Help me go to Cambridge…

Okay, so, I feel like a complete scrounger doing this, but....

I'm an undergraduate music student at the University of Manchester, and have worked really hard over the past few years in order to reach my current situation. I'm the first person in my family to attend university, and have relied heavily on government support to get as far as I have.

However, as I'm sure you know, the graduate jobs market in the UK at the moment (particularly in the arts sector) is not looking great. That's one of the reasons why I want to continue studying, with a master's degree in management, in order to give my career a better start. I have always dreamed of attending Oxbridge, and from the position I'm in at the moment academically, it is beginning to seem achievable. Therefore, I'm planning on applying to the University of Cambridge business school as a first choice for entry in 2015, and additionally applying to two other universities as "insurance" options.

But there's a problem. The estimated costs for fees and maintainance for 1 year on a graduate programme at the University of Cambridge is £29,116, with no government support whatsoever! I am determined that this won't stop me, though, and have saved £4,000 through working and saving the remnants of my current student loan this year. While I hope to save a further £2,000 during my time at university, and there are some small grants on offer from the university itself, there is no way my family can afford for me to go and I couldn't ask them to spend money they don't have on my education. I can take out a loan for up to £10,000, but as this still leaves a few thousand pounds unaccounted for, I would be extremely appreciative if anyone could spare some cash to help me on the way to a better future.

I feel that I should tell you I have volunteered a lot in the past, and I'm currently working on Oxfam's Oxjam festival, and I really wouldn't ask for the money unless I really needed it. I believe that this could have a huge impact on my life, so I really hope that you can help me on my way.

Many thanks,

Beth