Maria Tam

Why I chose Surrey

There aren’t many places in the UK teaching the relationship between people and the environment. Of course, architecture courses consider this aspect, but not from the nuanced level that a psychology course provides. There is a lot more focus on social value in architecture project bids nowadays, and there’s plenty of value a course like this can bring to that cause. 

My best memories

I picture all the friendly people I met there. Friends that I made from group assignments. Teachers that have become lifelong mentors. And the sense of calm I felt when walking through the natural settings of the campus. 

I loved the discussions during lectures. Hearing the perspectives of other students’ response to materials presented in class, and the enthusiastic replies of lecturers to them. The passion they have for environmental psychology is infectious. 

"Make a lot of connections because environmental psychology is still not common in industry."

Life after Surrey

I’m an environmental psychologist for the global architectural practice Make Architects. Environmental psychologist isn’t a common role in architectural practice, so that’s a highlight. Another highlight is the opportunity to interpret the teachings of the course into architectural design. It’s very exciting.  

The things I learnt at Surrey form the backbone of what I do now. The course is all about environmental psychology, and now I’m an environmental psychologist!

My advice 

Be enthusiastic – it makes discussions in class really interesting. Also be prepared, especially if you don’t have a background in psychology, which I didn’t. The course can be intense, but well worth it. 

It might sound clichéd, but savour the time you’re on the course, it can fly by very quickly. Make a lot of connections because environmental psychology is still not common in industry. When you finish the course, the community you’ve built can become a fantastic support system. 

Find out more about our Environmental Psychology MSc.