Andrew Martin is in the second year of his PhD in neuroendocrinology, working in Professor David Murphy’s lab in the School of Clinical Sciences at the University of Bristol.

Now funded by the British Heart Foundation, his journey to a PhD position in a prestigious research laboratory has its roots in the MSc in Molecular Neuroscience, which he did at Bristol in 2011/12.

“If I hadn’t already been doing the MSc, it’s unlikely that I would have heard of the PhD, or even have been in a position to go for it,” said Andy. “We were required to undertake a three-month lab-based project, choosing from a selection of topics.

I chose a project that was based in the Murphy Group and around half way through, I was informed that a PhD position was available starting in the new academic year.

To be considered, I had to get a high mark in my thesis, so I worked hard, got what I needed and was offered the PhD position.” After taking time out following his undergraduate degree in physiology, Andy decided that he wanted to pursue a career in neuroscience.

He felt that the MSc in Molecular Neuroscience from Bristol would not only provide a better grounding in the subject, but that it would also improve his chances in future PhD applications.

“I thought that I might like to do doctoral research in neuroscience and that this Master’s would let me hit the ground running,” he said. The MSc programme at Bristol offers a variety of units, as well as access to an impressive range of specialisms in molecular science and endocrinology in the different university research groups.

“Having access to such expertise in an institution is so important as it opens up diverse research opportunities,” said Andy. “I was also attracted by the fact that there was an opportunity to do a practical project, as I knew this would provide great experience of the lab environment.”

Andy found the 12-months of his Master’s both enjoyable and intensive. The course is structured around six taught units, each involving a few of weeks of lectures (two to four hours per day), plus coursework assignments which can be an essay, data analysis or a lab-based exercise.

The final (seventh) unit is completely based in the laboratory, but the pressure is still on with research techniques to learn, data to gather and analyse, and findings to write up.

“The pace of the course is fast,” said Andy. “With continual assessment throughout — unit assessments all counting towards the final mark — you can’t afford to take it easy. However, the subject material for each unit is absolutely fascinating and the quality of teaching is also very high, with engaging lecturers and interesting coursework assignments”.

After completing his PhD, Andy would like to continue to work in academic research, with a particular interest in lecturing and teaching students. Progressing to a post-doctoral position would be the next logical step for him.

“The course attracted a well-rounded body of students,” said Andy. “Among us were multiple nationalities and academic backgrounds, including a neurologist from Cuba, a biomedical scientist from Portugal, and a sports scientist from near Bristol, for example.

This factor enriched my experience of the course, as our different backgrounds led to diverse group discussions, as well as great social outings.” Andy is looking forward to the next steps in his career and sees the Master’s as having played a key role in getting him where he is today.

“I’d recommend the course to others,” he said. “Although it’s going to be intense, it’s definitely worth it.”