Post by Lucy Rothwell

In September 2025, I started the Clinical Neuroscience MSc at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. My reasons for undertaking this course include pursuing my interest in neurology and the related basic science, research techniques and treatment development strategies. Additionally, I aim to develop my general research skills in order to pursue an academic clinical career in future. As I am approaching halfway through my MSc, I wanted to reflect on my progress and performance so far. In term one, I particularly enjoyed producing a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating a possible association between HHV-6 and Alzheimer's disease, for which I achieved a distinction. I am pleased to share that my current overall grade for this MSc is a high distinction/first: - My systematic review and meta-analysis: Distinction/First-class - Critical appraisal of research written assignment: Distinction, Grade 97% (distinction grade boundary 70%) - Neuroscience examination: Distinction, Grade 85% (distinction grade boundary 70%) Through completing these projects, I have developed an improved understanding of neuroscience and increased confidence in reviewing, appraising and analysing literature. These skills will aid me significantly in carrying out my main research project, which is a study on intracerebral haemorrhage using original patient data. I am very grateful for the opportunity to study and conduct research at this world-leading neuroscience centre, and I hope to sustain this level of performance throughout the rest of my MSc.