Student testimonial - Robert Hill

When choosing to study for a Master's in 2022, I was interested by the clear modular layout and options within the UCL MSc Experimental and Translational Immunology, including the recommendation that the course would be focusing on contemporary articles and theories in immunology.

I had wanted to do a Master’s in Immunology to improve my ability to critically analyse articles, better understand the link between the mechanisms within the immune system and human health and gain some laboratory experience.

The course exceeded my expectations and was fantastic. The lecturers were clearly at the forefront of research and a large focus was placed on how to contextualise ongoing and rivalling theories to form our own hypotheses and promote us to be functioning scientists.

As a medical doctor, I was concerned my lack of laboratory work would hinder me, but the four-month laboratory time was a particular highlight and has since allowed me to continue my career as an academic clinician.

There is recognition that students are there to learn and so may need some coaching but there is also opportunity for those who start with more experience.

I especially enjoyed the 'Immune system, cancer and its treatment' module due to the focus on cancer as a dynamic entity which strongly interacts and influences its environment. Also, the 'biological therapies and live medicines' module for its focus on treatments currently undergoing research. Both modules have altered the way I consider disease and treatment.

Finally, the senior staff are incredibly kind and supportive and there is an understanding within the institute that science is a collaborative process. This course has definitely made me a better scientist and further prepared me for a career in academic medicine.

Robert Hill, MSc Experimental and Translational Immunology, 2022-23