At the age of 31 I have been awarded a place on my dream master’s degree course; the MSc Molecular Medicine course at Leeds University and I am due to start this September eek! I am searching for donations to fund the deficit in my funding package for my course fees. I am eligible for a postgraduate loan which will help cover my living costs, I have some savings and have received some charitable donations but I am still looking to overcome a small deficit in funding my course fees.

So how did I get here? I completed my undergraduate degree as a part time student with the Open University through distance learning. At the same time I was working full time in an unrelated industry which included out of hours working and extensive overtime. I graduated this year with a 2.1 BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences.

During my undergraduate studies I discovered a talent and keen interest in molecular biology, particularly the molecular basis of disease. I am therefore looking to pursue a career in scientific research, which requires at the very least a master’s degree. Science is an intensely male dominated field, as a woman I feel I have an alternative undervalued perspective to offer, which the field is desperately lacking.

Practical modules were included in my undergraduate studies but my experience in laboratories is limited; I feel this lack of experience leaves me an unsuitable candidate to immediately start a PhD course, for which there are more funding opportunities. Through a master’s degree I can fill the gaps in my knowledge before progressing to a PhD and eventually securing a research based position. I feel completing my bachelor’s degree through distance learning provided me with some advantages over traditional students. Distance learning relies heavily on the ability to work independently, prioritise and remain motivated in spite of external pressures. Without these postgraduate level skills I would not have completed my degree, yet alone achieve the higher grades I was awarded.

The Molecular Medicine master’s degree course is an intense full time course and therefore I will no longer be able to work full time. I am eligible for a postgraduate loan which will help cover my living costs, I have some savings but this figure is not higher as I self-funded my Open University bachelor’s degree without a student loan or any financial assistance. I have been awarded some grants and donations but I am still looking to overcome a small deficit in funding my course fees. While I am aware you cannot solely fund the deficit in my funding package I would greatly appreciate any assistance you are able to provide.

The unconventional route I took to complete my bachelor’s degree has demonstrated my determination to succeed and makes me a deserving candidate. An award from you would assist me with providing the financial security to commence my studies.