how to write a personal statement for a masters uk

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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. 

You might also be interested in:

• our Masters courses
• postgraduate application system guide
• student support
• how to apply for a Masters course

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 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.

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This is how to write a personal statement for a Master's

In theory, a personal statement should be easy. but we understand how hard it is to put pen to paper. read our latest blog by postgraduate student, kristina, on how to write a personal statement when applying for your master's. , what should i include in a postgraduate personal statement, 1. why do you want to study this course.

2. What relevant skills can you bring from previous academia? 

3. What relevant skills can you bring from your personal or professional life? 

4. Why this specific course?

Tips for writing a university personal statement

1.  Rediscover your old statement as a reminder

2. Start early so you can take your time, and revisit 

3. make sure your ending is strong and clear, 4. make sure every point you make is evidenced, 5. draw on your undergraduate successes, 6. write for academics , 7. tailor your application to your course, 8. get a second opinion.

Find out more and watch our 'how to apply' video

It can be tricky to put down in words why you should be accepted on a course, especially when you're trying to be persuasive, formal and concise all at once. Below, I've collated both what to include in a personal statement, as well as top tips to make sure your personal statement accurately reflects you, your passion and why you're a perfect fit for the postgraduate course of your choosing.

This section has two clear and distinct points. Firstly, you need to project your passion for the subject. In my opinion, the hardest part about this is being engaging and passionate, without sounding cliched or insincere.

Secondly, you need to have some kind of idea how this Master's relates to your life goals. Is there a specific job you want? Or, perhaps a specific organisation that you’d like to work for? Maybe you have plans to study this subject beyond your Master's, and you intend on completing a PhD?

The admissions team is more likely to recruit you if they think that you might contribute to the academic field, or to the specific university department.

2. What relevant skills can you bring from previous academia?

Once you've stated why you want to study a course, now you need to argue why the university should want you. At this stage, give a succinct but comprehensive overview of your relevant skills and academic experience. For example, “ During my undergraduate studies, I improved my mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills .”. Then go into detail about specific case studies, assignments, achievements etc..

The key point here is to make sure everything you mention is relevant. It's natural to want to sell yourself by listing all of your achievements, but only showcasing relevant information can act as a testament to your essay-writing skills. 

3. What relevant skills can you bring from your personal or professional life?

Have you had relevant jobs/volunteering/internships? This is an opportunity to show that you’ve taken initiative to develop skills in the field beyond compulsory academic activities. This section doesn't just reflect your abilities, but your passion for your chosen career path through the fact you've dedicated your personal time to expanding your skills. 

So you've said which subject you want to study, you've shown how you fit the requirements and how you intend to put your learnings to good use. Now, explain why you want to study this specific course. Mention the modules by name and how the learning formats will help your learning i.e. if there's lab work, field work etc. This is your opportunity to show you have carefully considered the different postgraduate courses available to you, and state your reasons for narrowing it down to the one you're applying for. 

Tips for writing a university personal statement 

1. rediscover your old statement as a reminder.

Writing a personal statement for a Master’s degree is much the same as writing one for an undergraduate degree. My first tip would be to search through your old files and find the personal statement you submitted to UCAS all those years ago.

Whilst the content will be very different, reminding yourself of the structure you used and the topics you covered is just one way to trigger ideas for what to write in your new personal statement.

In fact, I have a folder on my laptop full of all my old job and university applications so that I can draw inspiration and sometimes re-use relevant sections, whilst slightly modifying them to fit the role I am applying for. This saves a lot of time. 

Writing ~1,000 words in one sitting probably isn’t the best idea. Whilst everyone has different styles of working, I personally feel that the best way to write something like this is to start out with a bullet point plan. This way you don’t have to simultaneously think about content, structure, and wording, you can just brainstorm ideas for the content, then reshuffle them into an order that makes sense and flows. Once you've sorted this out, you can spend time thinking about how you will construct the sentences and paragraphs.

Being organised like this gives you the freedom to take breaks and revisit your personal statement at a later time or date. 

The first and last paragraphs are the most important. The serial-position effect in psychology shows that people tend to remember the first and last items on a list much better than they remember the content in the middle, so your introduction and conclusion should be your best-selling points.

Anyone can say that they have a specific skill or interest in a certain topic, but you need to convince the admissions team that you know what you’re talking about.

A key framework to follow is skill > evidence & understanding > outcome. For example, state you have a relevant skill (e.g. scientific literature reviews) and then talk about specific techniques (e.g. avoiding bias, using a reference manager) or specific examples (dissertation topic and what methods you used / conclusions you reached / real world implications of the topic). The outcome will often be that you achieved a high grade or were praised.

Talking in detail about your dissertation is imperative for research master’s or those which include a dissertation. If you achieved a first-class grade for it, or are predicted a first-class grade, then mention it.

 Write academically (e.g. “it is” rather than “it’s”) and formally, but balance this with conveying enthusiasm and not sounding robotic. One way to test whether your writing flows is to read it out loud to yourself.

Tailor your application so that it is very specific to the course. Mention specific modules or interests/skills that relate strongly to aspects of the course. Most courses have their own webpage on the university website. This page is your most important resource for ensuring that you write a persuasive personal statement, as it will outline relevant skills, interests, career paths, module descriptions etc.

Ask someone to proofread the final draft. Fresh perspectives are always valuable. Also, it’s often easier for someone else to point out your strengths and accomplishments than it is for you to.

Overall, your personal statement needs to be lots of small anecdotes that relate to each other and can be joined up to tell one overarching story about you, to persuade the admissions team that you will succeed in the course, benefiting the university and also your own progress in life.

Find out more

Watch our 'how to apply for a Master's' video - it breaks down the process into 7 steps...

We also have a blog about applying for funding, why not read this blog by student Amy Harris on funding a Master's ?

Published By Kristina on 02/09/2020 | Last Updated 23/05/2024

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

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

• Why you need to write a personal statement

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

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

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

• Who will read your personal statement

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

• Planning your personal statement

Read the application criteria

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

Do some research

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

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

Psychology applicants

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

• Writing an effective personal statement

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

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

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

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

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

General writing tips

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

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

• What to include in your personal statement

Demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm

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

Consider including:

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

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

Highlight your suitability

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

Academic achievements

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

Professional achievements

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

Relevant hobbies and interests

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

Other skills

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

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

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

Mitigating circumstances

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

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

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

Central Postgraduate Taught Admissions

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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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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. 

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Discover our range of MSc courses at Warwick Business School

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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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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

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

• Postgraduate
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• How to apply

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 .

How to write a master's personal statement

A personal statement is one of the key supporting documents you'll need to include when applying for a master's programme here at Loughborough University. Here are a few handy tips to help make yours stand out.

What is a personal statement for?

Personal statements have two main functions. Firstly, they help you to focus your thoughts about which course you want to study, and why. Secondly, they help us understand why you'll make a great student on the course you're applying for. This is particularly important if you don’t quite meet the standard entry requirements for the programme – it's your opportunity to sell yourself.

What should you include in your personal statement?

Before you start to write, we recommend that you fully read the details of your chosen master's by looking at our course pages . Get a good idea of what you'll be studying, the specific entry requirements, and where the course could take you after graduation – make sure it aligns well with your current studies and your future goals.

Your personal statement doesn't need to be long – around one side of A4. It should include:

• why you want to study your chosen programme at Loughborough University
• the skills and experience you'd be bringing to the programme – this could be relevant work or volunteering experience, as well as your academic history
• your hobbies or interests, if they are relevant to the course you're applying for
• what you want to do after your studies – plans for your career or any further study
• an explanation of any gaps in your studies or career to date

Our Admissions team read hundreds of personal statements every day, so make sure yours is memorable for all the right reasons. Keep your tone of voice positive and enthusiastic, so you clearly demonstrate your passion for the subject you want to study, and try to include a bold, attention-grabbing opening sentence that makes the person assessing your application want to read on.

Common pitfalls

There's no such thing as a 'perfect' personal statement, but there are certainly things you should try to avoid when writing and submitting yours. Some of the main ones are:

• using a formulaic template with generic information that could apply to any university. While a template could be a good way to get your personal statement started, don't stick to it too rigidly – make it your own, and make sure it's tailored to the specific university and programme you're applying for. Mention both the course and the university by name to help you keep your writing focused.
• leaving tracked changes on. There's nothing wrong with going through several rounds of editing when putting your personal statement together, or asking someone else to look over what you've written and suggest changes. But when you're done, make sure the final document you submit looks tidy and professional.
• copying and pasting extracts from a webpage , particularly if they're from the university’s own website. Plagiarism is something that all universities take very seriously, so using someone else's words in your personal statement is not the way to make a good impression.
• using AI to generate your personal statement . It might seem tempting to use tools like ChatGPT when putting your statement together, but we can always tell when you have. Remember, a personal statement is meant to be just that – personal. And no computer is going to know you as well as you know yourself.
• submitting a personal statement meant for a different course or university . If you've got multiple applications on the go, you might be surprised at how easy it is to accidentally upload the wrong document – label your files clearly.
• submitting a personal statement that's too short and doesn't provide enough information . This is your chance to make yourself shine, so don't leave out anything about you, your studies or your experience that's relevant to your chosen programme.

Advice for international students

If you are currently studying, or have previously studied for a master’s degree in the UK, we'll need you to also include some additional information in your personal statement. This is to enable us to sponsor you for a further student visa.

You'll need to include:

• the skills and knowledge you'll gain from the course you're applying for, that you haven't already gained from your previous postgraduate studies
• how you believe the master's degree you're applying for now will help you progress from your previous studies
• how you feel that both your previous master's degree and the one you're applying for at Loughborough will contribute to your career plans

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

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 103,382 views

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

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

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

In this article you’ll learn:

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

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

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

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

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

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

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

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

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

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

2. Plan Ahead

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

Let us throw more light on this…

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

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

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

3. Research Your Program Of Study

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

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

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

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

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

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

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

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

1. Planning A Personal Statement

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

Before You Start:

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

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

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

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

When Writing:

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

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

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

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

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

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

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

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

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

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

My past educational experiences have always…

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

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

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

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

For Formatting:

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

Language and tone to use:     

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

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

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

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

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

Personal Statement PDF

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

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

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

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

1. msw personal statement

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

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

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

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

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

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

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

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

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

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

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

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

Related Articles:

How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

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British Council

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

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 .

You might also be interested in:

• How to use a learner's dictionary of academic English
• Five ways UK students can improve their career prospects
• Ways of saying 'darling' in the UK

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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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A 10-Step Guide to Writing an Outstanding Personal Statement

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Applying to college can be daunting, especially when it comes to writing a personal statement. This essay showcases not just your writing skills but also your unique personality, achievements, and aspirations. Understanding that while grades are crucial, a personal statement often becomes the differentiating factor in your application. To navigate this essential component, we’ve compiled a ten-step guide, replete with examples, to ensure your personal statement leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers.

Applying to college can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing a personal statement. This essay not only showcases your writing skills but also highlights your unique personality, achievements, and aspirations. While it may seem unnecessary, tedious, time-consuming, and just another tick-the-box, know that as each application is processed, grades are just one of the criteria of selection, more often than not a personal statement becomes the differentiating factor.

To help you navigate this crucial component of your application, we’ve compiled a ten-step guide, complete with inspiring examples to ensure your personal statement makes a lasting impression on admissions officers.

• Start Early and Brainstorm Begin the process early to give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm. Reflect on your experiences, achievements, and motivations. Think about what makes you unique, both in terms of personality and life experiences.
• Understand the Prompt Make sure you clearly understand what the college is asking for. Each institution may have different prompts or questions. Tailor your response specifically to each prompt, ensuring you answer it fully and directly. Be comprehensive and succinct in your answers, choosing words that convey your candidature the best.
• Create an Outline Draft an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a coherent flow of ideas. This will help you structure your statement effectively, making sure every part contributes towards presenting a compelling narrative.
• Exhibit, Don’t Tell Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualities and achievements. Instead of stating that you’re a great leader, describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership. This method makes your statement more engaging and believable.
• Focus on Your Strengths While it might be tempting to cover a wide range of subjects, focusing on a few key strengths or experiences can have a stronger impact. Depth over breadth is crucial in personal statements.
• Be Authentic Admissions officers can tell when a statement is genuine. Write honestly about your experiences and passions and let your natural voice shine through. Authenticity is key to making a personal statement stand out.
• Get Feedback After drafting your statement, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or friends. They can provide insights on clarity, grammar, and the overall impact of your essay. They all have a perspective of you from an external viewpoint, so do not skip this step.
• Revise and Edit Use the feedback to revise your statement. Look for areas where you can clarify your points, eliminate redundancy, and correct grammatical errors. This step is crucial for polishing your final submission.
• Keep It Concise Adhere to the word limit. Being able to express your thoughts concisely and effectively is a skill appreciated by admissions officers.
• Final Review Before submitting, do a final review. Read your statement out loud to catch any remaining errors or awkward phrasing. Make sure it sounds natural and is easy to read.

Examples of Exemplary Personal Statements:

Example 1: The Innovator Jane’s personal statement begins with a vivid description of her tinkering with a broken radio at age eight, which sparked her interest in technology. She intertwines her personal journey with her academic achievements, such as leading her school’s robotics team to a national competition. Jane uses specific examples, like designing a new robot navigation system, to demonstrate her passion and skill in engineering.

Example 2: The Community Leader John opens his statement with a powerful recount of organizing community relief efforts during a local flood. Highlighting his role in mobilizing volunteers and coordinating with local authorities, he demonstrates strong leadership and commitment to his community. His narrative includes feedback from the community and the personal growth he experienced, providing a well-rounded view of his character.

Example 3: The Attentive Listener Emma’s personal statement explores her profound appreciation for music and its role in shaping her interpersonal connections. She describes an afternoon spent sharing playlists with a group of international students, which turned into a deep discussion about cultural expressions through music. This experience not only highlights her listening skills but also illustrates her ability to forge meaningful relationships through shared interests.

Example 4: The Compassionate Leader David writes about his high emotional quotient and how it spurred him to lead a community initiative focused on animal welfare. His personal statement recounts organizing local workshops to educate people about animal kindness and launching a successful campaign for a local shelter. David’s story reflects his empathy and leadership in translating compassion into actionable community improvement.

Commentary: Every life is extraordinary; it’s how you narrate your story that captures the reader’s eye. Your personal statement should reflect your unique experiences and aspirations.

Conclusion:

In crafting your personal statement, remember, you don’t have to be extraordinary in the usual sense—honesty and transparency are key. Be a dreamer of the art of the possible; dream as big as you can and let those dreams articulate themselves in your words. This approach not only reveals your true self to admissions officers but also shows your potential to contribute meaningfully to their academic community. Start your adventure today! Use these steps as your guide to find the university that best fits your future goals. Dream big and achieve even bigger.

A 10-Step Guide to Picking the Right University

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Can self-testing be enhanced to hasten safe return of healthcare workers in pandemics? Random order, open label trial using two manufacturers’ SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow devices concurrently

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Background Covid-19 healthcare worker testing, isolation and quarantine policies had to balance risks to patients from the virus and from staff absence. The emergence of the Omicron variant led to dangerous levels of key-worker absence globally.

We evaluated whether using two manufacturers’ lateral flow tests (LFTs) concurrently improved SARS-CoV-2 Omicron detection and was acceptable to hospital staff. In a nested study, to understand risks of return to work after a 5-day isolation/quarantine period, we examined virus culture 5-7 days after positive test or significant exposure.

Methods Fully-vaccinated Liverpool (UK) University Hospitals staff participated (February-May 2022) in a random-order, open-label trial testing whether dual LFTs improved SARS-CoV2 detection, and whether dual swabbing was acceptable to users. Participants used nose-throat swab Innova and nose-only swab Orient Gene LFTs in daily randomised order for 10 days. A user-experience questionnaire was administered on exit. Selected participants gave swabs for viral culture on Days 5-7. Cultures were considered positive if cytopathic effect was apparent or SARs-COV2 N gene sub-genomic RNA was detected.

Results 226 individuals reported 1466 pairs of LFT results. Tests disagreed in 127 cases (8.7%). Orient Gene was more likely (78 cf. 49, P=0.03) to be positive. Orient Gene positive Innova negative result-pairs became more frequent over time (P<0.001). If Innova was swabbed second, it was less likely to agree with a positive Orient Gene result (P=0.005); swabbing first with Innova made no significant difference (P=0.85).

Of 311 individuals completing the exit questionnaire, 90.7% reported dual swabbing was easy, 57.1% said it was no barrier to their daily routine and 65.6% preferred dual testing. Respondents had more confidence in dual c.f. single test results (P<0.001).

Viral cultures from Days 5-7 were positive for 6/31 (19.4%, 7.5%-37.5%) and indeterminate for 11/31 (35.5%, 19.2%-54.6%) LFT-positive participants, indicating they were likely still infectious.

Conclusions Dual brand testing increased LFT detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen by a small but meaningful margin and was acceptable to hospital workers. Viral cultures demonstrated that policies recommending safe return to work ∼5 days after Omicron infection/exposure were flawed. Key-workers should be prepared for dynamic self-testing protocols in future pandemics.

Trial registration https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN47058442 (IRAS:311842)

Competing Interest Statement

All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at https://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest and declare: funding from the Department of Health and Social Care, Economic and Social Research Council, and National Institute for Health and Care Research; no support from any organisation for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. IB, TF and MGS were members of the UK Covid-19 Testing Initiatives Evaluation Board but did not take part in sessions where this study was adjudicated. The City of Liverpool received a donation from Innova Medical Group towards the foundation of the Pandemic Institute but neither Innova Medical Group or any other commercial entity gave any support to this study or had any participation in it. Lateral Flow Test supply and company interactions was handled independently by the UK Health Security Agency. LT has received consulting fees from MHRA; and from AstraZeneca and Synairgen, paid to the University of Liverpool; speakers' fees from Eisai Ltd, and support for conference attendance from AstraZeneca.

Clinical Trial

ISRCTN47058442

Clinical Protocols

https://github.com/iain-buchan/cipha/blob/master/SMART_Release_Return.pdf

Funding Statement

This research was commissioned and funded by the UK Health Security Agency and carried out independently by the University of Liverpool. The work was also supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (grant No ES/L011840/1). IB is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as senior investigator award NIHR205131. IB and XZ are also supported by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, a partnership between UKHSA, the University of Liverpool, and the University of Warwick (NIHR200910). MGS and LT are supported by the NIHR Health Protection Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, a partnership between UKHSA, The University of Liverpool and The University of Oxford (NIHR200907). The NIHR had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the article. LT, RPR and XD are supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Medical Countermeasures Initiative contract 75F40120C00085. The funders had no role in considering the study design or in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, writing of the report, or decision to submit the article for publication. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, NIHR, or Department of Health and Social Care.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The study protocol was developed with the UK Covid-19 Testing Initiatives Evaluation Board (TIEB) and approved by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Urgent Studies Ethics Committee. TIEB was part of the UK Covid-19 testing initiatives evaluation programme, which included academics and public health professionals independent of this study. The motivation for the study came from a request by Merseyside Resilience Forum to UKHSA and NHS England to vary Covid-19 testing policies in response to dangerous levels of NHS staff absence in December 2021. TIEB signed off the study protocol on 4th January 2022 and UKHSA Research Support and Governance Office approved the study on 25th January 2022 as NR0308. The sponsor code for this study is UoL001685 and trial registration code IRAS ID 311842; https://www.isrctn.com/ ISRCTN47058442 .

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

↵ * Joint first authors

Expanded discussion section with a conclusion paragraph. Restructured abstract. Expanded data availability statement to include recent upload of anonymised study data to trials registration site. No differences in results or interpretation from the original version.

Data Availability

The study required person identifiable data and the main analyses were conducted on a de-identified extract. The fully anonymised data for reproducing the results are available from https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN47058442 . The study protocol can be downloaded from https://github.com/iain-buchan/cipha/blob/master/SMART_Release_Return.pdf and statistical analysis plan from https://github.com/iain-buchan/cipha/blob/master/SMART_RR_SAP.pdf .

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