Studying at the University of Oxford is a dream for many people. It’s one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world, offering a unique and transformative educational experience which shapes students into critical thinkers, independent learners and future leaders in their respective fields.
For Leona May Irwin, who grew up in Coventry and achieved a First-Class Medical Physiology BSc at the University of Leicester, that dream came true when she received an interest-free education loan from STWLC in order to take a Clinical Embryology MSc at the world-famous university.
“I knew I wanted to pursue a Master’s Degree and specialise within Reproductive Healthcare and Biology,” Leona began.
“During my post-graduate course at the University of Oxford, the course included an intensive array of scientific lectures and practical experiments, alongside opportunities to shadow embryologists and andrologists in real-time. I have no doubt the course shaped me into the scientific researcher I am today. The ability to meet world-renowned researchers, of which I read about and admired in journals before attending, was astounding.”
You are also never prepared for the unique social calendar an Oxford student has!
Leona May Irwin
Known for its incredible standards and demands, studying in Oxford provided a test like no other.
“No-one can really prepare you for the University of Oxford, as it is a parallel life to any academic experience I have ever entailed,” she continued.
“There were moments of tears, stress and despair but I managed to make some amazing memories with friendships and connections with scientists worldwide, of which I never knew were possible. You are also never prepared for the unique social calendar an Oxford student has!”
“Without STWLC, I likely wouldn’t be where I am today, let alone be able to say I am a University of Oxford Alumni”
Leona May Irwin
When searching for funding to cover the Master’s fees, Leona discovered The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity through an internet search.
“The application and interview process were so efficient and highly informative at every stage,” Leona reflected when speaking about the Charity.
“Without STWLC, I likely wouldn’t be where I am today, let alone be able to say I am a University of Oxford Alumni. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity and accomplishments it has provided, and those that are yet to come.”
Currently a studentship PhD candidate at the University of Leicester, Leona concluded with an overview of the present and an outlook on the future: “My Master’s degree from the University of Oxford has hugely influenced where I am now,” she added.
“Not only was the academic training I received impeccable, my course leaders and supervisors at Oxford also went the extra mile to prepare me for the professional world. I was able to attend international conferences such as ESHRE 2022, in Milan, Italy, where I met likeminded scientists from all over the world. This enabled me to make international connections of which I never would have without the University of Oxford, preparing me for my future career.”
If, like Leona, you need funding in order to cover costs of postgraduate education, please click here to learn more about our interest-free education loans.