Student stories

A qualified barrister under the National Bar of the Republic of Cyprus, Maria Louca holds an LLB from the University of Keele. She came to Surrey to study for an LLM in International Law and received the Justice Umaru Abdullahi Prize for the best graduating student on the International Law programme. Maria was subsequently awarded an MA in International Relations from the University of Kent and then returned to Surrey to study for a PhD in Law. On completion of her PhD, Maria has taken up a lectureship at Leicester University.

I work in a homebirth team using a continuity model that allows me to work closely with women and their families throughout their pregnancies and the postnatal period.

I wouldn’t swap the industry I’m working in for the world, and I’m only in the position I’m in now thanks to the course I studied and the opportunity which came along with it.

“Experience is everything in the events industry. If you get the chance to volunteer at an event, do it. If you’re asked to represent your cohort in some way, say yes. And if you’re given the opportunity to apply for an event, a scholarship or work experience in general, take it.”

The course was led by a team who all individually shared the same passion for the modules that they taught.

My time at Surrey made me see my strengths and my willpower to succeed, however hard at times I felt the various pressures around me.

Surrey helped me become more comfortable in my knowledge and abilities, guiding me out of my comfort zone to stress and improve some of my weaker skills in a controlled environment." 

I was a member of the Formula Student Society in my final year as well as working on it as my group project. This is a great way to really get involved in designing like you would in the real world.

Life at Surrey offers the perks of a lifestyle in a small city with easy access to countryside and greenery.