Hannah
"What truly makes Surrey stand out is its staff – I have never been taught by such supportive, friendly and committed educators who genuinely listen to students and go above and beyond to help them succeed."
Course
Food Science MScWhat were the best things about your course?
Surrey’s MSc Food Science course is particularly well-regarded for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. It covers a range of key areas such as food safety, nutrition, food chemistry, gut health, product development and much more.
I genuinely believe you won’t find a better course with a more dedicated faculty and exceptional facilities. What truly makes Surrey stand out is its staff – I have never been taught by such supportive, friendly, and committed educators who genuinely listen to students and go above and beyond to help them succeed.
Ecotrophelia UK
I also had the incredible opportunity to participate in the prestigious eco food innovation competition, Ecotrophelia, where my teammate and I developed an eco-friendly alcoholic boba product. This competition was an invaluable experience in product development, providing a platform for students to share their ideas, address challenges and bring innovative concepts to life.
Our team successfully reached the UK finals, and to our amazement, we won, becoming national champions. This victory led us to represent the UK at the European finals in Paris. Although we didn’t win against the other European teams, the entire experience was truly rewarding. I highly recommend this competition to any student looking for a fun and challenging opportunity to develop their skills and enhance their CV.
The winning BoozyBalls team at Ecotrophelia UK 2024, with students Tom and Hannah (centre) and Surrey's Dr Bola Oloyede (second from left) and Dr Vero Giacintucci (far right).
What were the best things about life here as a postgraduate student?
Beyond academics, the campus has a friendly and diverse community, modern accommodation, and excellent amenities, including the library, study spaces, and recreational facilities. The Students’ Union and various societies offer plenty of opportunities to socialise and network. Additionally, Surrey’s location provides easy access to London while offering beautiful green spaces, making it an ideal place to study and live.
What do you do now? How did your degree from Surrey help you achieve this?
I am currently working full-time as a Process and Development Technologist at Sunmagic Juices, where I develop beverages for major retailers and food service providers. The knowledge and hands-on experience I gained at Surrey have been invaluable in helping me excel in my role.
What advice do you have for current students?
Make the most of every opportunity available to you. Get involved in competitions, networking events and extracurricular activities – they not only enhance your skills but also help you stand out to employers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek support from your lecturers, I ended up building great relationships with many of them. With the Food Science team, no question is a silly one!
Also, don’t let a few disappointing grades discourage you. It’s completely normal to excel in some modules while finding others more challenging. The Food Science staff are always there to guide and support you through it all.
Find out more about our Food Science MSc.
