Why Jessica chose Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience / Drug Development and Neurohealth

Studying at Maastricht University (UM) is a personalised, life enriching experience that prepares you for the future, both professionally and personally. Our bachelor’s and master’s programmes are designed for students who have an intrinsic curiosity in human behaviour and health. Students who want to 'go the extra mile’ on a professional and/or personal level. What’s your extra mile?

Jessica, 21, is from Turkey with Spanish roots and decided to stay in Maastricht for the Research Master in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience / Drug Development and Neurohealth. “I have a Maastricht Science Programme (MSP) bachelor’s degree, in which I focused on neuroscience and biology. My fascination with neuroscience and the subconscious stems from personal experience.”

Jessica’s extra mile in health: “I want to research the use of psychedelics as a treatment option for psychiatric disorders”

“I also looked at a similar research programme elsewhere, but the focus in Maastricht is more on the underlying mechanisms of mental health problems. Besides, I’m a great fan of Problem-Based Learning and I love the super international vibe of Maastricht.

I’m particularly interested in psychiatric disorders and how pharmacology can contribute to effective treatments. My interest in this started during my bachelor's, when we were studying psychiatric disorders and their treatment options. With regard to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy turns out to be effective for only 60% of the patients. Therefore, more research is needed to discover new therapies for medication-resistant patients.

In this 2-year research master you combine pharmacology, psychology, biology and neuroscience. In the first year you follow courses, in the second there is a 9-month internship and you write your thesis. I’m thinking of doing my internship in England where there are several leading universities in this particular field.”