university college london personal statement

Writing a personal statement

Here is our advice on how best to show us what you have to offer and give us a sense of who you are as an individual.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for excellent writing and a statement that is personal and unique to you. We want to understand:

Your passion for your subject
How you are a good fit for your chosen programme
What you will bring to the university community

Before you start

Read the programme description and the modules offered.

Think about what skills, qualities, and experiences might be needed for a programme like this.

Think about examples from your life that demonstrate these skills, qualities and experiences.

Academic studies
Extra-curricular activities
Personal interests
Achievements
Exhibitions visited
Competitions
Work experience
Taster days
Field trips
Volunteering experience
Were you inspired by the experience? What was inspiring about it?
Did it make you want to learn more about something?
What did you learn through this experience about the subject?
Did you learn anything about yourself through this experience?
Did you gain transferable skills through this experience? For example, teamwork, communication, or leadership skills?

Your main focus should be on demonstrating your interest in, and describing your engagement with, the subject itself. The majority of your statement, around 75-85%, should focus on this subject, with the remaining 15-25% on extra-curricular activities or career aspirations.

First draft

From all of your examples, and bearing in mind the structure, choose a few that are most relevant, and write about them in a detailed, specific, and reflective way. Relate these back to the skills, qualities, and experiences that you have identified are relevant to your chosen programme.

Don’t forget:

Allow your passion for the subject to shine
Show why are a good fit for your chosen programme
Show what you will bring to our UCL community

Before you submit

Ask a teacher, advisor, friend or family member to read your statement and support you to think of other examples that you might have missed. Ask them to do a final spelling and grammar check.

Read your statement aloud to check that it flows well.

Make sure it is truthful and honest; some courses have an interview element so the admissions selector may ask you to expand further on something you wrote in your statement.

Make sure it is applicable to all five of your UCAS choices; remember you can only submit one personal statement with your UCAS form.

Proofread for a final time.

Our top tips

75%-85% of the statement must be about the subject
Select only your best examples
Reflect on your experiences
Stay focused and relevant
Let your passion for your subject shine
Avoid clichés and bland, vague statements
Proofread before submitting

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Personal Statements By Subject
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UCL University Personal Statements

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

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

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1 My most memorable Christmas came with a parcel of Harry Potter audio books and this was where my quest to understanding language began. The moment Stephen Fry started to narrate chapter one, I fell in love with words and all they could achieve...

History Personal Statement Example 3 Recently, I found out that my grandma was gambled into slavery for seven years. She escaped her prison and made her way back to Hong Kong, 300 miles south. I was amazed at how courageous she was. This personal discovery led me to read Jung Chang's 'Wild Swans' which made me both proud and ashamed of my heritage...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 1 As Pythagoras may have said, (Ambitious)2 + (Bold)2 = (Critical thinker)2 makes a perfect student and is what I strive to be. From the simple Pythagorean to the complex Fermat's Last Theorem, mathematics is a never ending branch of study which I enthusiastically enjoy studying and why I wish to pursue it even further at university...

Mathematics and Physics Personal Statement Example 1 Mathematics is a fundamental tool for understanding our world: it can be used to define the symmetry of flowers or to manage global companies. What is so appealing about mathematics is the opportunity of applying it in the physical world...

Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example For as long as I have recognised words and numbers, I have seen a connection between the two. As I progressed in the AS Mathematics course I realised how drawn I was to the subject, motivating me to spend 2 weeks at school over the summer holidays learning 2 entire AS Further Maths modules, in order to take the full A-level course in one year...

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 I have always had a creative ability and a fascination with how things work. The challenge of solving practical problems inherent in the field of engineering appeals directly to these traits. I am particularly interested in electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) because it is such a rapidly evolving discipline...

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

Spanish and Economics Personal Statement Example My aspiration to study Spanish and Economics has not only been influenced by my curricular education but also from experiences I have had throughout life. I am intrigued in the effects caused by the failing Euro zone, and I consider communication among speakers of different languages essential in progressing forward...

Economics Personal Statement Example 5 Choosing an undergraduate degree in economics is a result of my deep seated curiosity to know why economies are they way they are; why oil prices in my country, Pakistan, rapidly fluctuate whereas economies like USA and China continue to strengthen despite recessions...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 My fascination with human behaviour and the motivations behind human actions has existed for most of my adult life, to determine a cause however I would accredit this to the voluntary work I participated in with Crisis Single Persons Homeless charity...

Geography Personal Statement Example 2 In a dynamic world, the study of geography is increasingly important. The diversity of the subject and the interaction between the physical environment and human population is becoming even more evident with climate change and globalisation influencing our everyday lives...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 11 “If she’s smart she will study Medicine.” This is an unwritten rule in my culture - all Nigerian parents want their children to become doctors. What becomes of the aspiring psychologist in the family? I met a junior doctor, at an educational conference, who wanted to specialise in psychiatry...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 3 Growing up in post-soviet Belarus I wasn't surrounded by the architectural wonders - all the buildings were dull and grey, therefore from early childhood I started drawing and making houses of my dreams...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 2 Every day we make decisions and interact with others; the laws of economics help us make rational choices and consider the irrationality of others, as well as understand the world better. Maths and statistics are the necessary tools for me to understand the modern economics...

Anthropology and Archaeology Personal Statement Example My interest in culture first started when I began to attend my local Hindu Temple with my friend in primary school. I was highly interested in how her surroundings differed from my own and enjoyed immersing myself in her way of life...

English and History Personal Statement Example 1 I believe history inspires optimism. With the state being cut and our economy weakening we could easily fall to pessimism. I just have to look within history to see that just over 400 years ago Queen Mary I killed 'rebels' for heresy when they protested, whereas Modern freedoms have allowed me to protest openly in several Unite marches...

English Personal Statement Example 23 My love of literature is rooted in the connection it gives us to centuries of ideas, giving us the ability to converse with ghosts, linking us with the greatest and most eloquent minds in history; as Bovee puts it, “books are embalmed minds”...

Pharmacology and Human Sciences Personal Statement Example From the race to find a vaccine for the H1N1 virus to the almost daily reports of breakthroughs in the field of cancer research, science has always fascinated me.On a more personal note, my interest has largely stemmed from school, work experiences, and science in the news...

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

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 45 Advances in computer and information technology over the past few decades have brought about revolution in science, medicine, education, business, and entertainment. I wish to be part of the future revolution and that is why I want to study computer science...

Maths & Actuarial Science Personal Statement Example 1 "It has become a very strange and perhaps frightening subject from the ordinary point of view,but anyone who penetrates into it will find a veritable fairyland"( Kasner E and Newman J).This saying is perhaps the most fitted to describe my enthusiasm for Maths...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 48 Since embarking on the A level course 16 months ago I have decided to devote my life to working in psychology. I am struck by the way Psychological research has impacted all areas of life, but also how much there is yet to understand...

Economics Personal Statement Example 23 It would not be foolish to contemplate the possibility of a far greater progress still. John Maynard Keynes From childhood I was bred to learn and the passion to understand has become a trait of my character...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 5 I realised that I wanted to study Anthropology in 2005 after picking up a book called ''Mapping Human History'' by Steve Olson. I read the book cover to cover a number of times, and knew that I had discovered a subject that I was not only interested in learning but wanted to investigate for myself...

Postgraduate Linguistics Personal Statement Example My interest in linguistics was gradually shaped throughout my life by all the different ways in which I have experienced languages: as a learner, translator, and as a teacher. However, it was the times spent living in Russia and later in the UK that made me fully understand that language can be a means of conveying much more than just our thoughts...

European Social & Political Studies Personal Statement Example In my opinion, the problems societies face today deserve an in-depth analysis which draws on different disciplines of thought for its relevance; furthermore the implementations of strategies to combat problems must take into account more than one academic approach if they are going to be positively effective...

Human Sciences Personal Statement Example Perhaps what makes me different from other University applicants is that I have ambition to understand multidimensional human life. It is not the appeal of a top qualification or the zesty student lifestyle that attracts me to this course; but it is the long-term knowledge and answers to interdisciplinary human problems, and the enigmas that I will commit a lifetime investigating with perhaps no solution, that inspires me to apply...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 51 There is a reason behind everything we do, a purpose to our actions. The cognition behind any decision that we make is one of the many aspects of psychology that I am fascinated by. The following five words, as said by the Prophet Muhammad, I believe explain such a suggestion: "Actions are but by intentions"...

Archaeology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 As an immigrant living in Spain, I am constantly reminded of the importance social and cultural factors have on my daily life, the language I speak, and the difference between the relationships I maintain with people from my own country and those I encounter here on a daily basis...

Mathematics Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics is at the root of many academic subjects, such as mechanics in Physics, organic Chemistry and even Music and this is why I find it so fascinating. The process of starting from a simple set of formulae and deriving nearly all mathematical truth from these is what makes Mathematics a leading academic subject...

Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 2 To me, fiction is like the magic carpet of Aladdin. It takes me to travel through time and space and explore the slices of human experience. In the wonderful trips, I am guided by the author and accompanied by the characters...

Economics and Management Personal Statement Example 2 My interest in Economics goes beyond an appreciation of statistics and profit margins. In my mind, economics represents the relationship between people and their money – a relationship that dates back to the history of mankind...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 61 While the idea to care for others is appealing to me, the applications of medicine for finding remedies to the complexities of the human body fascinates me even more. Studying medicine opens several career options from general practice to clinical research! Having the interest and aptitude for scientific knowledge and the awareness to promote health safety, it encourages me to choose this highly rewarding and satisfying course...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 10 Chemical engineering is a most fascinating field of all the branches of science and engineering. To me it truly reflects human endeavour and spirit through means such as the exploration of unknown substances, and making something of worth and value out of mere raw materials...

Maths Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics dictates our understanding of the universe; the sciences that the world depends on today are founded and dependant on maths. Scientists and mathematicians spend their lives making remarkable discoveries contributing to the development of humanity, the findings we have been making in fields like quantum mechanics would be completely impossible without maths...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 66 White coats, stethoscopes hung around necks and the sense of playing hero were popular amongst childhood dreams. However, unlike others around me, this dream was not lost when I realised reality paved a much tougher road- instead, it grew to become a fierce ambition...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 64 Psychology is ubiquitous in society. Because of the mercurial nature of humans, there is always something different to study and analyse. I find this exciting. Part of what draws me to psychology is how the dynamics of it affect daily life and behaviour...

Economics Personal Statement Example 30 The ever-changing nature of the human science intrigues me. Newton’s laws of motion will never change, from wherever ‘the ball is dropped’. However, different strategies and policies have to be framed and implemented for each economic problem...

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

Physics Personal Statement Example 15 I have always been intrigued by the world of physics. From everyday experiences to the most extreme boundaries of today's knowledge, I have always voraciously searched for answers to my questions. As I grew up, the elegance of mathematical demonstrations and of physical theorems fascinated me, and I have often dreamt of making contributions to the unification theory and of improving and simplifying the Navier-Stokes equations...

Natural Sciences Personal Statement Example 4 Why and How? I believe these are the two most important question words as they express mankind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and they have lain the foundation of sciences and have helped us find answers and solutions to problems throughout history from the domestication of fire to Darwin’s theory of evolution, to landing on the moon and so on...

Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The defining wonder of today’s age is electricity. In just two centuries, we have come from Faraday’s crude but prophetic experiments to devices just a square inch that can calculate in seconds what the most gifted of human minds might take days...

Biological Sciences Personal Statement Example 3 When I was in primary school I would take pens apart to put them back together, so that I could see how every small piece fits together to create a whole working object, and as I furthered my education my focus shifted to the w orld around me...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 3 Have you ever heard the Tuvan throat singing technique? Beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The question that's bound to accompany a throat singing performance is how the human voice could possibly produce such a sound...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 7 Coming from a mixed religious background, the comparison between cultural practices has touched me deeply, personally and profoundly. I have been able to observe the influence of culture on people's perspectives and world views...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 My decision to study engineering stems from a desire to contribute to the evolution of society through a process that does not just define our environment but our era. My personal inspiration is the Segovia aqueduct, an 800m long, 30 metre high Roman marvel which still stands today...

PPE/Economics Personal Statement Example Humanity today stands at the intersection of the most significant questions facing the world today: if democracy leads to political infighting, should it be sacrificed in the interest of economic well-being? Does religious fundamentalism provide a way for countries in the developing world to assert their identity in the face of Western hegemony? Does the entry of Western consumer goods threaten a country’s economic self-sufficiency? The answers of these questions will determine what the nature of our world is in the twenty-first century...

History Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) 2 Whether considering the real world applications of Bentham's utilitarianism in Religious Studies, analysing the context of a changing Victorian society in English Literature, or debating the evolving ideology of the Labour Party in Politics, there is one common thread connecting what I enjoy most about my studies: history...

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Personal statement examples by subject: complete list

Take a look at how other students have written their personal statements

When you're writing your university personal statement, a little inspiration can be handy.

On The Student Room, we have hundreds of real personal statements written by students when they applied for university in previous years.

You'll find all of these listed below, in order of subject.

For more help with writing your personal statement, our personal statement section is a good place to go. You can also find tips and discussion in the personal statement advice forum .

If you've already been to university, you can add your own personal statement to the library to help others.

And don't forget our sister site The Uni Guide , which has expert advice on getting your personal statement sorted.

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Nail your uni application with our personal statement examples!

Discover personal statements by subject, from A to Z. Find inspiration for your own application with these successful personal statement examples from real students.

A-Z of Personal Statements

Learn from previous student personal statements here. We have collated over 700 personal statement examples to help you on your university journey and to help you with how to write a personal statement.

These personal statement examples will show you the kind of thing that universities are looking for from their applicants. See how to structure your personal statement, what kind of format your personal statement should be in, what to write in a personal statement and the key areas to touch on in your statement.

A personal statement is a chance to tell your university all about you - a good personal statement is one that showcases your passion for the subject, what inspired you to apply for the course you’re applying for and why you think you would be an asset to the university.

Our collection includes personal statement examples in Mathematics, Anthropology, Accounting, Computer Science, Zoology and more.

Writing a personal statement has never been easier with our vast collection of personal statement examples.

Personal Statement

15 Accounting statements have been submitted.

Aerospace Engineering

2 Aerospace Engineering statements have been submitted.

American Studies

1 American Studies statements have been submitted.

Anthropology

2 Anthropology statements have been submitted.

Architecture

4 Architecture statements have been submitted.

Biochemistry

3 Biochemistry statements have been submitted.

26 Biology statements have been submitted.

Biomedical Science

7 Biomedical Science statements have been submitted.

Biotechnology

1 Biotechnology statements have been submitted.

Business Management

6 Business Management statements have been submitted.

Business Studies

23 Business Studies statements have been submitted.

3 Chemistry statements have been submitted.

Civil Engineering

2 Civil Engineering statements have been submitted.

4 Classics statements have been submitted.

Computer Science

14 Computer Science statements have been submitted.

Criminology

5 Criminology statements have been submitted.

2 Dentistry statements have been submitted.

6 Design statements have been submitted.

1 Dietetics statements have been submitted.

3 Drama statements have been submitted.

17 Economics statements have been submitted.

Engineering

9 Engineering statements have been submitted.

English Language

5 English Language statements have been submitted.

English Literature

13 English Literature statements have been submitted.

Environment

1 Environment statements have been submitted.

Event Management

1 Event Management statements have been submitted.

1 Fashion statements have been submitted.

4 Film statements have been submitted.

1 Finance statements have been submitted.

Forensic Science

2 Forensic Science statements have been submitted.

6 Geography statements have been submitted.

1 Geology statements have been submitted.

Health Sciences

1 Health Sciences statements have been submitted.

9 History statements have been submitted.

International Studies

2 International Studies statements have been submitted.

3 Languages statements have been submitted.

50 Law statements have been submitted.

2 Management statements have been submitted.

7 Marketing statements have been submitted.

7 Maths statements have been submitted.

5 Media statements have been submitted.

10 Medicine statements have been submitted.

1 Midwifery statements have been submitted.

10 Nursing statements have been submitted.

Pharmacology

9 Pharmacology statements have been submitted.

3 Pharmacy statements have been submitted.

5 Philosophy statements have been submitted.

Physical Education

1 Physical Education statements have been submitted.

3 Physics statements have been submitted.

Physiotherapy

5 Physiotherapy statements have been submitted.

14 Politics statements have been submitted.

23 Psychology statements have been submitted.

Religious Studies

2 Religious Studies statements have been submitted.

Social Policy

1 Social Policy statements have been submitted.

Social Work

3 Social Work statements have been submitted.

6 Sociology statements have been submitted.

Sports Science

1 Sports Science statements have been submitted.

Teacher Training

8 Teacher Training statements have been submitted.

2 Veterinary statements have been submitted.

1 Zoology statements have been submitted.

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Personal Statement Help

What is a personal statement.

A personal statement is an essay written by a student applying to either a college or university. A personal statement is written and then uploaded to UCAS and is then attached to any university applications that the student may then make.

If you need more information check out our personal statement advice articles .

How to write a personal statement

There isn't a clearly defined personal statement template for you to use as each person's statement is different.

When it comes to writing a personal statement for universities, your personal statement should touch on your passions, your interest in the course, why you're applying for the course and why you would be an asset to the university you're applying to.

Talk about the clubs and societies that you belong to, any work experience you may have and any awards you might have won.

If you're still looking for information check out our article on how to write a personal statement .

How to start a personal statement

When it comes to starting your personal statement, the best thing to do is to be succinct and to have enough tantalising information to keep the reader informed and eager for more.

Your introduction should touch on your personal qualities and why you are applying for the subject you're applying for. Keeping things short and sweet means that it also allows you to break your personal statement up, which makes it easier for the reader.

We have plenty of advice for students that are wondering about what to include in a personal statement .

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What to Write in a Personal Statement When Applying to UK Universities?

Clarity about academic choices and participation in activities that enhance knowledge of the chosen field, add value to the Personal Statement for UK universities. Know how to write a standout statement.

What to Write in a Personal Statement When Applying to UK Universities?

Students aspiring to study in the UK should have a Personal Statement that tells about their academic achievements and how they will contribute to the program. While applicants can get creative and quirky when writing the essay for US universities, they must stick to being factual and straightforward for the UK recruiting teams. If you're wondering what to write in a personal statement, it's crucial to focus on these aspects.

Maintaining the structure of the Personal Statement by balancing academic and super-curricular elements is important. As one application is meant for several universities, it is advisable not to customize the essay for a particular one. If you're asking, " how do I write a personal statement? " the answer lies in being clear, concise, and focused on your academic journey.

A Clear, Concise Essay on Curricular Skills

When it comes to the UK, students should focus on their academic journey. The personal statement for university is a great chance to emphasize what students can contribute to the classroom and the specific program to which they are applying.

The personal statement for UK university can have a maximum of 4000 characters or 47 lines of text. Hence, students must be wary of including frivolous information or mentioning a list of their achievements. Rather, they must aim to dive deep into their academic interest and prove that it is the right choice for their undergraduate program. This is crucial when considering what to write in a personal statement.

“The thing you have the most control over is the personal statement. It’s your chance to bring your application to life. We will have lots of students on the same entry requirements, so your personal statement is your chance to stand out.”

Catherine Eames, International Student Recruitment Manager at Imperial College London

What Should I Include in my Personal Statement?

Since the essay asks students to mention precisely which course they are interested in, one has to be sure of the academic choice. Also, as the same application may go to multiple recruiting teams, the choice of subject has to be clear. Apart from having an impactful opening paragraph about the reason for wanting to take up the course, the statement must say things in the order that is relevant to recruiters. A memorable conclusion that connects to the opening thought and looks optimistically at the university experience is highly desirable.

Here's how the essay should be structured:

75-90% Academic Interest and Preparedness: Students must state the reason for choosing the particular subject for specialization since UK universities incorporate majors from the first year. Knowing what to write in a personal statement is key to making a strong impression.
25-10% Co-Curricular Activities: Students can include sports, performing arts, or even volunteering work for this section. However, recruiting teams try to understand the accomplishments and skills gained from those activities. Students must also mention relevant work experience. This is an essential tip for writing a personal statement.

To demonstrate their confidence in the chosen knowledge area, students can answer the following questions, which are crucial when figuring out what to write in a personal statement:

How did they become interested in the particular subject? Was it because of a class they took at school, an activity they engaged in, interaction with a specific faculty, or an external influencer?
Do they possess any work experience related to the subject area?
What are their career goals, and how does the subject support them in attaining the goal?
Are they aware of the latest developments in this area of knowledge, and noteworthy people in the related domain?
What contribution can they make to the specific department at the university?

Relevant experiences in the area of knowledge can be showcased by mentioning what they have done to explore the subject outside the classroom. The university will want to know whether students have attended conferences, conducted research, created capstone projects, listened to podcasts, watched videos, or attended extra classes related to the chosen subject. The recruiters want to make sure that the applicant will be a right-fit for the university.

To get more information about how to write about their skills and achievements, students must refer to our Personal Statement Worksheet at the end of the article.

Do’s and Don'ts for the Personal Statement

Knowing what to write in a personal statement can make all the difference. Before we conclude, let us have a look at the general rules that students should follow when drafting the personal statement:

Be specific: Only relevant and unique information ought to be included.
Be reflective: Students should deep dive into the aspects mentioned and highlight their potential to add value to the university.
Personalize the essay: The statement must have the students at the core and help the recruiters assess them. This is crucial for a personal statement for university.
Avoid customization: Though students will write about a specific subject, they should not mention a particular university as they will submit the essay to multiple institutions.
Be concise: Since most universities limit the number of words for the personal statement, students must avoid excessive quotations or verbose content. Knowing what should I include in my personal statement can help keep it focused.

The foundation work for writing the personal statement must start early, preferably towards the end of Grade 11, so that students have a milestone achieved before the summer break. This will also give ample time for feedback and revisions. The questions mentioned in this blog can be used as a reference point for preparing the initial draft.

Students should follow zero plagiarism as a thumb rule. Since recruiting teams place a high weightage on the personal statement, it is a unique opportunity to boost the chances of getting an offer, and the key here is to be original, positive, and enthusiastic about their writing. Student Education Advisors at Cialfo offer guidance on all aspects of writing essays and completing applications for undergraduate courses. Get in touch with our team to understand the process of applying to universities in the UK.

Download the Personal Statement worksheet suggested by UK educators by filling out the form below.

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Get our detailed worksheet for writing a unique Personal Statement for UK universities.

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How to write a strong statement of purpose for postgraduate study

Your statement of purpose is one of the most important supporting documents for the success of your application when applying for a postgraduate course – so it’s important to get it right.

Here are some tips to guide you on how to write a strong statement of purpose (also often known as a personal statement). This can help ensure you put your best application forward and increase your chances of success when applying for a postgraduate course :

Start with a strong opening

Your statement of purpose is your opportunity to speak directly to the admissions team of your chosen course .

Start strongly on a confident note and use this opportunity to clearly communicate to the admissions team your passion for your chosen subject and field. You can do this by providing a short and succinct introduction on your academic and professional background and what you’re passionate about, and why that passion has motivated you to apply for your chosen course.

Showcase your strengths

Along with your enthusiasm for your chosen subject and field, it’s important to showcase to the admissions panel how your strengths, qualities and experience would make you an excellent candidate for the course you’re applying for.

List any relevant projects you’ve worked on that sparked your passion, as well as any personal traits that would make you an ideal candidate for your chosen course, such as excellent self-discipline, time-management and organisational skills.

Highlight what makes you stand out

Your statement of purpose is your best opportunity to really ‘sell’ yourself to the admissions panel.

While your other supporting documents – such as your CV and degree transcript – provide the panel with proof of your academic qualifications and professional experience, they don’t convey you as a person, or your passion for a particular subject area.

Use this opportunity to tell the admissions panel about yourself. What makes you stand out as a course applicant? How do you believe studying the course will help you in your future career ? Your career ambitions should make up a substantial part of your personal statement, so be sure to highlight these clearly.

Keep it concise and to the point

Your statement of purpose should typically be no more than 1 page of A4 paper, or around 500-600 words.

Use your word count wisely – get to the point and clearly demonstrate to the admissions panel why you’d like to join the course.

The key points you’ll want to include in your statement of purpose will typically be:

Why you’re interested in the course and how it fits in with your career goals

Your qualifications and work experience and how they’re relevant to the course

Why you’d like to study with your chosen institution

Anything else you’d like to let the admissions panel know about yourself that makes you stand out as a great candidate for the course you’re applying for

Proofread, edit and get feedback

It’s important to get started with preparing your statement of purpose well in advance of the course application deadline , so that you have enough time to proofread, edit and get feedback on it.

Once you’ve completed your statement of purpose, run the document through a spell checker and re-read it in its entirety at least once more to see if there are any edits you need to make.

It’s also a good idea to let a friend, colleague or manager review your statement of purpose and get their feedback before you send it through to your chosen institution. Your peers may be able to provide you with valuable feedback on how you can further improve your statement of purpose. They may also spot any spelling or grammatical errors you may have missed.

Queen Mary Online offers flexible postgraduate courses that will enhance your expertise and empower you with the skills and confidence to take the next step in your career. Find out about the application process and discover helpful tips to put your best application forward:

Topics: application process