources, from the academic staff to the facilities like Team Peryton, are all here. Your success and experience will be directly proportional to your own initiative.
