MSc - Information and Process Systems Engineering

Nikos Trokanas

“I cannot say enough good things about Surrey as a place to live and study. The community feeling, the amazing campus, the friends I made during my studies and the learning environment are just a few of the things that I cherish.”

I decided to study for an MSc in Information and Process Systems Engineering at Surrey because the course had a unique mixture of business-focused and engineering-focused modules which offered valuable insights into real life. The variety of core and optional modules, ranging from process to software engineering, really intrigued me. After studying for my masters and PhD at Surrey, I moved to a postdoctoral role at the University of Cambridge and then chose to become freelance, which has enabled me to embark on many exciting projects.

I’m currently working as an R&D consultant at a technology company. My typical day is long and stimulating, and might include writing proposals to secure funding, defining use cases for our products, designing proof of concepts, and carrying out demos for prospective clients.

For the past three years, I’ve also been a part-time associate lecturer within Surrey’s Department of Chemical and Process Engineering.

It was one particular MSc module – on semantic web technologies – that set me on the path to where I am today. Having become fascinated by this topic I did my dissertation on semantic modelling, in collaboration with a software company. This enabled me to explore a new technology which then defined my PhD studies and subsequent roles. So from my dissertation to my PhD, my first research role and every job I’ve had since…my entire career has been defined by my MSc studies.

My MSc course widened my horizons and gave me knowledge about new and innovative subjects. The best thing about the courses offered at Surrey is that they are driven by the research being done in the department.

I cannot say enough good things about Surrey as a place to live and study. The community feeling, the amazing campus, the friends I made during my studies and the learning environment are just a few of the things that I cherish. My time at Surrey really formed me to be the person I am today. It provided me with many wonderful opportunities.