international affairs masters personal statement

Sample International Relations Personal Statement (Columbia, Cornell, Kings)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following essay is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in international relations and affairs (Masters in IR). Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Columbia’s SIPA school, Cornell’s ILR school and Kings College London. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in international relations and affairs should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in International Relations and Affairs

After GCE A-levels, I was so smitten with Economics that I wanted it to stay with me for life. As it happens to be, that did turn out to be true. I received a scholarship to the London School of Economics (LSE) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. While at the LSE, I developed an interest in economic research. I interned at the Center for Economic Research in Washington, DC, every summer for four years. My work in DC was based on Evidence-Based Procurement Reforms. The project aimed to evaluate public sector institutes’ procurement process to increase efficiency in their procurement workflow. The fieldwork required me to work with government officials and help them digitize the procurement process. I realized that even though the officials wanted public sector organizations to work efficiently, such changes were not easy to bring unless better policies were designed.

During my junior year at LSE, I worked as a research assistant at the Center for Research in Economics and Business (CREB). At CREB, I worked with Professor Antony Bert on a preliminary report to evaluate the impact of microcredit on women in developing countries. The study was conducted in collaboration with a nonprofit, and it helped me see the difference my work could make in the lives of women entrepreneurs.

During my senior year at LSE, I was selected for the Global UGRAD program. My time at Utica College helped me decide where I wanted to proceed with economics. The rich discussions in my “international political economy” and “international relations” classes gave me a lot to think about. I especially remember when I led a seminar on how the West could help the East solve its economic problems. The classroom was an amalgamation of different nationalities, so the varying viewpoints were very interesting.

The thought that developing countries may be a burden for the developed world to bear saddened me. I had previously given little thought to my country’s role in the global economy. It became apparent to me that the resources, even in the wealthiest countries, are scarce, and development is a pressing issue. At the same time, interacting with people from different ethnicities opened my mind to what I needed to do for developing countries. Talking about the problems of developing countries with others motivated me to play my part in making them better, and working for their development, seemed the right place to start.

My fascination with economics grew further when I heard Professor Kaushik Basu, the Chief Economist at World Bank, talk about the challenges facing the South Asian region at the 11th South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) in Bhutan. He stated that the South Asian region could greatly benefit from regional integration if its countries overcame problems, such as mutual mistrust, by formulating policies to help eradicate such barriers. This increased my proclivity toward development economics and sparked an interest in studying policymaking.

Recently, I got the opportunity to intern at the Planning and Development Department of India. It was a window for me to peek into the world of policymaking, which did not turn out to be as I had hoped. Millions of dollars were allocated to different projects, yet with no significant improvement in the common man’s life. I became certain that much more is needed to be done to make public policies more effective. For example, there was no proper cost-benefit analysis of projects, and there were instances where funds were tied up in projects due to bureaucratic delays.

I was thrilled to start working as a Research Assistant for a Tax project. As I had become enamored with public policy by now, I was excited to work for evidence-based policy reform. The project intends to strengthen the social relationship between the government and the taxpayers by highlighting the link between property tax revenues and public services. I have been coordinating and working closely with the Excise and Taxation Department and have also been involved in collecting and cleaning taxpayer data. While I am learning a lot here at The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), it has helped me identify the gaps in my knowledge. For example, I lack the econometric skills to analyze public programs and policies.

I hope that graduate studies will help me obtain these skills and tools. I want to pursue a Master’s in International Relations specializing in international development policy, as I want to evaluate third-world countries’ policies in an international setting. My experiences provide a great opportunity to get a graduate degree and experience the cultural exchange experience again, where I can share more experiences from my work with the new people I meet. I hope to return to India better prepared to work on policy analysis by working for developmental organizations and agencies.

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Samples of my work: international relations (ir) & closely related areas.

• Certificate Program in Global Studies and IR, Mexican-American
• MSc IR, Asian Affairs Singapore
• MA International Affairs/Public Policy, Military
• MA, International Relations, Africa, Diplomacy
• MA International Studies, US Marines
• MA International Political Economy
• MA International Educational Development

Statements of Excellence for Admission to Graduate School in International Relations

I want to help you get accepted to graduate school in International Relations

International Relations is a multi-disciplinary major that draws from politics, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology, philosophy, ethics, and geography. You'll be dealing with foreign cultures, languages, worldviews, and values. The study of foreign languages is a necessity, as is a sense of empathy, compassion, and good will.

Sample 1st 2 Paragraphs MSc International and Public Affairs, MIPA, Hong Kong

It is my hope that the admissions committee will look favorably upon the fact that I am a Chinese woman, still only 22, who has studying in England as well as the United States. I was especially pleased to participate in our university’s Study Abroad Program and spend three months studying at the XXXX University of London. After completing the exchange program, I travelled around France, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic during winter break (15 days). The principal highlights of this excursion were my visits to the headquarters of international organizations in Europe such as UNESCO, and the OECD headquarters in Paris. I feel very strongly that it is important for someone in my field to travel extensively which is why I also traveled to Thailand last summer for almost 2 weeks.

IR Personal Statement of Purpose for Graduate School in International Relations, Master's MA, PHD.

As a graduate student in International Relations, you will study the relationships among countries, governments, peoples, and organizations all around the world. You'll learn about global issues from a variety of perspectives-issues including war, poverty, disease, diplomacy, democracy, trade, economics, and globalization. Though it is, of course, impossible to predict the future, by studying how the past has influenced the present you'll be attempting to predict the consequences of international decisions. As an International Relations student you'll be integrating many points of view in an effort to work together for a better world. Topics of study might include the balance of power, fair distribution of wealth, and the economic gap between rich and poor. 

We would be honored to help you gain admission to graduate school in International Relations by drafting a most eloquent statement on your behalf. In addition to filling out my  Online Interview Form , send your resume/CV and/or rough draft to my email:

Thank you very much for your excellent and very quick work. I really appreciate it. The statement is very good; I am very impressed.

KM (Application for Master’s in International Relations, February 2011)

International Relations & Ethics

Leading schools of thought that serve to articulate an ethical posture for International Relations include Cosmopolitanism and anti-Cosmopolitanism, Realism, Liberalism, and Marxism. These are all ethical traditions that conceptually address moral issues in international relations. As a historian of the Cold War, in particular, I understand the historical background of IR, especially as concerns the Developing World.

From the perspective of Realism, for example, ethics are secondary, or inapplicable to the affairs of international politics and believes in the primacy of self-interest over moral principle. The pursuit of self-interest by states is viewed as a  right , or  duty , making it a principle for Realists to uphold. From this standpoint, the international environment is perpetually anarchic and competitive over resources. There is no overarching authority over states. Without a superior power to enforce order, ethics do not sustain in international affairs. Out of  necessity , international conditions compel states to defend their interests by frequently immoral means, and this compulsion of self-defense dissolves moral duties. It would be considered unethical by the principle of pursing self-interest, for a state to compromise its goal for power and security.

Sample 1st Paragraph for the Master's Degree in International Relations, Indian Woman Applicant

The Humanitarian Side of International Relations

The key to a humanitarian career in international relations isn’t hard to turn, since international relations is all about how countries relate to each other. Of course, it’s easy to go down the path of domination and trickery, too. All that depends on you, and who you choose to work for.

Qian Ji Cheng states that over the last three decades, more and more scholars suggest the important role of non-state actors in international relations. The nonprofit sector is booming (see more about that here: http://bit.ly/1AghtbH ), with growth rates at an all-time high. In a study of nonprofit employment growth globally, 16 of the countries provided data which confirmed that nonprofits employ more workers than either the transportation or the construction industry within those countries, and accounts for 4.5% of the GDP of those countries (See more here: http://bit.ly/1AghtbH ).

According to top universities.com, careers in international affairs generally exist across three sectors only: public, private and nonprofit/NGO. Governments, international organizations, multinational companies, development consulting firms, NGOs and think tanks employ international relations graduates.

What are the secrets to a successful career in international relations? Here are some tips:

• Get a master’s in international relations. According to topuniversities.com, a graduate degree is a prerequisite in the field of international relations. Recruiters expect you to have cross-cultural experience, and cross-disciplinary skills, and this and a graduate degree will open a lot of doors. Joint degrees in business or law can also serve you well.
• Do some international relations career research ASAP. There are different focuses and specializations offered by universities, and choosing something that suits you career goals and interests is the best way to go, accelerating professional development. The public sector is bureaucratic, but is the key to getting involved in international projects. There is greater flexibility in the nonprofit sector and a more casual professional environment, but the salaries are generally lower. A great resource for more information is the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, or APSIA.org.
• Do an internship. Volunteer work and internships offer several advantages, including getting insights into the field, forming a professional network that could be useful in the future, and raising your visibility and access to unadvertised job opportunities.
• Get some international experience and learn a new language. Cross-cultural awareness and language skills make you more employable.

What sort of jobs are available? Let’s look at a few.

The UNDP, or United Nations Development Program, is seeking a Communications and Advocacy Specialist to work in Bishkek city, Kyrgyzstan for a period of 6 months. UN Women was established in 2010. Key duties for this role include developing strategic communications and media initiatives, managing media/press coverage; producing timely, accurate and high-quality informational materials; organizing, leading and reporting on the UNiTE Campaign, contributing to the design of strategies aimed at facilitating behavior change towards gender equality.

Required skills and experience for this post include a bachelor’s degree in international relations or a related field, a minimum of 3 years’ post-degree work experience in development cooperation including exposure to communications and advocacy, strong oral and written communication skills. English and Russian are required for this position.

The ICC – International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, is looking for an Associate International Cooperation Adviser. The net annual salary is €57,026.00, and the duties and responsibilities include providing advice and performing tasks required by the Division, including undertaking research and analysis of information/documents relevant to cooperation issues and provide assistance to secure cooperation from states and organizations for OTP investigations and prosecutions.

This post requires an advanced university degree preferably in law or other relevant field, a minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience in international relations or negotiations, international or domestic criminal law strongly desired. English or French required and knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish considered an asset.

As discussed above, a master’s degree is highly recommended if you’re shooting high in your career. So what are the options available? Here are some to think about.

The M.A. in Business & Law at the University of Bern, Switzerland is an 18-month course that costs EUR770 per semester. It prepares you for work in multinational companies, accountancy, nonprofit organizations and the public sector. The 30 ECTS credits in Business Administration are earnt through the study of financial management and accounting, management, marketing and information systems. The law credits pertain to courses in economic law and optional subjects. A master’s thesis is also required for course completion.

Alternatively, you could study international relations, of course! The M.A. in International Relations at the University of Warsaw, Poland is a 24-month course costing EUR 4300 per year. This program involves the completion of courses, such as world politics, international law, international trade, international finance, developmental economics, strategy of multinational enterprises and human rights.

The Master’s in Global Affairs program offered by the University of Toronto, Canada, is also a 24-month program which costs USD 27,629 per year. There is an option to study for a joint degree and study law or business alongside global affairs. For example, the Juris Doctor/Master of Global Affairs (JD/MGA) program is designed for students interested in studying the intersections of law and global affairs, and takes 4 years to complete. The MGA/MBA program brings a business perspective to the study of global affairs. Core courses on the MGA program include international economics, global civil society, global policy analysis, global security and public international law.

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Sample 1st Paragraph for Joint Degree Program: MA Latin American Studies, PHD IR

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Personal Statement – MSc International Relations Management

• Sample personal statement

29 July, 2022

Personal statement – msc international relations management share.

• 12 May, 2013

I writing this application with great joy to study International Relations Management MSc at the University of Bedfordshire to enhance my current academic attainments, increase my skills in a subject synonymous, and pave a path to better career opportunities in the field. As my career goal is to peers a critical awareness of the social communities and global industries, which I found in the study of International Relations Management and I always want to contribute a part of myself into the globalization system reform, and in developed and developing nations. Moreover, I found that this course is a platform to work within a wide range of economic, technological, demographic and social justice concerns. I believe this course will be the right choice for my career plans and objectives.

I have reviewed the programme of International Relations Management MSc at the University of Bedfordshire. The modules are organized to critical understanding and implement in developed and developing countries and the number of different assessment methods will contribute to the development and will enhance my employability. The modules include Brand Communication and Reputation Management, Business Dissertation, Intercultural Business Competencies, International Relations, Peacekeeping and Security, and Performance Achievement Planning. After progress to the Master’s capstone stage where I will need to complete a final capstone unit to choose one of the three options - Business Dissertation, Business Live Project, and Professional Practice. All capstone options will be evaluated as equivalent based on the learning outcomes. Also, the modules will develop my knowledge in understanding public relations, intercultural communication and international marketing on a professional level. After completion of my course, I want to be a Social Research Officer or Public Affairs Consultant in government organizations in my home country. Importantly, this course will provide me with a unique learning experience and I am confident that this course is the right choice for my future career path.

Following my SSC and Intermediate from Humanities group, I have completed my Bachelor of Law from Leading University, Sylhet, Bangladesh in 2016. Later on, I joined Sylhet Judge’s Court as Apprentice Lawyer to implement my career beginning in 2016. Now I am working at Law Offices of Haque Law & Associates as Junior Lawyer since January 2019. My core responsibility is to advise clients, claim liability, defending lawsuits, and obligations, and to analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents. Recently, I feel that I need to gain complete knowledge of the social communities and key concepts of international relations theory. And this programme will enable me to acquire knowledge and understanding in appropriate areas of theory and application of political ideologies in the open or silent remonstrance era. In addition, from this course, I will capable to think critically and independently in evaluating different interpretations of globalization and its impact on global trends. I am confident that my professional goal makes me a suitable candidate for the course.

From the university website, I have come to know that, this MSc course will increase my understanding especially in cultural and linguistic factors that affect international relations, as well as raise issues of ethical and political positions on questions of intervention peacekeeping. According to interest and career aspirations, this course will allow me to think critically and evaluate current research in independent research in the management of international relations. Moreover studying the course, I will understand the growth of NGOs, globalization of industry and multi-cultural communities made up of economic migrants and refugees. Most importantly, during the course I will have the opportunity to work with professionals in the field of international relations. As my previous work experience is mostly related to this course, I think this course is ideal for me to improve my independence and self-development. My learned skills and professional attain with a detailed appreciation will help me to complete my prospective study. I hope my chosen course will make it better and further open doors for my profession.

The brand of having a degree from the UK is highly respected by employers in Bangladesh as they believe that UK education builds proper professionals and there is a high expectation from applicants with such degrees. Though, the study environment in my country follows theoretical systems of education which are quite different and no soft skills gained. In recent years, all companies in Bangladesh are emphasizing hiring of Bangladeshi graduates with degrees from abroad, as they see the transferrable skills carried forward from the international education will play a key role in transforming their approach to the business and believe these graduates are capable of doing so. This has played a key part in my decision-making when choosing a study destination. Also, a recent Survey of International Graduate Outcomes 2019 by Universities UK International produce graduates shows that 82% of international graduates say that their UK degree is worth the financial investment and the same percentage say they are satisfied with their careers. 83% feel that a UK degree has helped them to get jobs that they would not get otherwise. So this is the reason to choose the UK over other education destinations. I can see myself thriving more in a world of knowledge and teaching methods I’m accustomed to.

The University of Bedfordshire is a public research university that is incredibly welcoming to international students. While researching the university website, I found that in 2014, the university achieved the fourth-largest improvement of 22 places in the REF Power Ranking in the sector with nearly half of its research considered to be internationally excellent and also come eighth in the UK in the People and Planet University Green League in 2019 and received the Eco Campus Platinum award in 2020. Most importantly, this university is known to support the students, and they have invested heavily in their facilities to shape the physical and intellectual environment of learning. With around 20,000 students from 100 countries, the university provides outstanding higher education to deliver a range of courses from foundation degrees to doctorates. Tutors are high- qualified academics and most of them have received National Teaching Fellowship Awards. Conversely, I will have the opportunity to gain real-world knowledge and transferable skills that employers look for in graduate recruits. And I think it will be a great achievement for me if I get the opportunity to study at the University of Bedfordshire.

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• Personal Statements
• International Relations personal statement

International Relations Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

International Relations, the study of how different territories, regions, or countries manage their relationship when they recognise no superior authority over matters they all consider vital, can lead to many exciting career options.

If you’ve been considering apply to study International Relations at university, but are struggling with your personal statement, take a look at our example personal statement:

As well as having a strong interest in travel I have always been interested in the way that different countries work together, or in some cases against each other, both in times of peace and crisis.

Most people will remember where they were at the time of pivotal events in our society, for example 9/11. I myself was at school and remember wondering what action America would be able to take to punish those responsible for the tragedy. As the events following 9/11 unfolded and I learn more about war in school History lessons I became more interested in how countries communicate and how their relationships change over time.

In my final years at school, and later at college, I studied Critical Thinking which allowed me to develop my analytical skills and construct logical debates. At A Level I also studied Politics and Modern History which allowed me to gain an in-depth insight into how countries function and build relationships with others.

I was a member of my Student Council and worked part time throughout my time at college. I feel that both of these roles have given me the chance to build on my communication and teamwork skills.

Outside of school I spend as much time as I can travelling and learning new languages including French, Spanish, German, and more recently, Mandarin Chinese.

I look forward to developing all of my skills, both academic and social, during my time at university. I also look forward to the increased work experience opportunities that studying at university will give to me. I hope that by completing a degree course in International Relations will allow me to work towards a future career in politics.

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 98,510 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

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12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

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14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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Writing Your Personal Statements

Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.

The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.

Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.

1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.

• Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
• Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?

My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.

The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.

— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History

Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects

• Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
• Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset  or grit  and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
• Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
• Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
• Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved  GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
• Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.

2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.

• Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
• Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.

I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.

— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature

Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects

• Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
• With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
• Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
• Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
• Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
• You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
• Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.

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International Relations Personal Statement Example

The personal statement for international relations should emphasize your passion for the field as well as your unique experiences and qualities. The following is an example of an international relations personal statement .

As an avid reader of international news and a participant in Model United Nations conferences, I have long been fascinated by the complexities and challenges of global politics . I am drawn to the field of international relations because it offers a unique perspective on how countries interact with each other and how their decisions impact the world at large.

I believe that the study of international relations is crucial for understanding and addressing the most pressing issues of our time, such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. In particular, I am interested in the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, in promoting cooperation and resolving conflicts among nations. I am also fascinated by the concept of international law and how it can be used to protect human rights and uphold global standards.

In college, I pursued a major in political science and a minor in economics, taking courses in international relations, comparative politics, and global governance. I have also had the opportunity to intern with the U.S. Department of State, where I assisted in the preparation of briefing materials and provided support to senior officials working on international affairs. This experience has deepened my understanding of the inner workings of the foreign policy process and has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in international relations.

I am now eager to take the next step in my academic and professional journey by pursuing a graduate degree in international relations. I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gain through this program will prepare me to make meaningful contributions to the field and to be a leader in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous world.

International Relations Personal Statement Writing Tips

Read our tips for writing a personal statement for international relations :

• Start by thinking about why you are interested in international relations. What sparked your curiosity about the field? What specific issues or topics are you passionate about? By explaining your motivations and interests, you can give the admissions committee a sense of your personality and why you are a good fit for the program.
• Next, highlight your relevant academic and professional experiences. Have you taken classes in international relations or related subjects? Have you interned or worked in a related field? Be sure to mention any research projects, study abroad experiences, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to international relations.
• Explain how a graduate degree in international relations will help you achieve your career goals. What do you hope to do after you graduate? How will this program prepare you to succeed in your chosen field?
• Keep your writing clear and concise. A personal statement is a short piece of writing, so you will need to be selective about what you include. Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon, and focus on communicating your ideas straightforwardly and engagingly.
• Proofread and edit your statement carefully. A personal statement is a reflection of your writing skills and attention to detail, so it’s important to make sure your statement is free of errors and written. Ask a friend or family member to read over your statement and provide feedback, and be sure to review it yourself multiple times to catch any mistakes.

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Ma international affairs, american diplomacy.

The conflux of international affairs, national security, and human rights represent the apex of my professional interest and passion. My dream is to contribute to society by helping to keep our country safe from terrorism and struggling to safeguard what are seen as inalienable human rights domestically as well as internationally. I want to be a professional communicator on a diplomatic level, helping to create safer environments for Americans overseas by working to solve political and diplomatic issues. As a diplomat it would be my duty to respond to challenges, ultimately laboring to create a safer environment for everyone involved through long term, sustainable diplomatic initiatives.

I would love to work for the UN, the State Department, a non-governmental organization, or anywhere that I might fully immerse myself in international affairs, national security, and the quest for greater levels of recognition and enforcement of human rights. The greatest level of success that I could possibly imagine would be to become the next Hillary Clinton. In order to achieve my goals, I have already committed myself to tasks that will further my knowledge and experience in international relations. I am currently taking classes in International Relations at XXXX University in Scotland as part of a study abroad program for one semester. I have interned with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) in Washington, D.C., a non-profit organization focused on promoting leadership in executive and legislative branches of our government. In this position, I learned how to think much more creatively about how to generate innovative solutions to current national challenges while at the same time developing a deep appreciation for the preservation of the historic memory of the Presidency. Whatever I end up doing professionally, I will continue to study history in an attempt to better understand the successes and failures of American leadership.

I am incredibly competitive and hard-working. There is no harder worker out there than me. Furthermore, I catch on very quickly and I get things done in a very efficient manner. My greatest honor during my internship was being selected to write a research paper for the staff of CSPC.

I will be graduating with honors—after only 3 years—from XXXX University in May 2013. In addition to the courses I am currently taking at St. Andrews, I have also taken several other highly relevant courses such as Transnational Issues and US Foreign Policy. My main interests are national security and human rights. Furthermore, I have always been passionate about women's rights both internationally and domestically and I am a strong advocate for educating and empowering women.

I learned a great deal about myself while volunteering for a month in a rural town in Costa Rica in July of 2010, teaching basic English and math to underprivileged children aged 5-11. Having been raised in South Texas and exposed to Spanish since childhood, I was able to communicate with the children well. I also organized and participated in extra-curricular activities with the kids. I learned that I am comfortable living, working, and thinking in a foreign language. Thankfully I can communicate very well in Spanish, since this will greatly facilitate the acquisition of a third language, probably Arabic. Further volunteer experience includes co-founding a tennis camp called Summer Smashers in 2006, teaching underprivileged children from a nearby trailer park and group home the basics of how to play tennis. I have played tennis my entire life and planned on getting a scholarship to play in college until a severe ankle injury forced me into retirement.

The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress was founded by a former NATO Ambassador, Dr. XXXX. I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to work alongside experienced policymakers and former government officials. I conducted extensive research and churned out an enormous amount of policy analysis in support of the Center’s projects. I also helped to organize meetings with public officials, the media, Presidential scholars, and the leaders of NGOs. I assisted with conferences, publications, and public relations outreach. Since the staff knew that my primary interest was in international relations and foreign policy, I went to many conferences and meetings concerning international affairs to take notes and represent the Center on their behalf. Of singular importance to me was my fifteen-page research paper about the politicization of the intelligence community, which focused primarily on the failed intelligence practices of the Bush Administration and the CIA prior to invading Iraq in 2003. It is my experience with the Center that makes me especially confident that I will be able to excel in your rigorous program. I want to thank you for considering my application.

I aspire to join the long list of distinguished public servants who have completed their graduate studies in International Affairs at the center of the world: XXU.  There is simply no other place that compares with what you have to offer. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration of my application.

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By Melanie Kieve  March 26, 2024

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough (center) with School of Nursing students after the roundtable discussion.

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough emphasized the vital role that nurses play in the U.S. health care system, and particularly among the nation’s veterans and families, during a visit yesterday to the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Atlanta.

“Nurses are key to how we provide care,” McDonough told the group. “President Biden says, ‘Nurses not only save your life, but they make you want to live,’ and that is surely the experience we have with our nurses across the VA system.”

McDonough, who was in Atlanta for the renaming ceremony of the regional VA office in honor of the late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, joined in a roundtable discussion with Emory nursing school students, faculty, staff, leaders, and VA clinical and research collaborators, many of whom are veterans.

Ravi Thadhani, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory, executive director of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center, and vice chair of the Emory Healthcare Board of Directors, was on hand to welcome McDonough and kick off the roundtable, which was moderated by Lisa Muirhead, associate dean for equity and inclusion, admissions, and student affairs at the School of Nursing.

McDonough spoke with the group for nearly an hour, fielding questions and discussing VA benefits, initiatives, research, employment and patient care.

VA is the largest employer of nursing personnel in the nation, with more than 119,000 nurses, according to a 2023 report. That year, VA nurses served more than 6.7 million patients and participated in more than 87.4 million outpatient visits.

McDonough said nurses will be key as the VA seeks to move care closer to its patients.

“That care will be outpatient driven, so we are going to need more and more nurses to lead that care,” he says. “That’s good news for us because we think nurses provide the best care.”

The Emory School of Nursing has shared a 70-year partnership with the Atlanta VA Health System, participating in VA-sponsored fellowship programs, nursing academic partnerships, residency programs and faculty appointments. Funded by the VA Office of Academic Affiliation, the school has worked on national competency-based curriculums and evaluation measures that more than 100 VA residency programs have adopted.

The school and the VA have also collaborated to develop a model on social determinants of health among older veterans, an initiative on workforce resilience training among VA personnel in Atlanta and Boston, and research on the effectiveness of yoga among women veterans with military sexual trauma-related PTSD.

“Emory is a great partner for VA, and in particular, the School of Nursing is so important to us,” he says. “Over the years, our partnership has turned out hundreds of great nurses — thousands, at this rate — for VA and other health care providers in the country. So, I wanted to come to check in with our partner to find out what more we can do to be a better partner and see if there are places where we can grow because the demand in the health care system for more nurses remains very strong.”

Secretary McDonough is the 11th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, beginning his tenure in February 2021. He also served in the Obama Administration as White House Chief of Staff from February 2013 to January 2017. Throughout his service in the White House, he helped lead the Obama-Biden administration’s work on behalf of military families and veterans.

About the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing  

As one of the nation’s top nursing schools, the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is committed to educating visionary nurse leaders and scholars. Home to the No. 1 master’s, No. 3 BSN and No. 6 DNP programs nationwide, the school has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing. The school offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and non-degree programs, bringing together cutting-edge resources, distinguished faculty, top clinical experiences and access to leading health care partners to shape the future of nursing and impact health and well-being.  Learn more here.

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Politics and international relations personal statement example 1.

Politics can be seen as essentially a convention inextricably linked to the birth of diversityand conflict,but it can also be seen as a willingness to co-operate and act collectively.Mypassion to study politics further is unrelenting.The current lack of political participationin modern society intrigues me.I am certain that over time, political participation hasdeteriorated due to society simply losing interest,therefore it is my desire to examine society closely and calculate why general political participation by the mass hascrumbled,most importantly,who the fault lies with.This is one of many reasons that I feelpolitics and international relations would be an excellent combination to study.

Studying Politics and International relations will enable me to combine a subjects which I have loved since being first introduced to Nigerian politics through my uncle who was a senator,conversations with him increased my interest for politics.As an enthusiastic and highly motivated student I would love to experience and face the challenges which such a prestigious course would offer me.Studying Government and Politics at A Level reinforced my appreciation for these subjects.I understand that the disciplines are interlinked with one another, particularly when concerned with the welfare of our society.Politics deals with the distribution and the exercise of power while International Relations examine the relationship between countries and policies that are formulated.What I intend to study is not just how the policies are formed but the moral and the principles behind them and why they are successful or unsuccessful in society.Studying sociology at A level has enabled me to look at the sociological perspective of international relations and also compare any theories and political ideologies.My study of Media Studies at A Level has enabled me to develop the analytical skills required to fully understand complex texts and has provided me with the knowledge of the influence of media in politics and the importance for politicians of having the media on their side.

My passion for these subjects extends beyond an academic aspect;I have a passion for the field.I enjoy reading books such as The Globalization of World Politics,this will enable me to have a broad knowledge of international relations and to what extent its effects are seen in modern society.I often attend public debates held at parliament,particularly House of Commons,these have expanded my knowledge on topics ranging from political ideologies international policies,all of which I have found extremely useful.Being a part of"Think Outside"debating group,I represented my school on a range of debating topics,with successful results.Last year I travelled to South Africa where I had an insight into the culture and tradition of the indigenous people,this deepened my political and cultural knowledge and also emphasised the importance of family structure,education and socialisation in society. Having visited various countries and learning about their policies and how they are made and to what extent it benefits their society has inspired me to pursue a career in international relations and politics.

It is a passion of mine to learn new political and international approaches and analysis which will give me the proper foundations and broaden my knowledge.The aforementioned reasons drive my will to study politics and international relations;I believe it will give me the confidence that will make me better able to deal with the high demands of this course.Being a part of school council also head prefect ultimately inspired my drive for debating in which I represented my debating group at national competitions.At the age of 15 I was elected as my local youth mayor in which I served for 1 year this enabled me to experience the political life in a micro scale. Ultimately,I am proud of my ability to balance both study and a school life successfully.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by HeyZee for application in 2012.

HeyZee's university choices University of Sussex The University of Sheffield The University of Kent University of Exeter The University of Hull

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

HeyZee's Comments

im a normal that decided to use a non basic structure, my advice will be do not use the structure the colege gives u if you want to create a WOW personal statement, think of it like this how can you expect to make an extravegant p/s with a basic structure

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