Student stories

Our lecturers instilled in us a sense that we were at the forefront of a new era. They were right, we were." 

Many on my course chose to do a placement instead of a dissertation, which is an excellent way to expose students to real-world experiences. The faculty has in-depth knowledge, which allows every student to get the most out of any course offered by the Department of Politics.

A couple of highlights have been having my work featured on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, BBC News and in The Guardian. I was also fortunate enough to work on an operatic project with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, which won the 2021 RPS award for Best Opera and the Sky Arts award for Best Opera".

Russian and economics graduate Dave Sage remembers his student days at Surrey, and recalls the night The Who rocked the University’s Great Hall in 1971…

I got to try so many amazing things and explore my passions! In my final year, some of my assignments included working on a graphic novel, a video game demo, and an essay on my favourite anime.

The guest teachers were so interesting and the workshops were always fun but challenging.

We would have lunchtime recitals, rehearsals with other musicians and I was constantly surrounded by so much talent, creativity and passion for music".

I’ve just published my 10th novel (15th book) which feels like a bit of a milestone. I also teach writing workshops every month at The British Library, mostly around authors being entrepreneurial about their writing".

My degree wasn't easy. It taught me a work ethic that I retain now and one that allowed me to complete my part-time masters with such dedication. Not only did Surrey force me to grow up, as it was the first time I'd been independent, but it also offered me a solid foundation for the rest of my life.