Help Merin finish her Masters- Radiation physics

My name is Merin Tomson and I am an Affiliate Member of The Society for Radiological Protection (SRP). I am 24 years old and from Kerala in India. I have just completed a Master's degree in Medical Radiation Physics at the University of Swansea but am unable to graduate until I have paid the outstanding tuition fees of £4,780.

 

My ambition is to work in medical radiation physics and the quality of the tuition in the UK far exceeds any that I am able to access in my own country. My hope is it to gain experience in the UK and then to eventually use my knowledge and expertise back in India to help improve standards.

 

As an overseas student the course fees are very high (£20,050). I was able to enrol on the one year course in December 2020 thanks to a bursary of £5,000 from SRP and, at the time of application, it was anticipated that my parents would be able to cover the remaining costs. I’ve been in the UK since April 2021 studying and working; prior to this, I studied online because the pandemic prevented me from travelling to the UK. Through a combination of me working and support from my parents, we have paid the majority of the fees. Since starting the course the COVID19 pandemic has had a major impact on my parents’ business and as a result, they have not been able to help me fully cover my fees as expected. Due to the hardship that I am currently facing, the SRP Benevolent Fund has given me an award for which I am very grateful. However, I currently still have a shortfall of £4,780 and, although I have completed the course, I am not able to graduate hence I’m not able to start using my Medical Radiation Physics degree for employment.

 

I am working part-time as a health care assistant to try and pay the fees but because I am an overseas student, my visa specifies that I am only allowed to work 20 hours per week and I also need to meet accommodation and food expenses. I have managed to pay a little towards the fees (and have managed to pay £395 since early January). I have tried applying for loans and support from the university hardship fund but was unsuccessful.

 

If I don’t pay the outstanding fees soon the university has informed me that I will be unable to graduate. As I am an international student, I have a two-year post-study visa that must be applied for after I obtain my postgraduate certificate. I am very concerned that I will be unable to apply for the post-study visa due to my current situation.

 

I have tried everything I can think of to obtain the necessary funds, and this crowdfunding is my last hope to follow my dreams of working in medical radiation physics. Without my degree, my dreams will be shattered and the last year of studying and working will be wasted.

 

I would greatly appreciate some assistance in completing my postgraduate degree. I am confident that with your small donation, I will be able to obtain my postgraduate degree and progress with the career path I so hope to follow. Perhaps my medical physics skills will benefit you personally one day in the future? Please would you be willing to assist me in raising the funds I so need to finish my studies?

 

If this crowdfunding raises more than the amount needed to allow me to graduate then I will donate any surplus to the SRP Benevolent Fund so that they can help others in our radiological protection community. Every donation, no matter how big or small will make a real difference. Thank you for taking the time to read my appeal and a massive thank you if you do decide to make a donation.