university of birmingham postgraduate personal statement

University of Birmingham

Completing your taught course application

Before continuing with your application, please read our application guidance carefully.

Your application is specifically designed for the programme you have applied for via your course page. It is sensitive to the answers you provide as you proceed through the application.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete, and does not contain false or misleading information. It is also your responsibility to provide additional information when requested to do so. We will check your academic history, qualifications, references, personal statements and anything else provided as part of your application for accuracy.

How to apply

• Search for the course you wish to apply for using course search . Once you have selected the course please click on 'Apply Now' buttons until you reach the application form where you will be asked to Log in or Create a new user.
• If you have an existing account your username is your email address or applicant ID number. You can click on the forgotten password link to reset your password.
• If you are new to the Application system please click on New User to create your New User Details.
• You do not have to complete your application in one session. You will be sent an email containing a secure link to enable you to complete your application at a future date should you so choose.
• You will be able to save your application at any point in the process and return to it when you are ready to continue.

Please note that your application will not be processed until all the relevant sections have been completed and your application has been submitted.

Throughout your application you will be given the opportunity to upload scanned documents in support of your application.

Application process and decisions

The process.

Most postgraduate programmes start in late September/early October, but you will be informed if the start date of your chosen programme is different. In general, there are no closing dates for applications, but you are advised to apply early as many of our programmes receive more applications than there are places available. International applicants should also allow time to obtain a visa.

Where there are closing dates for applications, details are given in individual programme entries within our course finder. If you intend to seek financial support, you should contact the school or department for details of deadlines.

All applications for postgraduate study are processed through our Admissions Office and forwarded to the relevant department for consideration. The Admissions Office will write to you to inform you of the decision. The decision will be either:

• A conditional offer – the offer of a place is subject to you meeting the conditions stated in the offer letter
• An unconditional offer – you have met all the conditions required for entry
• We are unable to offer you a place

If you are made an offer of a place it will be subject to the terms and conditions of the University. These terms and conditions will be included with the offer and relate to a range of issues, for example the fees payable. As a condition of an offer of a place you may be required to achieve a particular result in your current studies, undertake a preliminary period of study consisting of selected academic work or technical training, or provide evidence of English language proficiency. Non-EEA international students will need to consider certain immigration requirements when accepting their offer and when preparing for their student visa application. For further information visit our International Student Advisory Service .

Please note that a decision on your application may be delayed if the relevant supporting documents are not received.

The following information will usually be needed before a decision can be made on your application:

• Academic reference(s)
• Degree transcripts (interim* transcripts);
• English language test certificate (if appropriate);
• Research proposal (if appropriate).

*A transcript of your degree progress and achievement to date.

You may also be required to submit further documents.

Programmes with an application fee

The following programmes are subject to a £50  non-refundable application fee.

At the end of the application form, before you can submit it to us, you will be required to pay, or indicate how you will pay the required fee in order for us to process your application. We will not process applications for which we have not received the fee payment. If you decide at any time not to complete and submit your application, you will not be charged.

If you submit a second application for a programme in the same academic year, you will be charged and we will not process your application. We do not offer a refund for duplicate applications.

If you are being sponsored by an approved sponsor (recognised by the University of Birmingham) then please indicate this in the Funding Details section of your application form.

Please complete and submit your application before paying your application fee.

Paying your application fee

Please note this only applies for those with a £50 non-refundable application fee.

Payment details will be provided on the submission page of your application if you are required to pay for your application.

We accept the following methods of payment,

• Debit or Credit card (pay online after completion of the application form)

We can accept Visa, MasterCard, Maestro cards. Card payments will be processed in Pounds Sterling.

When you complete and submit your application, select 'Online Payment', pay now, to make your online payment by debit or credit card.

• Bank Transfer (pay online after the completion of your application form)

When you complete and submit your application, select 'Bank Transfer', pay later, to make your online payment.

This service allows you to pay in your local currency and from your home bank account, without worrying about exchange rates or funds arriving short at the University.

Payments will sometimes necessitate a delay while we wait for the funds to reach us. Once payment is received, we will begin to process/submit your application manually. Paying your application fee via the submission page of your application is the quickest way for your application to be processed.

After you have paid

Once your payment has been received and your application has been submitted successfully, you will receive an acknowledgement email confirming your ID number and that your application will be progressed. If you have paid for your application and your application remains unsubmitted for any reason, or you have any other queries regarding the payment process please contact [email protected] with your payment details.

Please keep your Application ID or Booking Reference number to hand when making any payments. Please quote your Application ID or Booking Reference in all correspondence.

If you are unable to pay by the above methods you may want to apply instead through an Overseas Representative or Agent . They will need to log the application on your behalf.

Completing the application form

The application form is divided into the following sections, which will be tailored to the application route you are applying for.

Personal information and contact details

Personal details such as name, date of birth and nationality.

Protected characteristics such as religion, disability and ethnicity. Please note, your answers will be treated in the strictest confidence, and all data disclosed will comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. To find out more about how Birmingham uses data to promote equality and diversity for students, please contact  [email protected] .

Permanent home address and space to put information if you are an agent or partner institution applying on behalf of a student.

This page is for academic qualifications i.e. school, undergraduate and any postgraduate qualifications already started/completed.

Scanned transcripts and certificates need to be uploaded here - please see our Document requirements explained webpage for more information on what we need. This page is also where you can upload English language requirement documents.

Professional/Work experience

You can upload your CV and detail any relevant work experience that may be beneficial to your application. There is also space for details of any professional or other qualifications that you may want to include.

Personal statement

Personal statement, approximately 5,000 characters, explaining why you are interested in studying on your chosen programme. This can be uploaded to the personal statement section in PDF or Microsoft Word format. Alternatively, you can type this within the application portal.

There are various differences in personal statements for a first degree, but it is also a good idea to think of the statement like a job application. The word limit is higher, so you are expected to provide more detail and you will need to provide evidence of critical thinking and research skills, since these are more significant components in Masters courses. When reading your statement, our Admissions want to see your interest and commitment to the subject. Follow our guide below to ensure you address the above in your statement.

Do your research

• Research the course and its links to careers, and the example modules within the course
• Think of some reasons why you want to do this particular course
• Read through the entry requirements and course description very carefully: identify the keywords and phrases and think about how you can provide evidence of these skills

Writing (‘the four Ps')

• Passion for your subject – Demonstrate your academic interests, eg, further reading, favourite modules, related events like exhibitions, conferences and workshops.
• Person – Why you? Give evidence of your previous experiences, motivations, career goals.
• Preparation – Apply your skills to the skills listed in the entry requirements and course description. Always give evidence to prove you have these skills. These skills could be from academic work, employment, research placements, internships, societies or other roles.
• Place – Why here? Tailor the personal statement to the particular course: you can apply to more than one Masters course but each personal statement should be slightly different so that it is relevant to the individual course. Demonstrate that you have researched the course and the University. What do you like about Birmingham: staff interests, modules, resources, the postgraduate community?

If you are returning to study after employment

Think about how you can relate your current and previous employment to the skills required for studying this programme. Admissions tutors are looking for your commitment to the course, so if you can display your time management and project management in a working environment, this will show your transferable skills (much like a job application).

Here you have the option to either upload your references if you have them already, or input details of your referees so that we can contact them automatically once you have submitted your application. See the References section below for more information on the types of references we accept and the format they need to be in.

Here you will be asked what you expect to be the primary source of funding you will have to support your studies. This might be your own personal funds (savings, loans, etc.), from other 'sponsors' such as employers, or third party funding bodies.

This page includes a Data Protection Statement and Declaration that both need accepting before you can submit your application.

Document requirements

If you have made an application to the University of Birmingham for a postgraduate programme, there are documents that are required before we can make a decision. Below is an explanation of the document types and advice on providing these documents to us. 

On your application, you will have been asked for contact details of one or two references. For some courses, you will need the references before a decision to be made eg. School of Education courses.

Please make sure you tell your references to expect contact from the University of Birmingham via email, requesting their reference. Please note that the contact email address of the referee must be an official email address and not a personal one (for example, gmail). We recommend that the referee sends back the reference in a PDF format as it is preferred if:

• The reference is on official headed paper with the organisation or university’s logo and address
• It includes the date, your details and the details of the referee
• A summary of how they know you and confirm your suitability for studying on the course you have applied for
• It should be signed by the referee with their official contact details.

If both your referees send back references which are not on official headed paper, you may be asked to send in additional references.

If you already have a written reference(s) and want to upload it on behalf of your referee(s), make sure the reference is a scanned copy of the original and that it is on official headed paper.

If you input your referee details, your referees will receive a reference request email from us as soon as you submit your application. When a referee provides the reference by clicking on the link in the reference request email, it will be automatically uploaded to your application.

A referee can also provide a reference by emailing it to us directly via [email protected] , it should be sent from their official email address and contain their full name and role. Once the email has been received, it will be sent for processing so that it can be uploaded to your application.

Your online portal will be updated when a reference has been received and processed but please allow at least 15 working days for this. If your portal has not been updated, this does not necessarily mean that the references have not been received as there can be a delay with the processing of references.

Please note that for the vast majority of our programmes, we do not require references in order for a decision to be made and your application will still be processed as usual. If an offer is made and the references are still outstanding, they will form part of the conditions of the offer.

Academic certificate and transcript(s) for all prior degrees

If you have graduated.

You will have been asked to upload a scan of your original or certified copies of your degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) on the Postgraduate Application Portal.

If you have not done so already, you can go back into the portal to upload your documents. Otherwise your application cannot be considered.

Please be prepared to send in your original or certified copies of your documents if the Admissions team requests to verify them.

If you don’t have certified copies of your documents and would prefer not to send the original, you can get copies certified by either the institution where you studied; a notary; or the British Council (students outside of the UK).

If you are an EU or International student and submitted your application with a University of Birmingham Overseas Representative, they will be able to verify your documents and there will be no need to send in copies by post.

If you are currently a student

You will have been asked to upload an interim transcript from your latest exams.

If you have not done so already, you can go back into the portal to upload your interim transcript. Otherwise your application cannot be considered.

Please be prepared to send in your original or certified copies of your degree certificate and final transcript upon graduation if the Admissions team requests to verify them.

If you are an EU or international student and submitted your application with a University of Birmingham Overseas Representative, they will be able to verify your documents and there will be no need to send in copies by post. Please note, if you did not originally submit your application through an agent representative, you will not be able to ask an agent to help you verify and upload documents at this stage.

Proof of English Language skills

For the full list of suitable documents which you can use as your proof of English proficiency, you can visit our English language requirements page.

Make sure that your test results are no more than two years old from the start date of your course* at the University of Birmingham.

You can scan and upload a copy of your results to the Postgraduate application portal. You do not need to send in a copy of this to the University or bring it when you are verifying your documents with our representatives in your country as the University can verify the certificate using the reference code.

*If you are deferring your offer by one year, please make sure your test results will still be valid for when your course starts next year.

For those who have recently graduated from a University in the UK or majority English speaking country (e.g USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada) you may be exempt from taking English language test. Please note that if your degree was delivered in English but not at a recognised university in the UK or majority English speaking country, our Admissions Office will require you to demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications . You may also want to check our country pages as some countries may have certain exemptions, such as those who graduate from the University of Malta.

You will still need to present evidence of your qualifications studied in English to meet our entry requirement. Our Admissions office will then review your application and if exempt you will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Sample work

If you are required to submit a piece of example work— usually a short written piece (common for programmes such as Creative Writing or English Literature); music composition or performance for those looking to study music related programmes— you will be notified by the academic tutor before they can access and make a decision on your application.

Please make sure you submit these as soon as possible and in the format requested by the academic tutor.

Key words glossary

Certified – having your original documents copied and then officially recognised with an official institution’s stamp or watermark so you do not need to send off the original.

Verified – checked by the University or our representatives that the document is official and genuine.

Certificate – degree certificate stating your name and degree awarded from your previous university/universities.

Transcript – usually an additional document which comes with your certificate, detailing your grades achieved per module of your degree programme(s) and the overall grade.

Notary - A notary is usually a lawyer (though not necessarily so in the United States) or person with legal training who is licensed by the government to perform acts in legal affairs, in particular witnessing signatures on documents. The form that the notarial profession takes varies with local legal systems.

The British Council – has offices all over the world and support the educational and cultural exchange of students coming to the UK for university.

University of Birmingham Overseas Representative – The University has overseas representatives listed on the Overseas Offices webpage , who can offer advice and certify your documents as well as verifying your documents on site rather than sending to the UK.

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How to write your postgraduate personal statement

Are you applying for a postgraduate degree and want to know how to write a strong master's  statement we have all the answers, tips and tricks for you , charlotte lynsdale, .css-76pyzs{margin-right:0.25rem;} ,, yasmin bell.

Writing a personal statement for your postgraduate university application can be daunting. So we have asked two experts, Charlotte Lynsdale from the University of Kent and Yasmin Bell from the University of Reading , to share their advice and help you write the best personal statement for your postgraduate university application. 

What is a postgraduate personal statement? 

Charlotte Lynsdale, internationalisation and recruitment manager of Kent Business School at the University of Kent , explains that a postgraduate personal statement “is a supporting statement required as part of your formal application for postgraduate study. It provides the university with an overview of who you are and why you are applying to study at that particular university and for that particular course. It should not be generic but specific to the university in question.” 

Yasmin Bell, the postgraduate student recruitment officer at the University of Reading , agrees that “the personal statement is a document that allows you to sell yourself to the admissions officer reviewing your application and tell them why you deserve a place on your chosen course – much like a covering letter for your CV tells companies why you should be hired. While your undergraduate personal statement broadly expressed why you wanted to study a particular subject, a postgraduate personal statement is more in-depth as you now have more insight into your academic interests, and more life experience.” 

How long should it be? 

Both Yasmin and Charlotte agree that the personal statement should aim to be around one side of A4 paper, but to always check admissions requirements with your university before starting your personal statement.  

“The application software your chosen institution uses may have an embedded text box with a word or character limit for you to input your personal statement. In these cases, it is worth checking with the university in question what the limits are to ensure your personal statement is submitted in its entirety,” adds Yasmin.

How to write a postgraduate personal statement? 

Charlotte’s tips on structuring a personal statement: 

• A good personal statement is one that has been clearly thought through, highlighting clear evidence of research into the university and course by the student. Do not simply cut and paste elements of a university’s website as this demonstrates poor independent writing ability and will not help your application.   
• You should start by providing an overview of yourself and the course that you are applying for. This could include what has inspired you to study your chosen subject and where your interest stems from.  
• This should lead itself into providing more detail about your chosen course, highlighting key elements of the course structure, the modules you will study, specific areas of interest etc. You could note subjects that you studied at undergraduate level that may have sparked your interest and why you may wish to continue learning at a higher level, within a specialist masters. You can also list modules that interest you in a change of subject direction for those conversion master’s courses.  
• If you have undertaken any relevant work experience or internships this could also be highlighted, elaborating on skills and knowledge gained that could enhance your master’s study.  
• Likewise, any skills you’ve gained from extracurricular activities. If you’re not involved in any extracurricular activities, you could reference any books, articles and journals that are specific to your subject of interest and explain why you’ve found them engaging. 
• You should ensure that you highlight the key reasons why you wish to study at the university – such as location, accreditations, ranking, personal recommendation etc. Again, ensure this is not generic but shows that you have undertaken research in this area.  
• You should finish with an overall conclusion as to why you should be considered for the course. This doesn’t need to be lengthy, just a sentence or two. Some students use their conclusion to share what they want to pursue in the future, others use it to emphasise their motives for going to university.    

“Your writing should be clear and concise; with all the points you mention serving your overarching purpose: to convince the person reviewing your application that you are the ideal candidate for the programme. Therefore, you should only include information that is relevant to this goal,” Yasmin adds. 

Top tips on writing a personal statement

The University of Kent has some extra tips on writing your personal statement:

• Plan before you write. This will allow you to collate your thoughts before writing to ensure you mention all the things you want to/ensure you have included a wide range of topics that allow the reader to get a sense of who you are as a person. 
• Check your spelling and grammar. I know this sounds like an obvious one, but universities don’t only want to see your academic record, achievements and what you have to offer, but also if you are careful and precise when providing work. They will not care how clever you are if you have not taken the time to read over your work and ensure it has been submitted to the highest standard possible. 
• Go into detail about why you deserve a place at the university. You do not have to make it overly personal but showing that you are an individual who truly cares about their education and advancing to be the best they can be will always impress others and make your personal statement stand out among the rest. 
• Provide mini conclusions after every major point. Not only will this help navigate around your personal statement, make it easier to read and digest and ensure you clarify each point, but it will also ensure that your writing remains focused and on topic. 
• Showcase your current skills and how enrolling on to this course will enhance them. Postgraduate education is all about enhancing your current skill set, adding new ones and accomplishing things that are not possible at undergraduate level. It is important to note your excitement of growing into an individual fully versed within their chosen field of topic, and how you are looking forward to being at the top of your game. 

If you'd like more  t ips on writing your personal statement   for university this guide will help. 

How do postgraduate personal statements compare to undergraduate statements? 

Charlotte points out that “postgraduate statements are very similar to undergraduate ones apart from the fact that you will need to showcase how your undergraduate degree has equipped you with the essential skills to advance to the next level.” 

Yasmin wants to remind postgraduate applicants to “remember from your undergraduate studies, universities take plagiarism very seriously. The expectation to submit purely your own work similarly applies to your postgraduate personal statement. While reading example statements online can help you understand how to structure your writing, you should avoid copying someone else’s work. The decision to accept or reject your application may be affected by this behaviour.”  

How should I end the statement? 

Charlotte says that your final paragraph doesn’t need to be lengthy, just a sentence or two. Some students use their conclusion to share what they want to pursue in the future, others use it to emphasise their motives for going to uni. Whatever you choose, make sure you get across your ambition and passion for the subject.

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Birmingham University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to The University of Birmingham. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 4 I find it amazing to watch as the digital revolution sculpts society at a rate that has never before been seen; there is so much to still be discovered. Quantum computing is a topic that particularly interests me, stemming from my studies and keen interest in physics...

Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example I have always been fascinated by the vast jobs robots are able to perform, and by the way all these cars around us were designed. The problem is, my interest was not satisfied by revolving around the outer appearance of these machines or by how well they achieved their functions, but was constantly demanding to learn more about how they managed to do so, and what inner complexities I was not allowed to meet closely made it capable of attracting my attention...

History and Economic History Personal Statement Example Studying History at degree level has been my interest since my first ever history lesson in High School, for it is a subject that invites debate and feeds my inquisitive side. I have always been intrigued by what has happened before us and how it has led to where we are now...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 6 It was the odd behavioural traits displayed by my uncle, who has Asperger’s syndrome that first generated from a young age my questioning about why he acted so ‘differently’ to the rest of us. This was part of what led to my interest of studying psychology, as it made me question how and why humans are so disparate from one another, and what part the brain plays in running our everyday lives...

Politics & International Relations Personal Statement Example 2 It was November 1989. My parents were rattling their keys in the main square of Bratislava with other Czechoslovak youngsters asking for the democracy that was denied by the Communist regime. They raised me in an environment, where appreciation of freedom, expressing my thoughts and being an active citizen have been essential...

Economics and Politics Personal Statement Example 1 "I killed the bank": the last words of Andrew Jackson, former president of the US, after he had vetoed to renew the charter and withdraw all federal deposits from banks causing them to bust. Real money was backed with gold shortly after, causing the greatest economic boom in history for the US where no income tax was implemented...

Economics & International Relations Personal Statement Example Growing up in a deteriorating global economic climate I have come to appreciate the extent to which economics influences the relationships between nations, and the importance of competent macroeconomic management...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 9 There are very few things that are as interesting yet as confusing as the unique enigma that is the human brain. Our diverse behaviours and our intricate personalities that make us who we are must have a cause...

Biology Personal Statement Example 5 Outside was always my favourite place as a child, splashing in puddles, inspecting insects under magnifying glasses and having snail races with my brothers. The living world fascinated me. My enthusiasm has only increased over the years and living by the sea has inspired me further...

Geography Personal Statement Example 1 At first glance, my A Level choices appear scientifically biased, but they underpin key topics studied in Geography. I enjoy investigating the theories of global economies, population and poverty. The mathematics I have studied enables me to manipulate raw data meaningfully...

Biochemistry Personal Statement Example 1 The need to survive is a remarkable thing, for it has allowed evolution to equip organisms with a range of extraordinary capabilities in order to stay alive. Since reading 'Why Geese Don't Get Obese' by Widmaier, my interests have developed in the molecular adaptations of animals; for example, the antifreeze protein that prevents the blood of Antarctic Notothenioid fishes from turning into ice...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 3 When I was seven years old, I first read 'Twist of Gold' by Michael Morpurgo. When reading the book I was captivated by the absorbing plot, beguiling characters and incredibly vivid imagery. Since that time, I have been a passionate reader, particularly admiring the fluidity and profound depth of character and emotion that can be found in work by authors such as Sylvia Plath and Doris Lessing...

Business Studies Personal Statement Example 1 Business is not just about figures and charts, it would be nothing without the people driving it forward. Therefore the part of the Business Studies’ A-level that has inspired me the most has been Human Resource Management...

English and Philosophy Personal Statement Example English has always been at the forefront of my mind, whether it be writing storybooks as a child, play-writing as a teen, or analysing literature at A Level. I enjoy the thrill of writing creatively but equally enjoy composing non-literary pieces where I can put across my views, inform or debate...

Physiology and Medical Sciences Personal Statement Example The human body is arguably the most complex life form that has ever existed. Studying how the body works helps us to comprehend the many processes that maintain health and find better treatment for diseases...

Biomedical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 Thanks to my mother's profession, I have had a front row seat in observing the radical changes made in the medical field with the introduction of new devices. I have also seen the beneficial effects these developments have had on the lives of people living in the less affluent countries in the Middle East; these observations coupled with my interest in mechanics have inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering...

Postgraduate Medicine Personal Statement Example Quite simply it is my curious nature which has always underpinned my desire to study medicine; the sheer complexity of both the human body and its healing processes have always fascinated me and, during my time in 6th form and subsequently while studying for my BSc...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 43 The ever-evolving nature of medical science and the certainty that we will know more about the many different healthcare practices has inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. My dedication to studying medicine has been confirmed by the experience I have gained in different hospitals and practices and I look forward to the academic discipline and challenges that will arise...

Economics Personal Statement Example 22 After Brazil, Nepal has the largest potential for the generation of hydro electricity. It is estimated that the perennial rivers of Nepal can generate up to a massive 83,000 Mega Watts of electricity. If utilized efficiently, Nepal has the potential of becoming one of the largest exporters of electricity in the world...

English Personal Statement Example 26 Growing up reading Roald Dahl, I saw elements of myself in Matilda, as ever since I can remember, I have loved reading. My passion for English could be seen by those around me, as a child, having taught myself to read and write by the time I was 4 years old, and there was never any doubt that I would go on to pursue a career in English...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 53 I have asked myself many times what it takes to be a great doctor, but like many questions there is never a straight answer. Keeping an open mind with regards to my career has meant that I have been able to pinpoint the one field which has fascinated me unlike any other, medicine...

Early Childhood Studies Personal Statement Example 5 Ever since I could remember I have always wanted to play a big part in children’s education. As I was growing up I could see children of my age in Africa struggling to go to school because of their circumstances...

English Literature & Spanish Personal Statement Example For me, the most captivating part of English literature is the way great writers are able to influence the reader's imagination through the manipulation of language. The A-level topic of World War One literature was especially affecting because it showed me the importance of world events and their effect on contemporary literature that still inspires us today...

Physics Personal Statement Example 10 My fascination for how things work is something that has always been a part of me. Why am I pulled back towards the ground when I jump? How can an airplane that weighs so much fly? In later years I learned that these questions, these as I thought to be unexplainable phenomena, could all be answered through Physics...

International Business Personal Statement Example 2 The motivation behind my decision to gain a Business Degree lies in my determination to better understand how the real world works. I particularly enjoy the way that business blends in with everyday issues...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 15 From a young age, I have been fascinated by engineering, the built environment and the way machines work to aid everyday life. The concept of combining maths, physics and logic to find innovative solutions to problems really interests me and this is what attracts me to engineering...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 16 Being born as a son to two former engineers, I was raised in an environment where curiosity is treasured and nurtured. It wasn't surprising that as I became older, my fascination towards science and technology also grew along with me...

Accounting and Finance Personal Statement Example 7 For me Accounting is something I am incredibly passionate about. From a young age I have always enjoyed Mathematics and problem solving; fortunately for me these two interests of mine are a part of the fundamentals of Accounting and Finance...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 62 When two, I suffered a large third degree burn on my chest. Living in a small town in Romania, I was not able to get appropriate treatment, so I grew up with complexes about the aesthetical appearance of the scar...

Economics Personal Statement Example 27 When asked 'Why do you want to study economics?' I have always struggled to find a concise answer. There are so many reasons why I would want to study the subject, and this made explaining such an answer quite difficult...

German Personal Statement Example 7 The study of language has always been appealing and is the focus of much of my time and energy, but the study of the German language is what mesmerises me most. Before understanding German I was first intrigued by its sound, and as I began to learn it, I became fascinated by its complexity...

History Personal Statement Example 43 I have always wanted to be part of an open-minded society and live in a country where originality is rewarded, so the UK came to my mind as being the best country to read my degree. My passion for the English language has developed over years of studying English at school, where I have been successful in every written and oral exam...

Mathematics & Computer Science Personal Statement Example I have found mathematics a fascinating subject since my early years. I enjoy it as it is challenging and logical. I am particularly interested in decision mathematics as it is a field that is directly related to real-life applications of mathematics and can be used to solve problems, such as finding the optimal solution for transporting materials from one place to another while minimising the cost...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 67 I first became interested in psychology whilst discussing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and non-conformity with my father. The nature-nurture debate gave me a huge desire to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human condition...

Law Personal Statement Example 83 Currently I study English language, history and law. Out of the three I find law the most fascinating because it is the foundation of anything that occurs in society. Learning about how decisions are made in law, the constant arguments to reach a fair judgement and the on-going evolution of the law to adapt to society makes me enthusiastic to learn more...

Sociology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 One of the main reasons why Sociology is of interest to me is that it studies the differences among social groups and in the society around us. I believe it is essential to understand how society works in order to blend with it and be a part of it...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 11 Whilst at a local canal festival, I saw a hydrogen powered barge which intrigued me. I thought that this was my first experience of chemical engineering, until I researched what this field encompassed...

Film Production Personal Statement Example “You shouldn’t dream your film, you should make it” - A famous quote by Steven Spielberg and a quote that I strongly agree with. I have enjoyed this BTEC Media Diploma course so much because I believe film gives everyone the ability to become imaginative which is a valuable skill in life; it can also be very influential to a lot of people and can change people’s opinions...

Politics & Social Policy Personal Statement Example The ever-changing nature and diversity of politics is fascinating. The rapid social and political development in Russia in the early 2000s, still surrounded by the left-overs, if not quite the toppled statues of the previous socialist regime, kindled my interest in politics...

Philosophy Personal Statement Example 15 The way philosophy can challenge our assumptions will never cease to astound me. I particularly remember my first lesson on Descartes, where I was asked to prove that I knew the room around me was real...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 58 I could tell you why am interested in computer science until the cows come home, but to give you the fundamentals I would so passionately tell you that this course is one of the few disciplines which truly embodies the days of tomorrow...

• University specific personal statements
• All personal statements

How to Write a Personal Statement

If you’re just starting to think about writing your personal statement, then you probably have a lot of questions. We’re here to answer your top questions so you can stop wondering and start writing!

1. When should you start a personal statement?

Each year, the UCAS deadline falls at the end of January.  So it’s a good idea to get started before Christmas so you can enjoy some time off and celebrate with your family without thinking about your personal statement.

Your school or college may even ask you to get your personal statement done early so they can check it and get it out of the way before January exams/mock exams begin.

Our student Ella advises to start early: “I had exams in January so it was important for me to complete my statement and send it off as early as possible!”

You can still apply through UCAS after the deadline, but some courses may be full.

2. How long should a personal statement be?

The personal statement should be one to two pages long. You have a maximum of 47 lines or 4,000 characters to work with so use short, concise sentences and delete any unnecessary words. This is all the space UCAS give you on their online application system to show off that you’re a great student – so don’t worry if it takes you a good few redrafts until you’re happy with it.

When you paste your personal statement into the UCAS application, be sure to check it hasn’t cut any words off the end!

3. How do you start the opening line in a personal statement?

The most effective opening sentences are simple, to the point and personal to you. Think about what made you pick the subject and what you enjoy the most about it. Remember, showing your interest and enthusiasm in the course is the most important thing.

Start with why you chose it, then try and summarise this in one or two sentences. But be careful, avoid overused opening sentences, quotes and clichés like ‘when I was young…’ They want to know about you now, not your childhood or Shakespeare!

Most common cliché opening lines:

• "From a young age I have (always) been…" and most of these continued "interested in" or "fascinated by". 1,779 applicants
• "For as long as I can remember I have..." 1,451 applicants
• "I am applying for this course because..." 1,370 applicants

(UCAS, 2016)

Here are some better lead sentences from our students:

“I am applying for a place to study social work because I have always wanted to be able to make a difference to people's lives. With social work I believe I can do this in a caring and supportive way.”

“When deciding what I should study at university, I came to, what was for me, a natural conclusion: History. I find myself constantly astounded and inspired by history and I have never found another subject as exhilarating and interesting. My personal interests lie mainly in Early Modern and Modern History.”

4. What should you include in a personal statement apart from your studies?

• Hobbies: Make a list of your hobbies, interests and social activities. Then think about how they demonstrate your personality, skills and abilities. Try to link them to the skills and experience required for your course(s). Make sure you include interests you have at school like extra-curricular activities. You’ll be surprised how relevant it all is.
• Experience: Get some experience in the field you want to go into, if you haven’t got direct experience than relate how your studies have increased your passion for the course. Make sure everything you write about is relevant to the course.
• Strengths: Concentrate on your strengths and what you’re good at. Do you run a successful blog and want to show off your skills for a marketing degree? Whatever it is, make sure you show off your achievements.

5. How do you structure a personal statement?

Make sure you structure your personal statement with an 80/20 percentage split: 80 per cent academic experience, work experience and extra-curriculars that relate to your chosen course, and 20 per cent related to your hobbies or other extra-curriculars.

A good way to structure your paragraphs is to use the ‘ABC’ method. When writing about each experience, use the ABC (action, benefit and course) structure. What is the activity, and what skills and qualities have come from it? and how does it relate to the course? Use this in each for each thing you talk about and before you know it, you’ll have a well-structured personal statement.

6. How do you end a personal statement?

In your conclusion, round up all the evidence you have given in your statement so far to show your knowledge, skills and experiences. Specify not only why you want to study the subject you’re applying for but also why it will help you succeed in the future. Make sure you don’t waffle and keep it simple.

Example from one of our students:

"Studying at university has been my ambition for many years. I find immense enjoyment in reading and researching History and believe that, in the future, I am confident that I will be very successful in inspiring and encouraging others to study the subject".

What should you do next?

Download your free personal statement guide.

Get even more advice on starting, writing and checking your personal statement. Plus, be inspired by real personal statement examples from our students!

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Writing a personal statement to apply for a master's course

If you apply for a master's, you need to write a personal statement or statement of purpose to show you're ready for the course. find out what we look for..

• Why you need to write a personal statement

When you apply to study for a master's degree at Bath, you need to write a personal statement as part of your application.

A personal statement is your opportunity to show that a master’s course is right for you and that you have the potential to complete it successfully. You should show us you have a clear understanding of what studying the course will involve. 

Some people call this a 'statement of purpose' or something similar.

• Who will read your personal statement

A member of the Admissions team will read your personal statement. We'll use it as part of the process to decide who we can offer a place to.

• Planning your personal statement

Read the application criteria

Make sure you carefully read and follow any instructions on the application form so that you include everything we want to see.

Do some research

Start by researching the course, department, and University thoroughly for each new application. Think about what evidence you can include to show you have the right skills, knowledge, and experience for the course. If you’re naturally modest about your abilities, consider asking a current tutor or mentor what they might include.

If the course entry requirements demand a specific skill, like maths or programming, you should be able to show how you meet this requirement.

Psychology applicants

For some of our Psychology courses, there are specific criteria for what you should include in your personal statement. Read about these on the Psychology course pages .

• Writing an effective personal statement

Give yourself plenty of time to write your statement. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

Decide how you will structure the personal statement. While there’s no single structure that’s ideal for every application, focus on presenting your case in a clear, logical way.

State the name of the programme and the University, and write a separate personal statement for each application. Even if the courses you are applying for are very similar, you should write a tailored response for each one.

In most cases, there will be a word limit of 400 to 600 words.  

Write your personal statement in your own words. Don’t copy one from somewhere else.

General writing tips

• Write in a style that is clear, concise, and not too elaborate or complicated
• Write in active voice - for example, 'I completed a placement in 2022', not 'A placement was completed in 2022'
• Structure your statement using short sentences and paragraphs
• Be as definite as possible in the way you word your statement - for example, instead of saying, “I hope to do this”, say ‘I want to,” or “I intend to do this.”
• Make sure you only include relevant information - if something you mention isn’t related to your skills or why you want to study the course, then don’t include it 
• Don’t overstate your achievements; it may strike a boastful tone that’s unlikely to strengthen your application
• Don’t repeat information that you've already covered elsewhere in the application
• Avoid using clichéd phrases or quotes as opening lines and instead, go for a succinct summary of your academic and employment background  

You should always proofread your personal statement and remove any grammatical or spelling errors. It can be hard to spot mistakes in your own writing, so ask someone else to review it too.

• What to include in your personal statement

Demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm

When we read your personal statement, we'll be looking for evidence that, after researching your options, you’ve decided that this is the best university and degree for you. We want to see that you’re excited about the opportunity to study here, and the degree fits in with your long-term goals.

Consider including:

• a specific reason, or reasons, why you want to do the course
• a specific reason why you want to do the course at Bath
• an explanation of how the course relates to what you want to do in the future
• evidence of your commitment and enthusiasm

Saying ‘I am committed and enthusiastic’ is not enough. Demonstrate it through your knowledge of the course, department and its research, for example, or your passion for your field of study.

Highlight your suitability

Your personal statement needs to showcase the skills, knowledge, and experience which make you suitable for the course. We want to see that you have the subject-specific and transferable skills to succeed and thrive on the course.   

Academic achievements

Consider including examples of academic achievements, with an explanation of how they’ve prepared you for the content and demands of the course. You could also give an explanation of how the course links to, and potentially builds on, what you've done in the past. 

Professional achievements

Include any relevant work experience. Use your duties, tasks, and responsibilities during the job or placement to help convey what you gained from the experience.

Relevant hobbies and interests

You can also include your hobbies and volunteering activities. These can highlight positive qualities and experience that add to the picture of you as a suitable candidate.

Other skills

Give evidence of transferable skills. These could include presentation skills, group work, written communication skills, independent learning, perseverance, and time management. They can help to indicate how well you are likely to perform on course assessments and course requirements.

If you've overcome challenges because of a disability or long-term health condition, sharing this can show evidence of achievement, strength of character, and sought-after skills. Talking about personal development you've gained because of a disability can also make you stand out from other applicants.  Read more about how we support disabled students .

Try to use more recent examples of your experience, skills and strengths. You can also include details of any relevant experience you plan to gain before starting your degree.

Mitigating circumstances

If you've experienced any difficult or mitigating circumstances that may have affected previous studies, you are welcome to include this if you wish to do so. Only include this information if it is relevant to the application.

• More guidance about applying for a master's course
• Applying for a taught postgraduate course
• Accepting your offer of a place on a taught postgraduate course

If you have any questions about your postgraduate application or writing a personal statement, get in touch.

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Postgraduate personal statements

Your personal statement is a lengthy and crucial step in your postgraduate application process

Preparation

Applying for postgraduate courses, whether masters, PhD, or professional courses, especially those required for teacher training, journalism, law and psychology conversion, can be competitive.

Your personal statement needs to be well written, relevant and give clear reasons for wanting to apply, in addition to what you can bring to the course and how you plan to use it in the future. Some institutions will tell you exactly what it should cover, others will leave it to you to decide what to include.

Research your course options thoroughly, websites such as findamasters.com , findaphd.com , jobs.ac.uk/phd and ucas.com can help, with sites like lawcareers.net , British Psychological Society ( bps.org.uk ) and National Council for the Training of Journalists ( nctj.com ) providing details of programmes.  Some courses may be available on a part-time or distance learning basis as well as full-time and in person.

Applications are usually made directly to institutions for masters and PhD programmes and many advertised programmes include the contact details of the Programme Leader or Supervisor, so making contact can demonstrate interest and you can refer to any contact you made in your personal statement. Try to visit an open day if possible, to meet staff and students and explore facilities, or at least interact online.

Check the course start date, some programmes may have a January/February start date in addition to the usual autumn one. Carefully check the application closing date. Demonstrate how you meet the entry requirements and link any relevant transferable skills, work experience, research, projects, and modules.

Presenting your personal statement

• The personal statement should be around one side of A4 in length, unless otherwise specified – always check if there is a word count limit and if so, stick to it.  For your first draft, don’t worry about the word length, just write it, and then edit it down.
• Write in paragraphs with a minimum font size of 11, breaking it into paragraphs to avoid solid text.
• If you are applying to several postgraduate courses, then you will need to tailor your statement for each one. Each application must be relevant for every individual course and institution,  so if you are using text generative AI to help you draft an initial response make sure that you are changing the information you are uploading so that it’s relevant to each institution/course. And always improve the responses that text generative AI gives, as they won’t be good enough for a successful application .
• What to include (unless otherwise specified)

Your motivations:

This is a paragraph describing the reasons why you want to study further. When explaining your motivations try not to describe your life story (all too often people start by saying “From an early age I’ve always...”). Clearly show why the subject is of interest to you, for example:

• Do you want to study aspects of what you have been learning at undergraduate level in more depth because you enjoy the subject?  Has a life experience sparked the interest in new, or deeper, understanding?
• Do you need to learn a new skill or subject for your career, either because you are pivoting to a new path, or higher education qualifications are a requirement?

Why this subject, course and institution:

Here you need to describe your motivations for wanting to do this specific subject and course. You can talk about the course topics/modules that you are particularly keen to study. Are there any aspects of this course which are unique, and not offered elsewhere?

Acknowledge any specialisms or awards the university or department may have, including naming academics you are eager to learn from, and relevant reading and research you have completed. If you’ve been to visit and you loved the facilities or campus, mention that too.

What you can bring to the course:

What they are checking is that you can cope with the academic rigours of the course and will successfully complete it. Highlight your academic achievements, knowledge, research, and projects.

Go into detail about how you achieved your qualifications and how you meet or exceed the entry requirements. Include the skills you developed, such as being focused, meeting deadlines, critical analysis, and discussions, sharing and receiving feedback, time management, communication, and giving presentations.

What makes you a good student and effective learner? Include the academic skills you have developed though individual projects and group work, where you might have worked in diverse and international teams, conducted research using different sources, referencing skills, creating posters, attending conferences and any software, databases, and IT skills.

Career aspirations:

What career plans do you have and how will this course help you to achieve them? Don’t worry if you change your mind later if you just have one or two that you are considering at the time of application. You may be considering several possibilities and the course will help you to clarify which route is best for you. It’s important to give some indication that you have considered what you will do once you’ve completed the course. Whatever it is, explain this as clearly as possible.

Work experience:

Through full or part-time work experience, or the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, you may have gained some useful experience which is directly related to the course you are applying for, if so, make sure to highlight this. If your experience isn’t relevant, you can still highlight the transferable skills you have developed, which will help in planning and organising your academic work.

Voluntary work/extra-curricular activities/positions of responsibility:

Include any extra-curricular experience, such as being a member of a club or society, having a position of responsibility such as a course representative, ambassador or mentor, any achievements or taking part in voluntary work and how you plan to get involved at your new institution.

A personal statement may be read before the rest of your form, so don't assume the reader has prior knowledge of your qualifications, skills, and experience. Ensure the information you provide compliments what you have written elsewhere on the form.

How to write a postgraduate personal statement

By kentstudents | 14 June 2022

My name is Caroline, I am a current PhD student and undertook both my undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Kent. Naturally, having to write three personal statements throughout my educational journey, I have picked up a thing or two therefore, it is my hope with this overview of what is expected in a personal statement as well as a simple 8 step guide, that it will be beneficial to those, like me, who struggled to find credible resources.

What is a postgraduate personal statement?

A postgraduate personal statement is a piece of writing submitted alongside your masters or PhD application. It is your first and only chance to show the University you are applying for who you are, your research and academic interests and in essence, demonstrate why you deserve to have a place on the course that University is offering.

What does a postgraduate statement look like?

Exactly like how your undergraduate one does. The only difference is that you will need to showcase how your undergraduate degree has equipped you with the essential skills to advance to the next level.

What sort of vocabulary should I use?

Do not use vocabulary that is not already included in your everyday speech. This is because you may use a word which you think is synonymous to another but, means something else entirely; whoever is reading your personal statement may think that you have had help/ you are trying too hard to impress them. There is, however, no harm in using a thesaurus to prevent using the same word repeatedly.

For example:

‘ Demonstrate’ – determined, establish, exhibit, indicate prove, testify to, validate, etc.

‘ Explain’ – advise, announce, confess, declare, disclose, express, inform, mention, instruct, etc.

‘ Understand’ – figure out, interpret, know, find out, explain, discern, accept, learn, master, etc.

How long does a postgraduate personal statement need to be?

Postgraduate personal statements are usually around the same length as an undergraduate one. Like when you wrote your undergraduate personal statement however, different universities require a word limit to how much you can write. Make sure you know this before you begin writing as personal statements that are below or over the word limit may lessen your chances of either impressing the people reading it or in some cases, your personal statement may even be rejected.

Can I use the same personal statement I wrote when applying for my undergraduate course?

No. You can take inspiration from your undergraduate personal statement such as expanding on some of your original points however, it is more than likely your undergraduate personal statement will be flagged and easily recognisable, even if you are applying for a different university. You can, however, take inspiration from your undergraduate personal statement and develop some of the key highlights that you wish to carry froward into your postgraduate personal statement.

Undergraduate Personal Statement example

I began learning about complex equations in primary school where I then realised, I wanted to pursue a career in this field. It was also here that I enrolled in an extracurricular volunteer programme where I tutored students who struggled to understand the complex equations I loved, helping them tackle them and providing them with a helping hand. For me, areas of particular interest are those where mathematics can be carried into the real world, and does not remain simply on the page, and would like to pursue a career where I can take numbers to help advance the world of technology.

Postgraduate adaptation of original undergraduate statement example

Upon completion of my undergraduate degree in mathematics, I have remained passionate about perusing a career where mathematics can be used within the real world and help with the technological advancements of our time. I continue to love the challenge of tackling difficult equations and throughout the final year of my degree, I applied for a course which helped supplement my understanding and kickstart my ability to handle said equations faster and more efficiently.

As you can see from the underlined segments, your inspiration and goals can remain the same but, you need to highlight them in a manner which is building on from your previous statements and show that you have grown in this field, remain passionate as well as demonstrating that you wish to pursue a career in this field.

What are the 8 simple steps?

• Plan before you write. This will allow you to collate your thoughts before witing to ensure you mention all the things you want to/ ensure you have included a wide range of topics that allow the reader to get a sense of who you are as a person.
• Check your spelling and grammar. I know this sounds like an obvious one but, universities don’t only want to see your academic record, achievements and what you have to offer, but also if you are careful and precise when providing work. They will not care how clever you are if you have not taken the time to read over your work and ensure it has been submitted to the highest standard possible; it will make them think you are lazy or uncaring if you do not.
• Explain your reason for study. You will have to demonstrate why the course you are applying for is your first choice. This could be due to location, a lecturer who is working on something that interests you, the only one in the country that meets the things you need in the future, etc.
• Give as many examples of related academic work as possible. You could go into detail about a project you undertook, supervised, or participated in or you could mention how the work you will learn will advance your current work. This is important as you are also demonstrating your academic skills as well as selling your personality.
• Demonstrate that you are knowledgeable of the course you are applying for. Whoever is reading it will be impressed that you have researched not only the university but the course that you wish to be enrolled in. This shows you to be a detail orientated, enthusiastic and hardworking individual who wants the best for their future.
• Go into detail about why you deserve a place at the university. For me, it was about conquering the misconceptions that come with having learning disabilities, as many people perceive those who have them to be stupid, incapable of learning and in severe cases, not worthy of a place in a masters or PhD. You do not have to make it overly personal but showing that you are an individual who truly cares about their education and advancing to be the best they can be, will always impress others and make your personal statement stand out amongst the rest.
• Provide mini-conclusions after every major point. Not only will this help navigate around your personal statement, make it easier to read and digest and ensure you clarify each point, but it will also ensure that your writing remains focussed and on topic.
• Showcase your current skills and how enrolling onto this course will enhance them. Postgraduate education is all about enhancing your current skill set, adding new ones, and accomplishing things that are not possible at undergraduate level. It is important to note your excitement of growing into an individual fully versed within their chose field of topic, and how you are looking forward to being at the top of your game.

Blog post written by PhD student Caroline Harriman 

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How to write a postgraduate personal statement

My name is Caroline, I am a current PhD student and undertook both my undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Kent. Naturally, having to write three personal statements throughout my educational journey, I have picked up a thing or two therefore, it is my hope with this overview of what is expected in a personal statement as well as a simple 8 step guide, that it will be beneficial to those, like me, who struggled to find credible resources.

What is a postgraduate personal statement?

A postgraduate personal statement is a piece of writing submitted alongside your masters or PhD application. It is your first and only chance to show the University you are applying for who you are, your research and academic interests and in essence, demonstrate why you deserve to have a place on the course that University is offering.

What does a postgraduate statement look like?

Exactly like how your undergraduate one does. The only difference is that you will need to showcase how your undergraduate degree has equipped you with the essential skills to advance to the next level.

What sort of vocabulary should I use?

Do not use vocabulary that is not already included in your everyday speech. This is because you may use a word which you think is synonymous to another but, means something else entirely; whoever is reading your personal statement may think that you have had help/ you are trying too hard to impress them. There is, however, no harm in using a thesaurus to prevent using the same word repeatedly.

For example:

‘ Demonstrate’  – determined, establish, exhibit, indicate prove, testify to, validate, etc.

‘ Explain’  – advise, announce, confess, declare, disclose, express, inform, mention, instruct, etc.

‘ Understand’  – figure out, interpret, know, find out, explain, discern, accept, learn, master, etc.

How long does a postgraduate personal statement need to be?

Postgraduate personal statements are usually around the same length as an undergraduate one. Like when you wrote your undergraduate personal statement however, different universities require a word limit to how much you can write. Make sure you know this before you begin writing as personal statements that are below or over the word limit may lessen your chances of either impressing the people reading it or in some cases, your personal statement may even be rejected.

Can I use the same personal statement I wrote when applying for my undergraduate course?

No. You can take inspiration from your undergraduate personal statement such as expanding on some of your original points however, it is more than likely your undergraduate personal statement will be flagged and easily recognisable, even if you are applying for a different university. You can, however, take inspiration from your undergraduate personal statement and develop some of the key highlights that you wish to carry froward into your postgraduate personal statement.

Undergraduate Personal Statement example

I began learning about complex equations in primary school where I then realised, I wanted to  pursue a career in this field.  It was also here that I enrolled in an extracurricular volunteer programme where I tutored students who struggled to understand the complex equations I loved, helping them tackle them and providing them with a helping hand. For me, areas of particular interest are those where  mathematics can be carried into the real world,  and does not remain simply on the page, and would like to  pursue a career where I can take numbers to help advance the world of technology.

Postgraduate adaptation of original undergraduate statement example

Upon completion of my undergraduate degree in mathematics, I have remained passionate about  perusing a career where mathematics can be used within the real world and help with the technological advancements of our time.  I continue to love the challenge of tackling difficult equations and throughout the final year of my degree, I applied for a course which helped supplement my understanding and kickstart my ability to handle said equations faster and more efficiently.

As you can see from the underlined segments, your inspiration and goals can remain the same but, you need to highlight them in a manner which is  building on  from your previous statements and show that you have  grown  in this field,  remain  passionate as well as  demonstrating  that you wish to pursue a career in this field.

What are the 8 simple steps?

• Plan before you write. This will allow you to collate your thoughts before writing to ensure you mention all the things you want to/ ensure you have included a wide range of topics that allow the reader to get a sense of who you are as a person.
• Check your spelling and grammar.  I know this sounds like an obvious one but, universities don’t only want to see your academic record, achievements and what you have to offer, but also if you are careful and precise when providing work. They will not care how clever you are if you have not taken the time to read over your work and ensure it has been submitted to the highest standard possible; it will make them think you are lazy or uncaring if you do not.
• Explain your reason for study.  You will have to demonstrate why the course you are applying for is your first choice. This could be due to location, a lecturer who is working on something that interests you, the only one in the country that meets the things you need in the future, etc.
• Give as many examples of related academic work as possible.  You could go into detail about a project you undertook, supervised, or participated in or you could mention how the work you will learn will advance your current work. This is important as you are also demonstrating your academic skills as well as selling your personality.
• Demonstrate that you are knowledgeable of the course you are applying for.  Whoever is reading it will be impressed that you have researched not only the university but the course that you wish to be enrolled in. This shows you to be a detail orientated, enthusiastic and hardworking individual who wants the best for their future.
• Go into detail about why you deserve a place at the university.  For me, it was about conquering the misconceptions that come with having learning disabilities, as many people perceive those who have them to be stupid, incapable of learning and in severe cases, not worthy of a place in a masters or PhD. You do not have to make it overly personal but showing that you are an individual who truly cares about their education and advancing to be the best they can be, will always impress others and make your personal statement stand out amongst the rest.
• Provide mini-conclusions after every major point.  Not only will this help navigate around your personal statement, make it easier to read and digest and ensure you clarify each point, but it will also ensure that your writing remains focussed and on topic.
• Showcase your current skills and how enrolling onto this course will enhance them.  Postgraduate education is all about enhancing your current skill set, adding new ones, and accomplishing things that are not possible at undergraduate level. It is important to note your excitement of growing into an individual fully versed within their chose field of topic, and how you are looking forward to being at the top of your game.

Blog post written by PhD student Caroline Harriman.

Study Postgraduate

Guide to writing your personal statement.

What is a personal statement?

Your personal statement is an important part of your postgraduate application. This is your chance to engage the Course Selectors and demonstrate your passion, enthusiasm and commitment for your chosen course. You can use it to clarify and expand on any information in your application and highlight what you want us to know. It should be personalised for the specific course you are applying for.

Personal Statements should be approximately 1-2 pages. It must be in English and in your own words.

Do your research

When applying for any course, we strongly recommend you view the course pages on the relevant Warwick department's webpages to read more information on the course description, content, entry requirements and any additional requirements.

Additionally, some departments such as WBS and WMG have particular requirements for what they want you to write about in your personal statement. Please make sure you visit the course pages on your department's website to check for any additional requirements.

What should you write about?

Here are some themes you should consider when writing your personal statement. Please note this list is not complete, but includes useful questions you may wish to explore:

Why are you interested in the course?

What are your reasons for choosing this specific course at the University of Warwick? What motivates you? Why do you want to undertake postgraduate study at this point in your academic or professional career?

How are you qualified for the course?

This may be about your prior study, work experience, internships, skills, achievements or research and how they relate the course. How did your previous experiences give you the skills or knowledge you will need for this course specifically? What did you learn and how would this help you on this course? What might you contribute to your cohort?

How will the course benefit your future career plans?

What are your goals? What skills do you want to develop? How would this course prepare you for the future you envision for yourself?

• Try to avoid vague statements such as 'I have always wanted to go to your University because I have a passion for study' or 'I want a better job'.
• You don't need to repeat information you have already given us. For example, we already know the details of your undergraduate degree from your transcripts.
• Likewise, you can include information about your employment, hobbies and voluntary work, but you need to add more detail to explain how they are related to the course you are applying for.
• Donʼt submit the same generic statement for many different courses. You must tailor the statement for each specific course.
• You may use your personal statement to address any gaps in your knowledge and how you have or plan to address them.
• Make sure your personal statement has a clear introduction (beginning), body (middle), and conclusion (the end). Check your grammar and spelling, and keep your sentences short and concise.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Careers & Employability Service
• Graduates Hub

Writing a personal statement

A personal statement should be a positive summary of you and your motivations for applying for an opportunity. It's an important section in this type of application form and will take the most amount of time to complete. This section normally appears with a large text box after you have filled in your basic information.

It is a good idea to draft your personal statement in a separate Word document. This enables you to keep a copy which will be important to reflect on should you be invited to an interview. It also enables you to proofread your work to check for spelling and grammar. If possible get someone else to proofread your personal statement.

Try to write concisely. Don’t make the statement too long with superfluous detail, but neither should it be too short. There should be enough to ‘sell’ yourself, without boring them. Stick to a word count if there is one.

How to structure your personal statement

When presented with an empty text box, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you are not given specific instructions about content, you should always aim to include the following:

Describe what motivates you and attracts you about the opportunity. Show that you have a realistic understanding of what is involved and can draw parallels with positive experiences you have already had, even if these have been in different settings.

Your background research will enable you to demonstrate your motivation more effectively. By knowing more about them you will have more to talk about, and will therefore be more effective in specifically evidencing your motivation and your understanding of the opportunity and the company. For example, their projects, values or personal development opportunities may have taken your interest. Whatever captures your attention, try to be as specific and authentic as possible. Generic statements do not tend to work well here.

Many recruiters use the person specification as a selection tool when reviewing your statement. For this reason, it is important that you evidence their criteria as clearly as possible. To achieve this you could:

• Use the key competencies as sub-headings to signpost the recruiter to the relevant information
• Theme different key competencies into separate paragraphs. Ideally, order these paragraphs in the order that they appear in the person specification so that it is easy for the recruiter to follow
• Theme key experiences in separate paragraphs in order of relevance, e.g. a paragraph on your education, then your projects, then your work experience etc. Clearly demonstrate the relevant skills and experiences when describing these experiences.

If there isn’t a formal specification available, then write it against the competencies that they say they are looking for in the advert or from wider research.

You may find the STAR structure useful to refer to when presenting examples to demonstrate a competency:

Situation  – Provide some brief details about the situation so that the reader can understand the context of the example Task  – Explain the objective/purpose, i.e. what you were aiming to do Action  – Describe what you did and summarise your actions Result  – Finish with the outcome. Show that you met your objectives and, if appropriate, comment on what you learnt from the experience

This is the opportunity for you to demonstrate your relevant skills, attributes and specific knowledge, so make sure you sell yourself.

You might also use this section to set out experiences that you feel are of ‘secondary’ importance, i.e. things that are still relevant but which you haven’t written about elsewhere in the form. For example, you might write about interests, leisure pursuits or volunteering that are not directly relevant to the job but where you have developed some pertinent transferable skills.

You could also use this section to explain how you coped with any setbacks and refer to qualities such as determination and persistence. This can be helpful to explain re-sits, changing courses, lack of relevant experience or time gaps. Write positively about the experience, for example, what you learnt from it and what you have done to address the issue since then, if applicable.

Try to end on a high note with a positive concluding statement. You could reiterate your motivation and commitment.

1. Before writing your personal statement, make sure you have done your research into the opportunity and reflected on how you meet the requirements. For further information on how to do this, see Preparing to write an application form

2. Draft your personal statement in a separate document. This enables you to keep a copy of your responses, which will be important to reflect on should you be invited to an interview. It also enables you to proofread your work to check for spelling and grammar. It is also a good idea to get someone else to check your application for you.

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