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Personal statements for postgraduate applications

Your Masters personal statement is an essential part of your postgraduate application as it's this document that will convince admissions tutors that you're worthy of a place on a course. Discover how to write a Masters personal statement and take a look at some examples for inspiration

What is a personal statement?

A Masters personal statement is a piece of writing that you submit as part of your postgraduate application . It's your first real chance to sell yourself to the university and to demonstrate to admissions tutors that you're right for the course.

It's likely that you've already written a personal statement for your Bachelors degree , so this should give you some idea of what to expect. However, don't be tempted to use your undergraduate personal statement as a template. You will have progressed academically since then and admissions tutors will want to see evidence of this.

Your postgraduate personal statement should be unique and tailored to the course that you're applying to. Use the opportunity to show off your academic interests and abilities, and to demonstrate that the programme will benefit from your attendance as much as you'll benefit from studying it.

'Personal statements have a two-way function in the application process,' explains Steve Carruthers, head of postgraduate admissions and student visa compliance at the University of East Anglia (UEA). 'They are critical to demonstrating the student is right for the course, showing their experience, knowledge, background and personality, as well as their interest in the subject. They also enable the admissions team to ensure the selected course is the best fit for the student's aspirations and goals, or to make alternate recommendations to ensure all options have been equally considered.'

How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?

A Masters personal statement should be around 500 words. This equates to one side of A4. However, some universities require more, often two sides. Some institutions also set a character limit instead of a specific word count, so it's important that you check the application guidelines before starting to write your statement.

As they're relatively short, don't waste words on autobiographical information. This isn't necessary in postgraduate personal statements. Instead, focus on why you want to study a particular programme and your potential to successfully complete the course.

What should I include in a Masters personal statement?

'The statement is a snapshot of who you are and why you've chosen your course, so include everything that helps an academic or admissions team see that clearly,' advises Steve.

You should tailor your personal statement to fit the course you're applying for, so what to include will largely depend on the course requirements. However, in general you should write about:

Your reasons for applying for a particular programme and why you deserve a place above other candidates - 'demonstrate your interest and passion for the course and subject. This tells admissions staff you're more likely to fully engage in your studies,' says Steve. Discuss your academic interests, career goals and the university and department's reputation, and write about which aspects of the course you find most appealing, for example particular modules or work experience opportunities. Show that you're ready for the demands of postgraduate life by demonstrating your knowledge and experience.
Your preparation - address how undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course, mentioning your independent work (e.g. dissertation) and topics that most interested you.
Evidence of your skillset - 'show your writing skills, intellect and ability to succeed academically, as well as the effect and impact you may have on the cohort as a leader, influencer, or enthusiastic team member,' adds Steve. Highlight relevant skills and knowledge that will enable you to make an impact on the department, summarising your abilities in core areas including IT, numeracy, organisation, communication, time management and critical thinking. You can also cover any grades, awards, work placements, extra readings or conferences that you've attended and how these have contributed to your readiness for Masters study.
Your goals - 'Your long-term plans and aspirations are also important to cover, as they both help ensure you've selected the best course to achieve these, but also give the academic team an understanding of how they might best support you through your studies,' says Steve.

Address any weaknesses, such as lower-than-expected module performance in your undergraduate degree or gaps in your education history. The university will want to know about these, so explain them with a positive spin. Cover how these gaps and weaknesses have been addressed and what will be different in your postgraduate studies.

How should I structure my personal statement?

Your personal statement should follow a logical, methodical structure, where each paragraph follows on from the one before. Make sure paragraphs are short, succinct, clear and to the point. Remember, you only have 500 words so use them wisely.

Capture the reader's attention with an enthusiastic introduction covering why you want to study a particular Masters. Then, engage the reader in your middle paragraphs by summing up your academic and employment background, evidencing your knowledge and skills and demonstrating why the course is right for you.

Your conclusion should be concise, summarising why you're the ideal candidate. Overall, aim for five or six paragraphs. You can use headings to break up the text if you prefer.

The majority of postgraduate applications are submitted online directly to the university. If this is the case, present your personal statement in a standard font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, text size 11 or 12. If your course application is submitted through UKPASS (UCAS's postgraduate application service) font style won't matter, as personal statements are automatically formatted.

How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?

Give yourself plenty of time and don't rush . Your personal statement can make or break your application so it needs to be right. Tutors can tell if you're bluffing, and showing yourself up as uninformed could be costly. Before you start, read the rules and guidelines provided, check the selection criteria and research the course and institution.
Use AI tools responsibly - 'Remember, this is a 'personal' statement, so make sure it's all about you,' stresses Steve. 'Using AI such as ChatGTP or Google Bard to generate a statement may be easier, but generalised statements that miss out you, your personality and experiences will never be as effective. Personal stories and experiences really bring your statement to life, and this is one of those times it's ok to talk boldly about all you've achieved, and your qualities.'
Adopt a positive, enthusiastic and professional tone and write in clear, short sentences . Avoid elaborate or overly complicated phrases. Unless otherwise stated, all postgraduate personal statements should be written in English and your spelling, grammar and punctuation must be spot on, as the personal statement acts as a test of your written communication skills..
Don't use the same supporting statement for every course . Admissions tutors can spot copy-and-paste jobs. Generic applications demonstrate that you have little understanding of the course. In order to stand out from the crowd, Masters personal statements must be unique and specific to the course and institution.
Draft and redraft your statement until you're happy . Then ask a friend, family member or careers adviser to read it. Proofreading is incredibly important to avoid mistakes. Memorise what you've written before any interviews.

What do I need to avoid?

follow online examples too closely, use them as a guide only
use your undergraduate UCAS application as a template
be negative
lie or exaggerate
use clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used words such as 'passion' or Americanisms
include inspirational quotes
make pleading/begging statements
needlessly flatter the organisation
include irrelevant course modules, personal facts or extra-curricular activities
use overly long sentences
repeat information found elsewhere in your application
leave writing your personal statement to the last minute.

How should I start my Masters personal statement?

Steve believes there is no right way to start a personal statement so try not to waste too much time coming up with a catchy opening. The more you try, the more contrived you'll sound and the more likely you are to fall into the trap of using clichés. 'A good rule of thumb is to make it interesting, personal (avoiding bland generalisms) and enthusiastic for your choice of study.’

'Your opening lines could include how your current interests (we're less interested in you as a six year old) have led you to apply for this course, and how you see it helping you achieve both your full potential and future aspirations,' says Steve.

Avoid using overused phrases, such as:

For as long as I can remember…
From a young age…
I am applying for this course because…
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
I have always been interested in…
I have always been passionate about…
I have always wanted to pursue a career in…
Reflecting on my educational experiences…

Admissions tutors read hundreds of applications per course so the opening paragraph of your personal statement needs to get straight to the point and make a real impact. Avoid overkill statements, gimmicks and popular quotes.

If you're really struggling, come back and tackle the opening once you have written the rest.

How should I end my personal statement?

Conclusions should be short, sharp and memorable, and leave no doubt in an admissions tutor's mind that you deserve a place on a course.

The perfect ending should pull all of your key points together without waffling or repeating yourself.

Like the rest of your Masters personal statement, keep the ending simple. Be succinct and make it clear why you'll be an asset to the university and end on a positive note, with a statement about why the institution would be lucky to have you as a student.

What are admissions tutors looking for?

'Passion for the subject, and an understanding of the key challenges and problems it's currently facing, as well as the research being undertaken to solve these or to move the field forwards, really endears you to the academics who you'll be interacting with,' explains Steve.

'Strong writing skills are a gift, so be clear and concise about what you want to say, and always get a second pair of eyes to check spelling and grammar as well as readability.'

Make sure you also provide:

an explanation of how the course links your past and future
an insight into your academic and non-academic abilities, and how they'll fit with the course
evidence of your skills, commitment and enthusiasm
knowledge of the institution's area of expertise
reasons why you want to study at the institution.

Personal statement examples

The style and content of your postgraduate personal statement depends on several variables, such as the type of qualification that you're applying for - such as a Masters degree , a conversion course or teacher training . Here are some postgraduate personal statement templates to help you get started:

Business management personal statement

Postgraduate courses in business management are popular among graduates. To make your application stand out your personal statement needs to cover your motivations for choosing a specific course at a particular university, your career goals and how the Masters will help you achieve them. Be sure to mention relevant transferrable skills and work experience. Read up on management courses .

Computer science personal statement

If you'd like to complete a Masters but studied an unrelated subject at undergraduate level you'll need to explain why you'd like to change disciplines. In the case of computer science your personal statement will need to show that you possess the technical, mathematical and analytical skills necessary, as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the subject area. Gain an insight into the information technology sector .

Law personal statement

You'll apply for an LLM the same way you would for any other Masters, directly to the university. Whether you're undertaking a general LLM or a more specific programme, such as an LLM in human rights or international business law, you'll need to convey why you want to study the law in more depth and how this could potentially aid your career. Discover more about LLM degrees .

Nursing personal statement

If you didn't study the subject at undergraduate level but you'd like to apply for a postgraduate course in nursing your personal statement needs to convey your reasons for choosing this career path, as well as demonstrate a specific set of skills, knowledge of the working environment and relevant experience. Find out more about working as an adult or children's nurse .

Psychology personal statement

Applications for conversion courses such as these are fairly straightforward and made directly to individual institutions. You need to explain why you want to change subjects and how your current subject will help you. Explain what experience you have that will help with your conversion subject, and what you hope to do in the future. Learn more about psychology conversion courses .

Social work personal statement

If your Bachelors degree was in an unrelated subject but you now have ambitions to work as a social worker you'll need a Masters in social work (MSW) to qualify. Social work Masters have a substantial work placement element so you'll need to cover what you hope to achieve during this time as well as demonstrate other relevant experience. Find out more about social work courses .

PGCE primary personal statement

As well as detailing why you want to work with this particular age group, a PGCE primary personal statement should highlight the ways in which your educational background has inspired you to teach. You'll need to cover relevant skills you have gained and any related work experience, as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the primary national curriculum. Read up on PGCEs .

PGCE secondary personal statement

You'll need to cover why you want to teach at secondary level while also acknowledging the pressures and challenges of working with older pupils. As you'll be teaching a specific subject, you'll need to evidence your knowledge in this area and demonstrate how your first degree was relevant. It's also essential to highlight any related work or voluntary experience. Learn more about teaching personal statements .

Find out more

Search postgraduate courses .
Find out what else you must consider when applying for a Masters degree .
Completed your application? Discover what postgraduate interview questions you may be asked.

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How to write a personal statement

How to approach writing your personal statement for graduate applications.

If you’re applying for a grad course that requires a personal statement (sometimes also called a ‘statement of purpose’), it can be difficult to know where to start and what to include. Read on for tips from some of our masters’ students about their process and what they found helpful.

1. Before you start

The academic work is the most important reason why we’re here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are as an academic. Lauren (MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies)

Start by thinking about the skills, knowledge and interests you’ve acquired over time and how the course at Oxford will take them forward.

Your statement is the story you want to tell about yourself and your academic work to the department you are applying to.

Most of your application and its supporting documents communicate plain facts about your academic career so far. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to put these facts into context and show assessors how you’ve progressed and excelled.

Make sure you highlight evidence of your achievements (a high grade in a relevant area, an award or scholarship, a research internship).

Presenting yourself

When I was writing my personal statement, I went onto my course website. I looked at what they emphasised and what kind of students they were looking for, and I wrote about my experiences based on that. Kayla (MSc in Clinical Embryology)

Make it easy for an assessor to see how you meet the entry requirements for the course (you can find these on each course page ).

Don’t make any assumptions about what Oxford is looking for!

Get to know your department

You want to study this particular subject and you want to study at Oxford (you’re applying here, so we know that!) but why is Oxford the right place for you to study this subject? What interests or qualities of the academic department and its staff make it attractive to you?

Use your academic department’s website for an overview of their research, academic staff and course information (you'll find a link to the department's own website on each course page ).

I said, ‘why do I actually want to be here? What is it about being at Oxford that’s going to get me to what I want to do? Sarah (Bachelor of Civil Law)

Talk it out

Talking to others about your statement can be a great way to gather your ideas and decide how you’d like to approach it. Sarah even managed to get benefit out of this approach by herself:

“I spent a lot of time talking out loud. My written process was actually very vocal, so I did a lot of talking about myself in my room.”

2. The writing process

Know your format.

Make sure you’ve read all the guidance on the How to Apply section of your course page , so you know what’s needed in terms of the word count of the final statement, what it should cover and what it will be assessed for. This should help you to visualise roughly what you want to end up with at the end of the process.

Make a start

When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part.

One good way to get around writer’s block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur.

First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I’ve done, anything close to computer science, that was on my personal statement. Mayur (MSc Computer Science)

You’ll be editing later anyway so don’t let the blank page intimidate you - try writing a little under each of the following headings to get started:

areas of the course at Oxford that are the most interesting to you
which areas you’ve already studied or had some experience in
what you hope to use your Oxford course experience for afterwards.

3. Finishing up

Get some feedback.

Once you’ve got a draft of about the right length, ask for feedback on what you’ve written. It might take several drafts to get it right.

This could involve getting in touch with some of your undergraduate professors to ask them to read your draft and find any areas which needed strengthening.

You could also show it to people who know you well, like family or friends.

Because they’re the first people to say, ‘Who is that person?’ You want the people around you to recognise that it really sounds like you. It can be scary telling family and friends you’re applying for Oxford, because it makes it real, but be brave enough to share it and get feedback on it. Sarah (Bachelor of Law)

Be yourself

Finally - be genuine and be yourself. Make sure your personal statement represents you, not your idea about what Oxford might be looking for.

We have thousands of students arriving every year from a huge range of subjects, backgrounds, institutions and countries (you can hear from a few more of them in our My Oxford interviews).

Get moving on your application today

To find out more about supporting documents and everything else you need to apply, read your course page and visit our Application Guide .

Applicant advice hub

This content was previously available through our Applicant advice hub . The hub contained links to articles hosted on our Graduate Study at Oxford Medium channel . We've moved the articles that support the application process into this new section of our website.

Application Guide: Statement of purpose

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Personal statements for postgraduate applications

A well-crafted Masters personal statement is the key to convincing admissions tutors that you deserve a place on a postgraduate course. Discover the dos and don'ts of writing a personal statement and take a look at some examples for inspiration

What is a personal statement?

'We certainly find the personal statement an essential part of the application process,' says Helen Hayes, assistant registrar (postgraduate and non-standard admissions) at Aberystwyth University.

'From an admissions officer perspective, given that we have to read a large number of personal statements, we are always keen to see enthusiasm, interest and passion for the subject emanating off the page,' adds Helen.

How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?

As they're relatively short in nature, don't waste words on autobiographical information. This isn't necessary in postgraduate personal statements. Instead, focus on why you want to study a particular programme and your potential to successfully complete the course.

What should I include in a Masters personal statement?

You should tailor your personal statement to fit the course you're applying for, so what to include will largely depend on the course requirements. However, in general you should write about:

Your reasons for applying for a particular programme and why you deserve a place above other candidates - discuss your academic interests, career goals and the university and department's reputation, and write about which aspects of the course you find most appealing, such as modules or work experience opportunities. Show that you're ready for the demands of postgraduate life by demonstrating your passion, knowledge and experience.
Your preparation - address how undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course, mentioning your independent work (e.g. dissertation) and topics that most interested you.
Evidence of your skillset - highlight relevant skills and knowledge that will enable you to make an impact on the department, summarising your abilities in core areas including IT, numeracy, organisation, communication, time management and critical thinking. You can also cover any grades, awards, work placements, extra readings or conferences that you've attended and how these have contributed to your readiness for Masters study.
Your goals - explain your career aspirations and how the course will help you achieve them. 'Describe how studying your chosen course fits in with your long-term ambitions and career path,' advises Helen.

Address any clear weaknesses, such as lower-than-expected module performance in your undergraduate degree or gaps in your education history. The university will want to know about these, so explain them with a positive spin. 'We look for positive reflection in situations like this,' explains Helen. 'Cover how things have been addressed and what will be different in your proposed postgraduate studies.'

How should I structure my personal statement?

Your conclusion should be concise, summarising why you're the ideal candidate. Overall, aim for five or six paragraphs. You can use headings to break up the text if you prefer.

How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?

Give yourself plenty of time and don't rush . Your personal statement can make or break your application so it needs to be perfect. Tutors can tell if you're bluffing, and showing yourself up as uninformed could be costly. Before you start, read the rules and guidelines provided, check the selection criteria and research the course and institution.
The best personal statements adopt a positive, enthusiastic and professional tone and are presented in clear, short sentences . Avoid elaborate or overly complicated phrases. Unless otherwise stated, all postgraduate personal statements should be written in English and your spelling, grammar and punctuation must be spot on, as the personal statement acts as a test of your written communication ability.
Don't use the same supporting statement for every course . Admissions tutors can spot copy-and-paste jobs. Generic applications demonstrate that you have little understanding of the course. In order to stand out from the crowd, Masters personal statements must be unique and specific to the course and institution.
Draft and redraft your statement until you're happy . Then ask a friend, family member or careers adviser to read it. Proofreading is incredibly important to avoid mistakes. Memorise what you've written before any interviews.

What do I need to avoid?

follow online examples too closely
use your undergraduate UCAS application as a template
be negative
lie or exaggerate
use clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used words such as 'passion' or Americanisms
include inspirational quotes
make pleading/begging statements
needlessly flatter the organisation
include irrelevant course modules, personal facts or extra-curricular activities
namedrop key authors without explanation
use overly long sentences
repeat information found elsewhere in your application
leave writing your personal statement to the last minute.

How should I start my Masters personal statement?

Try not to waste too much time coming up with a catchy opening. The more you try, the more contrived you'll sound and the more likely you are to fall into the trap of using clichés.

Avoid using overused phrases, such as:

For as long as I can remember…
From a young age…
I am applying for this course because…
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
I have always been interested in…
I have always been passionate about…
I have always wanted to pursue a career in…
Reflecting on my educational experiences…

If you're really struggling, come back and tackle the opening once you have written the rest.

How should I end my personal statement?

Conclusions should be short, sharp and memorable, and leave no doubt in an admissions tutor's mind that you deserve a place on a course.

The perfect ending should pull all of your key points together without waffling or repeating yourself.

What are admissions tutors are looking for?

an explanation of how the course links your past and future
an insight into your academic and non-academic abilities, and how they'll fit with the course
evidence of your skills, commitment and enthusiasm
knowledge of the institution's area of expertise
reasons why you want to study at the institution
demonstrable interest in the subject, perhaps including some academic references or readings.

Personal statement examples

Business management personal statement

Computer science personal statement

Law personal statement

Nursing personal statement

Psychology personal statement

Social work personal statement

PGCE primary personal statement

PGCE secondary personal statement

Find out more

Search postgraduate courses .
Find out what else you must consider when applying for a Masters degree .
Completed your application? Discover what postgraduate interview questions you may be asked.

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

Dislike 1 unhappy-very
Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

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

Staff & students

Writing a postgraduate personal statement

The personal statement is your chance to differentiate yourself from the other applicants applying for your programme, and to describe why we should offer you a place to study with us.

Primary page content

Your personal statement should be unique to you and tailored to the programme you're applying for - make sure you include the title of the programme. Lengthwise, it should be around 2 sides of A4 and written in formal English.

Before you upload your personal statement, get someone you trust to check it over. Be especially careful to check the spelling and grammar. The statement is supposed to demonstrate your writing skills and so there should be no mistakes.

Normally applications are read by an Admissions Tutor. They will more than likely be reading lots of applications from people with similar qualifications, which is why your personal statement really needs to stand out.

David Winstanley, former Head of Recruitment and Admissions, explains how to write a postgraduate personal statement

What should I include?

Make sure your personal statement includes the following things:

Why have you chosen this particular programme?

Because the Admissions Tutor will probably teach on the programme you're applying for, they will be particularly interested in hearing about your passion for the course.

Take a look at the programme content carefully and work out what interests you about it. You can then make sure that your statement outlines how your interests match what's taught within the programme. You should discuss what you've studied in the past, including any relevant research or programme work you might have done, and show how the studying you've done is relevant to the course you're applying for. If you can, try and include subject-specific language that shows you have a grasp of the topic.

Also think about why you particularly want to study at Goldsmiths, for example, particular academic staff. It is useful to look at the staff profile of the programme leader on the relevant departmental webpage to find out about their interests.

Your experience

As well as discussing your studies, you could also mention extracurricular activities, membership of clubs or societies, or relevant work experience that you have undertaken.

Focus on the skills that this experience has given you and how they are relevant to the programme you want to study.

If you are applying to a practical programme then discuss your relevant background in this area. Similarly, if you are applying for a theoretical programme, it would be helpful to demonstrate your knowledge in this area.

Future plans

How could studying this programme help you in the future? Highlight any career aspirations that you might have and how studying this programme will help you achieve them.

Remember to use the title of the programme you’re applying for
Check your spelling and grammar: The statement demonstrates your writing skills and so there should be no mistakes
Be positive: The statement should present your most positive aspects, so avoid statements like ‘I have no knowledge of’
Be concise: Your statement should be 1-2 pages long
Get the document checked by someone you trust

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How to write a personal statement for Masters courses

A good personal statement can mean the difference between getting an offer and being rejected. Your personal statement should show us that you are the right person for the course.

Alternatively, you can see our advice for writing a UCAS personal statement .

Learn how to:

plan your personal statement
structure your personal statement
use engaging and convincing content and language .

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Planning your personal statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing that you submit as part of your application. It is a statement of academic interests and should not contain any autobiographical information about your personal life.

Instead, it should show us that you are the right person for Sussex by telling us why you want to study your course , and any extra information about your achievements to date.

See our Masters courses for more information

When you have finished planning your personal statement, you can use our postgraduate application system to start your application.

You need to:

carefully read the information required of you
research the course you are applying for, so that you can explain why you want to study it. If you are applying for more than one course, do not use the same statement for all applications.

The following questions may help you plan your personal statement:

Why do you want to study a Masters and how will it benefit you?
How does the course fit your skill set?
How do you stand out from the crowd - e.g. work experience?
What are you aspiring to be/do in your future career?
How can your work contribute to the department/University/society?

If you're applying for a subject that is in a different field to your undergraduate degree, tell us why you have decided to change your direction of study.

Think about:

how you will bring fresh insight to your course as a result of your undergraduate degree
the reasons for deciding to change your field of study
how changing your direction of study will help you with your future career.

Use a tight structure in your personal statement and make sure each paragraph logically follows on from the one before.

Your personal statement must:

have an eye-catching and interesting introduction, and an engaging middle part and conclusion
have an introduction that acts as a framework for the rest of your statement, with the main part of your statement detailing your interests, experience and knowledge
be between 250 and 500 words
have short sentences of no more than 25-30 words
use headings (if you wish) to break up the content - for example, 'Why this university?' 'Why this subject?' 'Ability', 'Personal experience' and 'Career aspirations'

'My passion for Psychology stems from my interest in how dementia affects the personality of patients living with the condition. That's why I spent my gap year working with the Alzheimer's Society, supporting patients and families by visiting them at home and holding surgeries to give them and carers someone to talk to.'

'It was not until my grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and ischaemic dementia that the link between brain functioning and cognition became a passion. The enormity of the precision at which the brain functions to produce our cognitive abilities, socially acceptable behaviours and intricate physiological processes astounded me. I found myself questioning the cognitive functions and human behaviours I had previously just accepted, desperate to understand how the unseen and seemingly small entities within the brain could impact our daily behaviour.'

the conclusion should sum up your main points, reflect on your main accomplishments and clearly show your desire to study.

Your personal statement is where you show us your commitment, dedication and motivation for studying the course. It is your chance to show us the course is for you.

Your personal statement should:

give strong reasons as to why you want to study the course at Sussex. This could be for your future career or because of the University's reputation
mention relevant study - including projects, dissertations, essays - or work experience
provide evidence of your key skills including, research, critical thinking, communication, organisation, planning and time-management and show how you can contribute to the department
show what makes you stand out as a candidate
explain who your main influences have been and why
draw on your other experiences: for example are you a member of a society, have you written any papers or won any awards, scholarships or prizes?
highlight your career aspirations and show how the course will help you achieve them.

See an example personal statement [PDF 31.95KB]

Your tone should be positive and enthusiastic. It should show your willingness to learn and persuade us you have what it takes to suceed on one of our courses.

You should:

use fresh and exciting language to make your application stand out, and use engaging opening paragraphs
use accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling
use clear language in short sentences and avoid extravagant claims

Example:

Don't: 'I was inspired by the University's world-renowned researchers and world-leading facilities.'

Do: 'I was inspired to study Animal Biology because of the groundbreaking work into the behaviour of bees that is being led by Sussex Professor Francis Ratnieks. I follow the work of the University of Sussex Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects and would be proud to study in such a renowned department and contribute to its highly ranked research.'

proofread your statement and ask a friend or relative to read it.

Personal statement

You will need to submit a personal statement of around 500 words, outlining your academic history and relevant experience.

Your personal statement is an important part of your application: it will help selectors to decide whether you are a good match for the programme you have applied for and, just as importantly, whether the programme is right for you.

Areas to cover

Your personal statement gives you the opportunity to outline your academic history and relevant experience in order to demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate for the programme you have applied for.

You should also use your personal statement to outline your motivation for your chosen area of study. Try to answer questions such as:

Why are you interested in studying at Edinburgh?
Why have you chosen this particular programme?
If you are studying for career development, what are your career plans and how will your studies support these?

If you have any other relevant experience, for example paid or voluntary work experience or additional qualifications not stated elsewhere, then please include this information in your personal statement, or you can add it to the “Relevant knowledge/training skills” field in the application form.

If you are applying for more than one programme you should write a tailored personal statement for each of your applications. This enables you to refer to the specific programme you are applying for and to highlight how your academic background and skills make you suitable for this particular programme.

Remember that your personal statement is an opportunity to tell us about yourself. The information you give us must be true. Copying information from elsewhere or asking someone else to write your statement, including the use of AI apps such as Chat GPT, could be considered fraud.

Length and writing style

Your personal statement should be no more than 3,500 characters (approximately 500 words) in length and should be written in formal English, using appropriate grammar and punctuation.

It is a good idea to ask a friend to proofread your statement for you before you submit your application.

Writing your personal statement

A personal statement is your chance to tell us what motivates you and why you’re suitable for your chosen programme.

Please note

you cannot amend your personal statement once you have submitted your application

Where to put a personal statement

You can type your personal statement in the online application form (3,000-character limit, including spaces) or upload it as a separate document. If you upload your personal statement, you can go over 3,000 characters but it cannot be longer than two sides of A4 paper (size 12 font and single spaced).

You should consider the following questions when writing your personal statement

Why do you want to undertake the programme or research?
What are your academic interests?
Why do you wish to study at UCL?
What educational experience do you have?
Do you have any relevant work experience?
Have you completed any extracurricular or voluntary activities relevant to the programme?
What are your career aspirations?

Some programmes ask for programme-specific information in your personal statement. Check your programme in the Graduate Prospectus for details.

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How to write a postgraduate personal statement

29 th September 2021

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Applying for postgraduate study? This guide supports you in writing a great postgraduate personal statement that’s tailored to your course.

What do admissions tutors look for

How to write a personal statement

What to write

Check and check again

What do admissions tutors look for in a postgraduate personal statement.

A personal statement is part of your university application. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for a course. Admissions tutors want to know why you want to study the course and how your experiences make you the ideal candidate.

The difference between a postgraduate application from an undergraduate one is that it is fully tailored to a particular university’s course. As an undergraduate, your statement is more generic as it can be sent to five universities. Whereas your postgraduate personal statement is for one course only – it should be a lot more specific to what and where you’re applying for.

Postgraduate study is also a significant level up from undergraduate, so avoid using the statement you wrote for your bachelor’s course as a template. The admissions team is interested in how you’ve grown since your previous studies.

Writing a personal statement for university is different to writing one for a job application. It should show your academic interests and explain why the university will help develop your learning and research. You’re not trying to charm the reader. Instead, you're providing insight into who you are, your achievements and your enthusiasm for the course.

Before putting pen to paper, read through all information about the course and what you need to do to apply.

If you can, arrange to speak with one of the course tutors or a current student to discuss what admissions tutors are looking for. Are you able to see examples of successful personal statements from previous applicants?

Your relevant academic and practical experiences
The bits about the course that particularly interest you
Anything else the university has asked you to include

You can then use this to structure your plan.

Carefully plan what you’re going to write in each paragraph to ensure you include all the important information and present it coherently. Your course will demand effective communication from you, and admissions tutors will look for evidence of this in your writing.

An interesting introduction that outlines your academic background and relevant experiences
Engaging middle paragraphs that detail, with examples, how your interests, achievements and experiences make you right for the course
A strong conclusion that pulls together the main points and summarises why you want to study it

Each paragraph and sentence should flow logically into the next. If you want, you can split up sections with headings (like ‘Academic achievements’ or ‘Career goals’) to make the statement easy to navigate.

For the word count, check with the university you’re applying to, as each may ask for different things.

What to write in a personal statement

You want to show how your interests and experiences make you the right person.

How will the course help with your future goals?
What experiences do you have that provide evidence of your interest in the course?
What modules or projects in your undergraduate degree really challenged your thinking?
How has any employment shaped your ambitions?
Have any personal or public events inspired you?
Which books have you read, or activities have you been involved in, that have influenced you?

Rather than just listing experiences, explain how they shaped you and how they will help you succeed. There’s no need to write down your qualifications as the admissions tutor will have these details with the rest of your application.

What are your hobbies?
Are you part of any sports teams or societies?
Do you volunteer?

This builds a picture of who you are and what you’ll be like as a student. If you want to and if relevant, refer to challenges you encountered during the pandemic – but in a positive way.

You don’t need to include everything in your statement. It should highlight the key information and leave the reader wanting to interview you to find out more.

The admissions team will be looking through many personal statements – they want to see a variety of experiences and stories. You can reflect this in your writing style; avoid repetition and use a variety of words to paint a unique picture.

Try not to use obvious phrases such as ‘I have always been interested in...’ or a gimmicky opening line like a famous quote. Instead, get to the point quickly and say in your voice why you’re excited about the course.

Be concise and make every word count. What you write should be relevant and honest, demonstrating your potential. Everything should be balanced; you can be confident in your abilities but try not to come across as arrogant. Show why you should be given the place, but don’t beg.

First-person narrative
Correct use of spelling, grammar and punctuation
Varied and interesting vocabulary
A positive and friendly, yet professional tone
Paragraphs that flow logically into the next
Clear and concise points backed up with evidence
Clichéd language
Waffle or too much irrelevant information
Vague or confusing sentences
Excuses for gaps in your experience

Proofread your statement to check that your points are clear and there are no spelling or grammatical errors. You can use spellchecking tools and free writing assistants like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to perfect your work. Reading your statement aloud can be helpful to see if it makes sense and flows well.

Ask at least one other person to read through and check it. This could be a friend, family member, careers adviser or a tutor if you’re still at university. A second pair of eyes may spot anything that doesn’t make sense or errors that you’ve missed.

Personal statement tips

Give yourself plenty of time to write, edit and check
Take lots of breaks and return to your work with fresh eyes
Make sure your statement is unique and written by you
If you’re an international student, say why you want to study in the UK
Be prepared to talk about what you’ve written in an interview
And if you’re applying for more than one course, make sure to write a different, tailored statement for each application!

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Personal statement guide for Masters courses

Your personal statement is an important part of your postgraduate application. It gives your reasons for wanting to do the course and shows your ability to complete the course successfully. A strong personal statement will optimise your chances of success.

Please note: students who do not clearly address the questions outlined below in their personal statement may not be considered and we would be unable to accept any further applications for this course for this intake.

The total word limit is 900 words maximum . It must be in English and in your own words.

Please make sure that you answer the three following questions on the postgraduate application form in the personal statement tabs, keeping to the advised word count.

Why are you interested in this course? (300 words max.)

Think about what specifically there is about this course that made you choose it.
There may be many courses in the same subject area as the one you plan to study at UWE Bristol. What is it specifically about this course which you prefer and which suits you over other course choices? Think about your decision process.
Look at the course content carefully and work out what interests you about it. You can then make sure that your statement outlines how your interests match what's taught within the course.

Given what you know about the required skills for this course, please give (300 words max.)

a) some specific examples of your skills and experience to date that will help you to succeed

b) some specific examples of what you will do between now and the start of the course to prepare for study.

How does this course relate to your previous studies and how might it build on your previous learning? If you can, try and include subject-specific language that shows you have a grasp of the topic.
As well as discussing your studies, you could also mention extracurricular activities, membership of clubs or societies, or relevant work experience that you have undertaken. Focus on the skills that this experience has given you and how they are relevant to the course you want to study. Your non-academic achievements might also provide evidence of project management, resilience, effective communication and so on.
If you are applying to a practical course then discuss your relevant background in this area. Similarly, if you are applying for a theoretical course, it would be helpful to demonstrate your knowledge in this area.
If the experience is not directly related to your application then think about showing the transferable skills that you have used and developed extracurricular activities and interests.

How could studying this course benefit you in the future? (300 words max.)

Highlight any career aspirations that you might have and how studying this course will help you achieve them.
How will the course enhance your knowledge or interest in this field?
How will the knowledge and skills you will gain help you with the type of work you hope to do? Think about the type of job you expect to be doing.
You don't need to repeat information you have already given us elsewhere on the application.
Avoid clichéd introductions and content such as “Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is...” and “I would like to thank the xxx department very much for considering my application.”
Please give examples where possible. For example on question two, show how you have developed the skills you think you will need, don't just list them.
Before you upload your personal statement, get someone you trust to check it over.
Be especially careful to check the spelling and grammar.
Avoid plagiarism (copying) - all statements will be checked for plagiarism. Your statement must be your own work, so do not use templates. If a statement is found to be plagiarised, your application will be withdrawn and any future applications will not be considered.
The Admissions team will more than likely be reading lots of applications from people with similar qualifications, which is why your personal statement really needs to stand out.

The University of Warwick

A guide to writing a Masters personal statement

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If you are considering postgraduate study, you will need to think about writing an application that demonstrates why you are the right candidate for the course and their university. This is where your personal statement comes in.

You’ll already have written a personal statement for your undergraduate application, so the concept should be familiar. However, there are some things you should be aware of when it comes to writing specifically for postgraduate study.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a stand-out Masters personal statement and provide you with some valuable insights from our Masters Recruitment Manager Danielle, here at Warwick Business School (WBS).

What is a Masters personal statement?

An MSc personal statement, also known as a ‘statement of purpose’, supports your application to study a postgraduate course at university. It should highlight your key skills and experience whilst demonstrating your understanding of the course and conveying your academic skills and interests.

From her experience in the Recruitment and Business Development team at WBS, Danielle gives her take on a personal statement:

Your personal statement is your opportunity to sell yourself and differentiate yourself from any other applicant, share your passion for joining WBS and link your life experiences and skills to how you could contribute to a cohort.

How long should a Masters personal statement be?

A personal statement for postgraduate study should fit within two pages of A4. Whilst you won’t be penalised if it is slightly longer, you should always make sure the content is relevant and doesn’t repeat information elsewhere in your application.

What do you need to prepare before writing a Masters personal statement?

Before writing your personal statement for postgraduate study, there are a few things you should consider.

Research your options

Take the time to read through course pages and brochures. You’ll find in-depth information on what the course involves and how it might align with your career goals. Danielle explains how understanding what the course involves is key in demonstrating your suitability and passion for a course:

All of our course webpages feature extensive information on the course modules, so take the time to show you’ve done your research in your personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to relate yourself to our core values and demonstrate what a strong candidate you will be for one of our programmes. Ensure you also use this as an opportunity to link our programme to your future career.

Course titles should not be taken at face value. Whilst some universities will have courses with the same titles, the content will differ. You need to demonstrate you understand what the course entails and why you want to apply for a particular course as. Danielle adds:

Take time to look at the content of the course you are applying for; although course titles may be the same at different universities the course content can be different. Do your research and demonstrate this in your personal statement, showing how invested you are in studying at WBS.

Consider what you want from your studies

The range of choice when it comes to postgraduate study is vast, and it can feel overwhelming when deciding which course is right for you.

Whilst opinions from your friends and family are important, they shouldn’t be the ultimate deciding factor when choosing a course. Ultimately you need to consider what you really want and whether it aligns with your career goals.

Begin to prepare your application

Once you have decided which course you would like to apply for and you’ve ensured you meet the entry requirements, you will need to begin preparing your application. This includes collecting the correct documentation such as a CV, transcript, personal statement, and reference.

What should you include in a Masters personal statement?

Recruitment and admissions teams receive thousands of applications each year so it is important that your personal statement is to the point and demonstrates what they are looking for in their students.

Danielle gives some insight into what our recruitment team looks for in a personal statement for a Masters degree:

Aim to keep your personal statement to the point by making sure you answer the following questions, addressing the key points our Selection Committee will be looking for:

Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
How do you see this course benefitting your career plans?
What will you contribute to your cohort?

As well as addressing these key questions, you should also include the following:

Academic achievements

You need to demonstrate how your undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course. You can do this by highlighting specific achievements, projects and pieces of work as well as mentioning any particular topics that interest you.

Professional achievements

If you completed any professional work experience alongside your studies, it is a good idea to mention them here. Highlight any duties, tasks and responsibilities you had to demonstrate what you gained from this work experience.

Relevant extracurricular activities

Including information about relevant extracurricular activities you are involved in can help to give a more rounded view of you as a person. This could include volunteering opportunities and any meaningful hobbies you have.

Transferable skills

Your transferable skills should be highlighted throughout your personal statement. The types of things you could include are presentation skills, communication skills, analytical thinking and time management. Consider what you can bring to lectures and workshops. For example, if your course involves a lot of group work, use an example where you demonstrate your experience with this.

What should you avoid when writing a Masters personal statement?

Repetition of information.

When submitting both a CV and personal statement it can be easy to fall into the trap of just repeating the same information across both documents. Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to reflect and expand on what you have stated on your CV, rather than repeating the same information.

Not providing enough context

Simply listing your achievements without providing context will not prove to the recruitment teams that you are the right candidate for the course. Provide hard evidence to back up the statements you make and try to give two or three in-depth examples, rather than several weak answers.

Not tailoring your application to the specific university or course

Recruitment and admissions teams are keen to hear why you have chosen a specific course and why you want to attend their university. You need to provide clear examples of what excites you about their institution and how you can align with their particular values.

What do recruitment teams look for in a Masters personal statement?

University recruitment teams and selection committees review thousands of applications each year. To ensure your application stands out, you must show that you have taken the time to prepare and research your chosen university.

Recruitment teams want to see your passion for the subject and motivations for joining their institution. Detailing your experience and the skills you can bring will help to emphasise this. Danielle also suggests not overlooking the obvious when it comes to writing a personal statement:

It may sound simple but the first answer to this question is that the Selection Committee wants to see a well written, clearly structured personal statement which demonstrates good preparation and research.

What else do I need to include with my Masters application?

The documents you need to include in your application may vary by institution and course. But generally, as well as your personal statement, you will also need to include:

Academic and professional references
Copies of your undergraduate degree certificate and academic transcripts
A list of final year modules if you're still studying for an undergraduate degree
A research proposal (not all courses will require this)

If you are an international student, there are some additional things you will need to provide including:

A copy of your passport
Proof of your language proficiency through either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate, or any others that meet requirements outlined on our course pages.

When are the deadlines for Masters applications?

Deadlines for Masters programmes vary quite widely between courses and universities. Information on specific deadlines can be found on their respective course pages and postgraduate brochures . You should aim to make an application early in the cycle to ensure there are still places available on the course.

Deadlines for scholarships and external scholarships can also vary, so if you wish to apply for these, you will also have to factor in these deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an interview for masters programmes.

At WBS, there are no interviews for MSc courses. Instead, all decisions are made based on the application you submit. Your undergraduate transcript will be reviewed in depth along with your CV and personal statement.

How many Masters can you apply for?

If you are applying to a UK university, you can apply for as many courses and universities as you like. However, you should not over-stretch yourself and you should only apply for courses that you are really passionate about.

Writing an appropriately tailored application can be time-consuming and attempting to write too many could jeopardise your chances of being successful.

Do you have to pay for your Masters application?

We require an application fee of £75 to cover administrative costs. If you're applying to multiple Warwick courses, remember each course will warrant its own application fee.

How do I apply for a Masters degree?

We have our own application system, and you can find linked 'how to apply' sections on all of our course pages.

------------------------

Discover our range of MSc courses at Warwick Business School

Designed for the change makers of the future, our postgraduate courses will drive you to learn, question, debate and make an impact on the world around you.

Our challenging and rewarding courses will provide you with everything you need to take your personal and professional skills to the next level.

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WBS MSc Mathematical Finance graduate Luxmi Kiran shares his top tips and advice for future students.

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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.

Postgraduate taught

Personal statements

A personal statement can be included as part of your application. For some courses it forms a part of the assessment process.

Unless stated otherwise, your personal statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words. It must be in English, and be your own work. You should tell us:

why you're interested in and suitable for the course
about your relevant background experience
how this course will benefit your career plans.

Departmental requirements

Details of what to include in your personal statement will be provided during the application process. To help you to prepare before you apply, you can find out about course-specific requirements below. The course pages will also give you some ideas about what to include in your statement.

Got a question about applying to York? Email our friendly Admissions Team for advice and support.

If you've already applied to study at York please use You@York to upload any documents. Please do not email documents to us.

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 322142

Course-specific requirements

PG Cert in System Safety Engineering
PG Dip/MSc in Safety Critical Systems Engineering

These courses are intended for students with considerable practical engineering in an industrial setting. Please highlight these elements of your experience in your personal statement.

MSc in Psychology in Education

Please enclose a personal statement with your application. This should be between 300 and 400 words in length, and cover:

how the course you have applied for suits your needs and your academic interests
how it fits into your future plans
details of relevant work or voluntary experience.

MA in Social Justice and Education

Your personal statement should be between 300 and 400 words in length, and cover:

relevant details of your academic and education background
details of relevant activities you have undertaken, like designing teaching materials, or organising short courses
how the course you have applied for suits your needs and what attracts you to it
how it fits into your future plans.

All other MA courses

Your statement should be 300 to 400 words and tell us about your academic interests and your reasons for applying to the course.

Please include any additional information about your academic background, work experience and why you are applying to study for this course.

Supply a personal statement of approximately 500 to 1,000 words which explains your interest in the MA, how your previous studies or current interests intersect with the course, and what you expect to gain from the course.

MSc Sustainable Business: Leadership, Innovation and Management

Students who will be most successful on this course are those who are able to demonstrate the following skills and attitudes:

keen to drive change towards a sustainable future
highly motivated and independent learner
willingness to fully engage with a range of different learning activities
collaborative approach to working within a team
ability to be creative and help generate solutions to real-world business challenges
interest in developing a global perspective.

Please provide a short, 500 words, statement providing evidence to demonstrate that you have the skills and attitudes to be successful in this programme.

Provide a brief summary outlining your reasons for choosing your course.

Your personal statement should be 500-1000 words in length. Please tell us why:

you wish to study the course
how your previous studies and experience have prepared you for it, and
what you hope to gain from the course.

Please also include any other information that you feel will help us to assess your application.

We are keen to hear about your academic and other experiences, which may or may not include previous study of the history of art.

You should explain your interest in the subject, which may include approaches as well as periods or artists.

Finally, explain what has attracted you to the course at York and what you would like to do here.

Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words.

Your personal statement should be 500 to 1,000 words in length.

It should include clear information about how much (if any) linguistics you have previously studied.

If you're applying to a specialist course you should explain why you have chosen this course, and why you believe that your background is suitable.

MA in Interpreting, Translation and Applied Technologies

Your application should include a 500-700 words personal statement describing your background, relevant information about your language background, relevant personal, academic and/or professional experience, and why you want to study this programme. At the top of your statement, you should specify the languages in your language combination with which you intend to study.

A personal statement of no more than 500 words should be submitted, explaining why you want to study for this course at York.

Your statement should be no longer than 500 words. It should include:

an explanation of why you want to study the course
a discussion of any previous work experience which may be relevant to this course
what you hope to do with your Masters degree upon completion.
MSc in Clinical Anatomy
MSc in Clinical Anatomy and Education
MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Development

Your personal statement include information about your academic background, relevant experience and motivation for undertaking the course.

MSc in Physician Associate Studies

Detail your previous grounding in Chemistry, either through your degree or A Levels, and explore your motivation to undertake the role of a professional Physician Associate.

All other courses

A personal statement should demonstrate your motivation for undertaking the course at Hull York Medical School. You should provide information about your academic or clinical background and your current clinical role if applicable.

Your personal statement should be as specific as possible, telling us for example:

what engages you academically about the middle ages
what are the main questions or scholars that inspire you

You might also draw our attention to anything else that might demonstrate your commitment to study (work experience, relevant extracurricular activities) and any additional skills or abilities (for example, language skills).

Please tell us in your personal statement about your music studies/experience to date, your plans for the future, and why you think the course is the right choice for you.

Outline the reasons why you are suited or well-qualified for this course, your motivation for applying, how you will benefit from the course and what you hope to bring to the research group. You should also add any other information that you feel will help us to assess your application.

The statement should be 500 to 1000 words in length, in English, and your own words.

Your personal statement must demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course you're applying to. For example, you might explain your intellectual passion for the subject, or show your interest through discussing practical or work experience you may have gained.

MSc courses

Supply a one to two-page statement describing:

why you would like to take this course
your relevant background experience and training
your plans for the future.

Your personal statement must demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course you are applying to. For example, you might explain your intellectual passion for the subject, or show your interest through discussing practical or work experience you may have gained.

MSc Social Media and Management and MSc Social Media and Interactive Technologies

In your personal statement you should use the course information available and tell us what you hope to learn and where the degree will lead to after graduation.

MA in Film and Television Production with Sound

Please provide a personal statement in the form of a recorded video 'self tape' lasting no more than four minutes, with you directly answering these questions:

What is it about sound for Film and Television that interests you?
What filmmaking experience do you have working in sound?
What qualities do you possess that you feel would make you a good sound engineer?
Why do you want to come to study the MA with Sound at York?

Your self-tape must be presented in one unedited piece to camera, and show your face clearly in a suitable, balanced mid-shot or medium close-up frame. The quality of the sound, camera or lighting is not important, provided we can hear and see you at all times, but you may wish to use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your creative and technical skills in sound as part of this submission. Again, the quality of the edit is not important, but your answers to the questions asked are.

Your self-tape can be provided as one of the weblinks alongside your project examples in the written portfolio PDF or Word document (see other application requirements), or you can provide a link to the self-tape in a separate PDF or Word document if preferred.

MA in Film and Television Production with Editing

What is it about editing for Film and Television that interests you?
What filmmaking experience do you have working in editing?
What qualities do you possess that you feel would make you a good editor?
Why do you want to come to study the MA with Editing at York?

Your self-tape must be presented in one unedited piece to camera, and show your face clearly in a suitable, balanced mid-shot or medium close-up frame. The quality of the sound, camera or lighting is not important, provided we can hear and see you at all times, but you may wish to use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your creative and technical skills in editing as part of this submission. Again, the quality of the edit is not important, but your answers to the questions asked are.

MA in Film and Television Production with Cinematography

What is it about cinematography that interests you?
What filmmaking experience do you have working in cinematography?
What qualities do you possess that you feel would make you a good cinematographer?
Why do you want to come to study the MA with Cinematography at York?

Your self-tape must be presented in one unedited piece to camera and show your face clearly in a suitable, balanced mid-shot or medium close-up frame. The quality of the sound, camera or lighting is not important, provided we can hear and see you at all times, but you may wish to use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your creative and technical skills in cinematography as part of this submission. Again, the quality of the edit is not important, but your answers to the questions asked are.

MA in Film and Television Production with Producing

What is it about producing for Film and Television that interests you?
What filmmaking experience do you have working in production?
What qualities do you possess that you feel would make you a good producer?
Why do you want to come to study the MA with Producing at York?

Your self-tape must be presented in one unedited piece to camera, and show your face clearly in a suitable, balanced mid-shot or medium close-up frame. The quality of the sound, camera or lighting is not important, provided we can hear and see you at all times, but you may wish to use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your production skills as part of this submission. Again, the quality of the edit is not important, but your answers to the questions asked are.

MA in Film and Television Production with Directing

What is it about directing for Film and Television that interests you?
What filmmaking experience do you have working as a director?
What qualities do you possess that you feel would make you a good director?
Why do you want to come to study the MA with Directing at York?

Your self-tape must be presented in one unedited piece to camera, and show your face clearly in a suitable, balanced mid-shot or medium close-up frame. The quality of the sound, camera or lighting is not important, provided we can hear and see you at all times, but you may wish to use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your creative and technical skills in directing. Again, the quality of the edit is not important, but your answers to the questions asked are.

MSc in Digital Design

Please tell us why you are interested in design and the MSc in Digital Design and how this degree might support your career aspirations. Please also include and explain an example of something related to design that you’ve either been involved in, or an existing digital design product or service that you feel is particularly interesting or significant.

Writing a personal statement for your Master's

Your Personal Statement

See our checklist for the essentials to include.

Your Personal Statement is a great opportunity for you to introduce yourself and outline why you're a compelling candidate for a course. It should be about 1,000 words, or one side of A4.

In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course and highlight the skills you've gained from your academic studies and your work or life experience. If you're not currently studying you should include information about if you've taken a year out, and why, and details of your current or previous employment.

Your personal statement checklist

Your personal statement should convey your views and be written in your style. To be successful, make sure you're clear, concise and factual. Don't get someone else to write it for you. In your personal statement, you should include the following:

Your reasons for choosing the course

Think about:

Relevant previous academic study, achievements and projects
Academics skills you've already developed and want to develop further
If the course links to your dissertation
Anything that has significantly influenced your choice
Why you want to study at the University of Portsmouth - are you interested in a particular research focus or quality of research?

Outline your reasons for doing postgraduate study and specifically the course you've chosen. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for further study and/or research.

Write about relevant previous academic study, achievements and projects. Focus on academic skills you've developed and wish to develop further. Does the course link to your dissertation? Mention anything that significantly influenced your choice. Why do you want to study at the particular institution you're applying to? Are you interested in a particular research focus or quality of research?

Your interest in your chosen subject

Demonstrate that you're clear about what the course will involve. Ask yourself the following questions:

What is it about this course that interests you?
Are there any features of this course that particularly attract you and why?
What sparked your interest in this study area?
What have you done so far to develop your interest?
What have you learned about yourself in the process?

Give details of any relevant jobs, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done. Include the skills and the experience you've gained from these activities.

Reflect on work experience and how this has influenced your choices. What will you bring to the course as a result? Consider the skills you'll need to be successful on your course and give evidence you have these skills.

Your future career plans

Do you have a clear career goal? How does your course choice fit with this? This could demonstrate commitment to the programme to achieve a specific outcome. Where your chosen course is of a vocational nature, this section will be especially important. You'll need to include evidence of work experience and career exploration.

Your social, sports or leisure interests

For some courses it might be useful to provide evidence of additional skills that are useful in your studies. For challenging courses it demonstrates that you have an outlet outside your studies.

International students

If you're an international student you may also like to include the following:

Your reasons for studying in the UK – this could include the course, research, cultural experience, and/or a desire to improve language skills
Your language skills – what evidence do you have to show that you can complete a higher education course that is taught in English?
Evidence of previous studies in an English–speaking environment

Make sure your personal statement is written to a high standard with good spelling and grammar and make sure the meaning is clear. Don't get someone else to write your personal statement for you – you have to demonstrate that you have the right level of English to support your studies.

If you studied your undergraduate degree at the University of Portsmouth, the Careers and Employability Service can offer support with writing your Master's Personal Statement. Find out how you can get feedback on your application .

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Postgraduate Personal Statement Examples

What is a postgraduate personal statement?

A postgraduate personal statement is a piece of creative writing that should tell the universities you are applying to all about your strengths and where you see yourself in the future.

It should give admissions tutors a good idea of who you are and why you would make a valuable candidate for their course.

Remember that a postgraduate course is a higher level of study than an undergraduate degree, so be prepared to share your knowledge and expertise in your chosen subject.

How do I write a postgraduate personal statement?

We always recommend starting your postgraduate personal statement by brainstorming ideas. Your notes should cover the following:

achievements
academic results
part-time or Saturday jobs
volunteering
wider reading
extracurricular activities

as well as anything else you can think of that is relevant to the course you are applying for.

Take a look through our collection of postgraduate personal statement examples above to give yourself an idea of what a successful statement looks like.

Once you have put together an initial draft, it's a good idea to ask for feedback from family, friends and tutors. They will be able to look at your statement objectively and suggest ways it could be improved.

Incorporate their comments, and ask for further feedback. Don't worry if you have to do this three or four times - it's important you get your statement as perfect as possible before sending it off on your UCAS form.

What should I include in my postgraduate personal statement?

Look at the content of the course and make sure your statement addresses the specific apect(s) you are interested in.
Talk about your motivations for wanting to study the course and mention any projects you've completed, awards you've received or other achievements.
Demonstrate important skillls that are required for a postgraduate course, e.g. problem-solving, teamwork, analytical, communication etc. Talk about how you have developed these, either at school/college, at your job or during hobbies or other activities.
Most applicants spend the opening of their statement talking about why they want to study a postgraduate course in their subject, e.g. to improve their career prospects, or as a stepping stone to a PhD.
Don’t include any over-used phrases or quotes in your statement that university admissions tutors will have seen and heard before.
Now is also not the time for jokes or humour - it often doesn't work well and admissions tutors might not be impressed!
Pay attention to detail and use good vocabulary and grammar throughout.
Try to keep the tone positive and enthusiastic - tutors want to see passionate students that will be a valuable asset to their department.
Start writing your personal statement as soon as you know which course you want to apply for and which universities you want to approach.

For more help and advice on what to write in your postgraduate personal statement, please see:

Personal Statement Editing Services
Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
Analysis Of A Personal Statement
The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
Personal Statement FAQs
Personal Statement Timeline
10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

How long is a postgraduate personal statement?

A postgraduate personal statement is normally around 500 words long, which is roughly one side of A4. Some universities may require more, such as up two sides. Other institutions also set a character limit instead of a specific word count, so check the guidelines before you start writing.

Postgraduate personal statements shouldn't include personal information that is already elsewhere on your UCAS form. Instead, focus on why you want to study a particular postgraduate course and your potential to successfully complete your studies.

How do I structure my postgraduate personal statement?

Your Masters personal statement should have a clear, logical structure, where the paragraphs flow coherently from one to the next.

For the opening paragraph, you should try to grab the admission tutor's attention with an positive and passionate introduction that tells admission tutors why you want to study this course.

Your middle paragraphs should tell the reader all about your knowledge and skills and demonstrate why this course is the next step for you.

Around half of the main body should focus on you and your interests, and the other half about the course content and where you hope it will take you in the future.

Your conclusion should round off your statement by explaining why you are a great candidate. Most students aim to write between four and six paragraphs in total, although remember not to waffle - every word needs to count!

It's a good idea to mention any potential red flags, such as a gap in your education history, or low grades at school or college, and explain the reasons why as positively as possible.

For example, talk about how you plan to increase your wider reading to make up for your lower than expected exam results, or how you spent a year out from education volunteering at a local animal centre.

Most postgraduate applications are submitted online via the UCAS Postgraduate service or directly through the university's website. If you are doing the latter, make sure it is formatted correctly before submitting it.

How do I begin my postgraduate personal statement?

The first rule here is not to include any typically over-used phrases such as "since a young age" or "I have always wanted to be a...".

Remember that admission tutors read hundreds of statements every week, so you need to cut to the chase and grab their attention straight away.

Looking through some of our postgraduate personal staetment examples will inspire you, and help give you an idea of what makes a good opening sentence.

How do I conclude my postgraduate personal statement?

Your conclusion is just as important as your opening, so it's worth spending as much time as you can rounding your statement off with something memorable.

Talk about your ambitions and how you hope your postgraduate course will allow you to achive your career ambitions.

The end of your statement should also include a concise summary of why you are a good fit for the course.

Keep it succinct and on point, and think about why you will be a valuable asset to the university. After all, you are up against many other candidates, so why should the tutors offer you a place over them?

Once you've completed an initial draft, including an opening, middle and end, make sure you pass it on to family, friends or anyone else that can provide feedback.

You can then incorporate any suggestions or comments to try and improve it.

Be aware that it will probably take at least three or four rounds of revisions before you have a final, polished draft.

If you follow these tips your personal statement should leave a lasting impression.

Where can I find more information about postgraduate personal statements and applying for a course?

There are lots of great resources out there with tips and advice on postgraduate university personal statements and UCAS applications, including:

Should I apply for a postgraduate course?
Types of postgraduate course
Writing a postgraduate personal statement
Benefits of postgraduate study
Postgraduate entry requirements
Research vs Taught Masters
Taught Masters
Research Masters
UCAS Postgraduate Applications
FindAMasters

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How to write a masters statement.

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British Council

How to write a personal statement for a uk university, by kathryn abell, 19 october 2015 - 05:11.

'Your opening paragraph could start in a variety of ways of course, but the fundamental purpose is to grab the reader’s interest.' Photo (c) Mat Wright

Kathryn Abell of Edukonexion shares some tips.

When applying to a UK university, the discovery that school grades alone are not enough to gain entry onto the programme of your choice can come as an unwelcome surprise. This is especially true for international students, many of whom see the words 'personal statement' for the first time when starting their university application.

But far from being a barrier, the personal statement is, in fact, one of the stepping stones to achieving your goal of studying at a UK university.

A personal statement can help you stand out

If you have selected your study programme well – that is to say, you have chosen something that you are truly excited about that matches your academic profile – then the personal statement is simply a way to communicate to admissions tutors why you are interested in the programme and what you can bring to it. And given the fact that many universities receive multiple applications for each available place, and that most do not offer an interview, your written statement is often the only way you can express your personality and say 'choose me!'.

The 'personal' in 'personal statement' suggests that you should be allowed to express yourself however you want, right? Well, to a certain extent that is true: admissions tutors want to get a picture of you, not your parents, your teachers or your best friend, so it has to be your work. However, the purpose of the statement is to persuade academic staff that they should offer you one of their highly sought-after university places; although there is no strict template for this, there are specific things you should include and certain things you should most certainly leave out.

The importance of the opening paragraph

The online Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) undergraduate application form allows a total of 4,000 characters (around 700 words), meaning that you need to craft the statement carefully. The most important part is unquestionably the opening paragraph, as it acts as an invitation to continue reading. If you are not able to catch the attention of the admissions tutor, who has hundreds of statements to assess, then it is highly unlikely they will read through to the end.

The best advice here is to avoid much-used opening lines and clichés such as 'I have wanted to be an engineer since I was a child'. This kind of thing is not the invitation readers are looking for. Instead, try using an anecdote, experience or inspirational moment: 'Although tinkering with engines had always been a childhood hobby, it was the vision of the fastest car on earth, the Bloodhound, at an exhibition in London, that roused my desire to learn everything I could about automotive engineering'. Really? Tell me more!

Of course, your opening paragraph could start in a variety of ways, but the fundamental purpose is to grab the reader’s interest.

Provide evidence of your commitment and skills

Following on from that, you have to provide evidence of your passion and commitment to your chosen programme, and highlight the specific and transferable skills you possess to study it successfully. You can do this by following the ABC rule.

Action: Include examples of what you have done, experienced or even read that have helped you in your choice of degree and boosted your knowledge of the subject area.

Benefit : By doing these things, explain what you learned or gained; in the case of a book or article, put forward an opinion.

Course : The most successful applicants ensure that the information they include is relevant to their course in order to highlight their suitability. Flower-arranging may allow you to realise your creative potential, but will it help you study astrophysics?

It is perfectly acceptable to base this ABC rule on school-based activities, as not all students have opportunities outside the classroom. However, if you can link extra-curricular pursuits to your desired programme of study, you are further highlighting your commitment. As a general rule of thumb, the information you include here should be around 80 per cent academic and 20 per cent non-academic. So, for example, as a member of the school science club – a non-curricular, academic activity – you may have developed the ability to analyse data and tackle problems logically. Taking part in a work placement falls into the same category and could have helped you develop your communication, time-management and computer skills. You get the idea.

Non-academic accomplishments may involve music, sport, travel or clubs and can lead to a variety of competencies such as team-working, leadership, language or presentation skills. A word of warning here: it is vital that you sell yourself, but arrogance or lies will result in your personal statement landing in the 'rejected' pile. Keep it honest and down-to-earth.

Provide a memorable conclusion

Once you have emphasised your keen interest and relevant qualities, you should round off the statement with a conclusion that will be remembered. There is little point putting all your effort to generate interest in the opening paragraph only for your statement to gradually fade away at the end. A good conclusion will create lasting impact and may express how studying your chosen course will allow you to pursue a particular career or achieve any other plans. It can also underline your motivation and determination.

Use a formal tone, stay relevant and be positive

As you have to pack all this information into a relatively short statement, it is essential to avoid the superfluous or, as I like to call it, the 'fluff'. If a sentence sounds pretty but doesn’t give the reader information, remove it. In addition, the tone should be formal and you should not use contractions, slang or jokes; remember, the statement will be read by academics – often leaders in their field.

Referring to books is fine but don’t resort to using famous quotes as they are overused and do not reflect your own ideas. Also, while it's good to avoid repetition, don't overdo it with the thesaurus.

Negativity has no place in a personal statement, so if you need to mention a difficult situation you have overcome, ensure you present it as a learning experience rather than giving the reader an opportunity to notice any shortcomings. Also, bear in mind that your personal statement will probably go to several universities as part of a single application, so specifically naming one university is not going to win you any favours with the others.

Get some help but never copy someone else's work

Checking grammar, spelling and flow is essential and it is perfectly OK to ask someone to do this for you. A fresh pair of eyes and a different perspective always help, and, as long as the third party does not write the content for you, their input could be of vital importance. And while you may get away with not sticking to all of the above advice, there is one thing that you absolutely must not do: copy someone else’s work. Most applications are made through UCAS, which uses sophisticated software to detect plagiarism. If you are found to have copied content from the internet, or a previous statement, your application will be cancelled immediately. Remember, it is a personal statement.

Get your ideas down in a mind-map first

Finally, I will leave you with my top tip. If you understand all the theory behind the personal statement and have an abundance of ideas floating in your head, but are staring blankly at your computer screen, take a pen and paper and make a simple mind map. Jot down all your experiences, activities, skills, attributes and perhaps even include books you have read or even current items that interest you in the news. Then look for how these link to your course and highlight the most significant elements using arrows, colours and even doodles. Capturing thoughts on paper and making logical deductions from an image can give structure to your ideas.

Get more advice on your application from our Study UK site .

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Writing your postgraduate personal statement

It may have been some time since you’ve written one, but the postgraduate / Masters personal statement will be different to your undergraduate degree application. It's an important part of the application process, so we've pulled together some tips to really sell your passion for your chosen course.

What should I include in my personal statement?

We want to know why you want to study your chosen course at NTU and your motivation for applying.

It’s your chance to tell us about the expertise and experience you've gained from university, or the knowledge you've developed from relevant work experience. You’ll need to emphasise the qualifications, abilities, and experience that makes you suitable for the course and explain how they'll help you to succeed. Ensure that what you write is as relevant as possible by looking closely at the course page and referring back to the course content.

Your personal statement is a chance to talk about your long-term aspirations and how you think this postgraduate course will help you get there. You might also talk about any preliminary ideas you have for your dissertation, which will show the Admissions Tutor how knowledgeable you are in your field.

How to write a personal statement for Masters or postgraduate courses

Be organised and ensure your paragraphs are concise, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Your passion for your subject should shine throughout while maintaining a professional tone of voice.

Structure your statement as follows:

use your introduction to summarise your academic and professional experience
include a middle segment that expands on your skills and abilities
end with a succinct conclusion that pulls together the most significant aspects of your application and leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Remember to include:

clear and concise wording
positive, passionate language
professional tone of voice
evidence to back up your statements.

Our Application Portal has a 4,000-character limit, so your personal statement should aim to be this length or less. If you have more to say though, you can upload separate documents.

For more advice, visit UCAS’ handy guide to writing your postgraduate / Masters personal statement.

Top tips for writing a personal statement for Masters or postgraduate courses

Make it relevant. Back up your statements with examples to illustrate how you're suitable for the course and always ensure what you're writing works for the course you're applying for.
Passion and positivity. Using the right kind of language shows how engaged you are and helps to highlight what makes you want to study at postgraduate level.
Check your work. Rewrite your statement until you’re satisfied, then have a friend, family member, or careers consultant read it. Proofreading is critical for avoiding mistakes.

International students

Are you an international student? Everything you need for your application is on our international application page .

This includes step-by-step application guides, information on entry requirements and preparation, and lots of advice and support at every stage.

Ready to apply?

When you've finished planning your personal statement, you can use our Application Portal to start your application. If you’re applying for teacher training courses, you can apply through UCAS Hub.

Get in touch

If you have any questions that aren’t answered on this page, please contact our Postgraduate Admissions team on  +44 (0)115 848 4200 .

Personal statements for postgraduate applications

August 15, 2023

When you’re applying for postgraduate study, the most important part of your application – aside from your name and qualification to study the course – is your personal statement. It is the part that really allows your experience to shine, and proves to the university that you’re applying to that they should give you a place. In this post, we’ll be looking at some of the things that you need to know about writing your personal statement when you’re applying for postgraduate study.

Navigate to section

What is a personal statement, how long should a postgraduate personal statement be, what do i need to include in a postgraduate personal statement, what shouldn’t be in my postgraduate personal statement, what structure should my postgraduate personal statement take.

How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?
What do admissions teams look for in a postgraduate personal statement?

Final thoughts

Your personal statement is simply a short essay about yourself and your suitability for the course you are applying for that you add to your postgraduate application . It is there for you to showcase yourself to the admissions team, and to help them to see that you would be a great addition to this year’s cohort.

If you are a UK student and applied to university for undergraduate study through UCAS, then you’ll have already written a personal statement for that. Although you might read that to reflect on when you’re going to write your postgraduate personal statement, don’t use it as your guide, especially if you’ve taken a break from your studies and have worked, and gained industry experience since then. Several years will have passed since you wrote your undergraduate statement, meaning that you will have developed significantly, both academically and personally since then – and that is something you definitely want to demonstrate in your application.

For international students that are applying for postgraduate study, the process may be a little different. You’ll need to consult the guidelines for the institution to ensure that you clearly demonstrate that you meet the requirements for the course. In your personal statement, you’ll be able to discuss the same things that other applicants would, such as your career aspirations. You’ll also be able to discuss how your time studying in the UK will contribute to your career prospects, or if you anticipate further study when you have completed the course.

One of the biggest concerns for universities welcoming international students is that their use of English is good enough to comprehend the course. Your personal statement is an ideal place to demonstrate that even if English isn’t your first language, you speak and write it well enough to be interviewed for a place.

Whatever your current status – as a recent graduate, international student or someone returning to study from employment, there’s a good chance that your academic interests have evolved since you began your undergraduate study. You’ll need to include a section about what really appeals to you about the postgraduate course you are applying for. Remember to show why you’re a great fit for the university, and what value you will contribute to the course while you’re studying.

On average, universities require personal statements for masters level study to be around 500 words, which is around one side of A4

On average, universities require personal statements for masters level study to be around 500 words, which is around one side of A4. But some institutions will require much longer personal statements, and some will set a character limit.

As with any other type of academic writing, always read the application guidelines carefully before you start writing to ensure that you don’t go over a word count or miss any essential information. To assist with your personal statement word count, you can utilise this tool to ensure you stay within the specified limit: the UCAS personal statement length checker .

Why you want to study the course, and why you deserve a place

When writing a personal statement for masters or any other postgraduate course, bear in mind that it’s your sales pitch to the institution. You will need to sell yourself, so include everything that demonstrates your academic interests and career aspirations. Discuss why the university and the course is the right choice for you, such as the staff members that you would like to work with, if there are opportunities to gain work experience as part of the course to show that you’ve done suitable research, and have thought out your options clearly.

Why you are ready to study the course

Why your skillset suits the course.

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Why the course contributes to your goals

Why anything negative could be a positive.

If there are any points of concern that an admissions team member might have about your application, you should address them in your personal statement. Don’t ignore them – especially if they are really obvious! If you encountered low grades at a certain point, or you have a gap in your employment history, be clear about the reasons they happened.

Ensure that you are positive about it though. For example, if you were able to achieve a high grade despite illness, then talk about how you did this. If your gap in employment was due to family matters, state what happened and what steps you took to return to work. If you’re an international student and you have never lived away from your home country before, how do you expect to adapt to culture differences? Resilience, adaptability and the ability to move on from a setback are qualities that universities and employers look for, especially with the demands of postgraduate study.

When you are considering what to write, a few points you should look to cover include:

Why you have chosen the university you are applying to, and if you are applying to a particular campus location, what appeals most about that one
Your reasons for applying for the course
What your intended career path is, and why studying the course will support your endeavours
If you’re an international student and universities in your home country and the course you are applying for is offered in universities there, explain why you want to study in the UK and how you benefit from studying here
If you have been in industry for a while, cover why you want to return to your studies, as well as what you bring to the course from your experience in the field
Once you have completed the course, what do you intend to do next?

Variations on postgraduate personal statements

It is important to note that every course has unique requirements for their personal statements. If you’re applying for a postgraduate degree in a science subject, you’ll need different information than if you are applying for an arts or business subject. Always follow the guidance from UCAS or the university, but there are a few points to note about specific courses:

For the Legal Practice Course , you’ll apply for up to three courses through the centralised applications system, and you’ll have up to 10,000 characters for your statement.
To apply for a Psychology conversion course , you’ll do so with the institution directly.
To apply for PGCE Primary teacher training to become qualified to teach Key Stage 1 or 2, you’ll need to have gained classroom experience, so ensure this is the main focus of your PGCE personal statement.

To work with older children, you will need a PGCE Secondary certificate, and you’ll apply via UCAS Teacher Training (UTT) . You can learn more about writing a UCAS teacher training personal statement here . Whichever subject you want to teach you will need to emphasise why you are a great candidate.

Some of these go without saying, but we’ll go over them anyway!

Never lie or exaggerate about the extent of your achievements. You will almost certainly be found out, which could damage your career down the line.
Don’t put someone as a reference that doesn’t know you. Your references are likely to be contacted – many professors know each other.
Avoid using sentences that run on too long.
Avoid using any type of inspirational quote that you might find on Instagram!
Don’t claim that your career is your passion. It might be, but you don’t want your statement to be cheesy!
Steer clear of using any kind of begging or pleading to be admitted to the course. If you’ve written a strong personal statement, and your qualifications back up your application, you shouldn’t need to plead for a place on your chosen course. If a place on your chosen course isn’t available, you have plenty of options – either applying again next year, or finding another course at another institution.
Don’t pay compliments to the institution – staff are well aware of the reputation – and why prospective students are attracted.
Don’t include autobiographical information.
Don’t waffle – your statement needs to be succinct, with just the relevant information.

Remember that you don’t have a huge amount of space in your personal statement, so don’t repeat anything that is already included in your application such as module information. You also don’t need to include information about your extracurricular activities – unless it is relevant to the course you are applying for, of course.

Personal statements can be structured like you would an essay – they need to follow a clear structure that flows logically

Personal statements can be structured like you would an essay – they need to follow a clear structure that flows logically. Admissions teams see a lot of applications, so keeping your paragraphs short and easy to read while clearly demonstrating your enthusiasm for the course will be appreciated.

While there are countless online templates available online that you could follow to create your personal statement, we strongly advise against using them. You might look at a few to get a good idea about what sort of things to include – but following them exactly will mean your statement won’t feel authentic, and when you attend an interview, it will be clear that you didn’t write your statement without support.

In terms of formatting your personal statement, if using headings helps you to direct the flow of your statement, then use them – you can always take them out when you’ve finished if you feel they are unnecessary. If you are applying directly to the university on their form, then use a professional font – Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are good choices, in size 11 or 12. UCAS Postgraduate applications are formatted automatically, so you won’t need to worry about font or size.

How should my postgraduate personal statement start?

Put yourself in the place of the admissions staff. They are reading thousands of applications every year, so you need to get to the point and sell yourself as quickly as possible. Your opening line should make an impact, but shouldn’t be gimmicky, use cliché or exaggerations. Start with an introduction that shows why you want to study the course. Once you’ve covered that, move onto proving why you are an ideal candidate for the course, detailing relevant knowledge and skills. When you’re finalising your statement, be clear and to the point, and ensure you state why you’re a perfect candidate.

If you can’t think of a good way to start your statement, then work on the rest of it first. Once you know exactly what is going in your statement, and the flow of your writing, you will probably find it easier to decide on your opening sentence and paragraph.

How should my postgraduate personal statement end?

Keep the end of your statement to the point, but by the point that you are at your concluding statement, anyone who is reading your statement should be in no doubt that you should be given a place. Your final statement should round up all of your key points, without being repetitive.

Be straight to the point, and keep it simple – you want to show why you would be an ideal student, and your personal statement demonstrates your communication skills.

Proofread your work carefully, and even if you’re confident, ask someone to check it for you.

How can i write a good postgraduate personal statement.

Your personal statement is an important piece of writing. Doing a good job on it is the difference between getting onto the course you want or an alternative, so these are our recommendations:

Take your time to read the guidance provided
Plan your statement, so that you don’t forget to include anything
Leave enough time to edit and write several drafts
Use plain English (unless the guidance requires another language as part of the application process)
Proofread your work carefully, and even if you’re confident, ask someone to check it for you. As a bare minimum use an online tool such as Grammarly to pick up any typos!
Be enthusiastic – your statement should show you are excited about the prospect of studying the course
Use a customised statement for each application – don’t just cut and paste from a generic application!

Remember, you are looking to impress the admissions team with your personal statement – so write it accordingly.

What do admissions teams look for in a postgraduate personal statement?

It depends on which course you are looking to study, but there are several things that admissions staff will look for in every personal statement.

A well thought out, clear and easy to read statement that demonstrates your skills
Evidence of how the course you are applying for is the best step on your career path
That you have looked at other options and why the institution that you are applying to is the right choice
Why both your academic and non-academic abilities support your desire to complete the course
That you have a suitable amount of interest in the subject

There are many different ways to show these points, and so if your personal statement looks very different from others, but still answers these points and the requirements of the institution, then don’t worry! That is likely to be a good thing as it means your personal statement will be more memorable.

Writing your postgraduate personal statement is something that you need to take your time to get right. Rushing, or using a template is a no-no – you need to fully personalise your statement to demonstrate why you are a good fit. If you’ve read our guidance here, you’re likely to be able to put in a great personal statement for your postgraduate application, and receive a place on the course you want.

If you are just starting your application for postgraduate study, or are deciding where to apply, read our guide , and consider whether one of these courses might be right for you.

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Personal statements

Do I need a personal statement?

Your personal statement should refer specifically to your reasons for wishing to study in the UK, and why you have chosen your area of study.

For UK applicants, you don't need to provide a personal statement with your application unless you are applying for:

a Pre-Registration Masters course
our MA Social Work
a Masters course within our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
the Essex MBA

Please check our course pages for specific entry requirements for all of our Masters courses.

How to write your personal statement

This is your chance to personalise your application. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your suitability and passion for your subject. Your goal should be to convince our postgraduate admissions tutors that you are capable and motivated. Your personal statement needs to show why you want to study at the University of Essex. Clear connections between your most recent study and experience with your chosen Masters courses are essential and you should provide a commentary on reasons for your choice. You should also demonstrate how postgraduate study will build on your current level of learning.

Getting started

Why do you want to do your course .

You should express your enthusiasm and motivation to study the course. Don’t just try to write what you think our postgraduate admissions tutors want to hear, talk about your own reasons. Write about any projects, dissertations or extended essays that are relevant or demonstrate relevant skills. Mention any prizes you've won, as well as any travel, time studying abroad and relevant employment you think may make you a good candidate for your course.

Why your subject?

Be clear about your subject choice. When did you become interested in this subject and what have you learned about it so far? What insights have you gained? How have you learned about this subject, for example through classes, seminars, work, or even conversations with academic staff?

How is your first degree relevant now?

Highlight any assignments or projects which are relevant or where you’ve done well. Include relevant skills you've gained, for example computing, knowledge of data analysis software, or relevant scientific techniques etc. Explain any circumstances that may have affected your academic results, that you think should be considered.

Why Essex?

Give reasons why you have chosen to study at Essex and prove that you are familiar with who we are and what we stand for. Explain what you feel Essex has to offer, why that appeals to you, and how you will be able to contribute.

Are there specific academic staff members you want to work with?

You may want to research who you will be working with so that you can explain why you would like to work with them and what you will learn from them. Focus on what academic publications they've written and what their research is on, then explain why this interests you.

How are you going to step up to the advanced level of postgraduate study?

Our postgraduate admissions selectors want to be convinced that you are going to cope well with this a level of study.

What personal skills can you offer?

Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework about the course you're applying for and that you’ve seriously considered your strengths and weaknesses for postgraduate study. If you have worked during vacations, what skills have you gained? These might include team working, communication or working under pressure. Have you had to overcome any obstacles or hardships in your life? This may show evidence of determination.

What are your career aims?

You may not have clear focus on what you want to do after you graduate from Essex, but you should have some ideas. A clear direction will strengthen your commitment to do well in your studies and selectors will know this. Your desire to become a lawyer or lecturer, for example, should be a logical result of specific experience in your statement.

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Personal statements for postgraduate applications
If this is the case, present your personal statement in a standard font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, text size 11 or 12. If your course application is submitted through UKPASS (UCAS's postgraduate application service) font style won't matter, as personal statements are automatically formatted.
How To Write Your Postgraduate Personal Statement
Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve. Avoid cliches . Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. Keep it relevant and simple.
How to write a personal statement
1. Before you start. The academic work is the most important reason why we're here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are ...
Personal statements for postgraduate applications
The personal statement is arguably the trickiest part of the postgraduate application process - discover how to get it right
PDF Example of a Personal Statement for a Masters
Example of a Personal Statement for a Masters Describe your reasons for wanting to study this particular course and what you believe you will gain from it.
Guide to writing your personal statement
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. Find out how ...
Writing a personal statement
Be positive: The statement should present your most positive aspects, so avoid statements like 'I have no knowledge of'. Be concise: Your statement should be 1-2 pages long. Get the document checked by someone you trust. How to write an effective postgraduate personal statement to apply for a postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths, University of ...
How to write a personal statement for Masters courses
Find out how to write a personal statement for masters degrees at the University of Sussex, and see personal statement examples. ... When you have finished planning your personal statement, you can use our postgraduate application system to start your application. ... [email protected] +44 (0)1273 876787. Post-application enquiries: pg ...
Personal statement
Your personal statement should be no more than 3,500 characters (approximately 500 words) in length and should be written in formal English, using appropriate grammar and punctuation. It is a good idea to ask a friend to proofread your statement for you before you submit your application. This article was published on 1 Aug, 2023.
Writing your personal statement
Where to put a personal statement. You can type your personal statement in the online application form (3,000-character limit, including spaces) or upload it as a separate document. If you upload your personal statement, you can go over 3,000 characters but it cannot be longer than two sides of A4 paper (size 12 font and single spaced).
How to write a postgraduate personal statement
The difference between a postgraduate application from an undergraduate one is that it is fully tailored to a particular university's course. As an undergraduate, your statement is more generic as it can be sent to five universities. Whereas your postgraduate personal statement is for one course only - it should be a lot more specific to ...
Personal statement guide for Masters courses
Personal statement guide for Masters courses. Your personal statement is an important part of your postgraduate application. It gives your reasons for wanting to do the course and shows your ability to complete the course successfully. A strong personal statement will optimise your chances of success. Please note: students who do not clearly ...
A guide to writing an MSc personal statement
An MSc personal statement, also known as a 'statement of purpose', supports your application to study a postgraduate course at university. It should highlight your key skills and experience whilst demonstrating your understanding of the course and conveying your academic skills and interests. From her experience in the Recruitment and ...
Postgraduate personal statements
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 ...
Personal statements
A personal statement can be included as part of your application. For some courses it forms a part of the assessment process. Unless stated otherwise, your personal statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words. It must be in English, and be your own work. You should tell us:
PDF Writing Personal Statements
fill in a personal statement. These statements are to support your application or to sell yourself and are normally around a page of text. They are typically read by an Admissions Tutor for postgraduate taught course applications or the Project Supervisor for postgraduate research programmes (e.g. PhD
How to Write your Postgraduate Personal Statement
Make sure you're getting the most out of your postgraduate personal statement with our easy-to-follow checklist. Learn how to improve your postgraduate personal statement now. ... [email protected] +44 (0)23 9284 8484. The phone line is open Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5.15pm, Friday 8.30am-4.15pm. Visit us: University House
Postgraduate Personal Statements
Postgraduate Business and Management Personal Statement Example 1. I believe that the Postgraduate HR Management programme will provide me with the necessary knowledge to enhance and develop my capabilities. Also, in order to become a successful HR manager, it is imperative that I gain a more thorough education.
How to write a personal statement for a UK university
A word of warning here: it is vital that you sell yourself, but arrogance or lies will result in your personal statement landing in the 'rejected' pile. Keep it honest and down-to-earth. Provide a memorable conclusion. Once you have emphasised your keen interest and relevant qualities, you should round off the statement with a conclusion that ...
Writing your postgraduate personal statement
Structure your statement as follows: use your introduction to summarise your academic and professional experience. include a middle segment that expands on your skills and abilities. end with a succinct conclusion that pulls together the most significant aspects of your application and leaves a lasting, positive impression. Remember to include:
Personal statements for postgraduate applications
When you're applying for postgraduate study, the most important part of your application - aside from your name and qualification to study the course - is your personal statement. It is the part that really allows your experience to shine, and proves to the university that you're applying to that they should give you a place.
Postgraduate personal statements
Personal statements. Postgraduate personal statements. On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study postgraduate courses at university. These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be ...
Writing a personal statement for your international postgraduate
If you have any questions about submitting a personal statement with your postgraduate application, get in touch with our friendly admissions team who will be able to help. Email: [email protected]. ... [email protected]; Postgraduate - [email protected] +44 (0) 1206 873333; University of Essex; Wivenhoe Park; Colchester CO4 3SQ . Cookie ...

Personal statements for postgraduate applications

What is a personal statement?

How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?

What should I include in a Masters personal statement?

How should I structure my personal statement?

How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?

What do I need to avoid?

How should I start my Masters personal statement?

How should I end my personal statement?

What are admissions tutors looking for?

Personal statement examples

Business management personal statement

Computer science personal statement

Law personal statement

Nursing personal statement

Psychology personal statement

Social work personal statement

PGCE primary personal statement

PGCE secondary personal statement

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How to write a personal statement

1. Before you start

Presenting yourself

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Talk it out

2. The writing process

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3. Finishing up

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Personal statements for postgraduate applications

What is a personal statement?

How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?

What should I include in a Masters personal statement?

How should I structure my personal statement?

How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?

What do I need to avoid?

How should I start my Masters personal statement?

How should I end my personal statement?

What are admissions tutors are looking for?

Personal statement examples

Business management personal statement

Computer science personal statement

Law personal statement

Nursing personal statement

Psychology personal statement

Social work personal statement

PGCE primary personal statement

PGCE secondary personal statement

Find out more

How would you rate this page?

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