UWE Bristol Postgraduate Personal Statement

Thank you for applying to one of UWE Bristol’s postgraduate courses. A personal statement is an important
part of your postgraduate application. It gives your reasons for wanting to do the course and shows your
ability to complete the course successfully. A strong personal statement will optimise your chances of
success. 

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

You should answer the below questions in the boxes provided, sticking to the word limits indicated.

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

 Think about what specifically there is about this course that made you choose it. 
 There may be many courses in the same subject area as the one you plan to study at UWE.
What is it specifically about this course which you prefer and which suits you over other
course choices? Think about your decision process. 
 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. 
 2. Given what you know about the required skills for this course, please give: 
a)  some specific examples of your skills and experience to date that will help you to succeed; 

and / or 

b) some specific examples of what you will do between now and the start of the course to
prepare for study. (300 words max.) 

 How does this programme relate to your previous studies and how might it build on
your previous learning? If you can, try and include subject-specific language that shows you
have a grasp of the topic. 
 As well as discussing your studies, you could also mention extracurricular activities,
membership of clubs or societies, or relevant work experience that you have undertaken.
Focus on the skills that this experience has given you and how they are relevant to the
programme you want to study. Your non-academic achievements might also provide
evidence of project management, resilience, effective communication and so on. 
 If you are applying to a practical 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. 
 If the experience is not directly related to your application then think about showing
the transferable skills that you have used and developed Extra-curricular Activities &
Interests.  
 
3. How could studying this programme benefit you in the future? (300 words max.) 
 Highlight any career aspirations that you might have and how studying this
programme will help you achieve them. 
 How will the course enhance your knowledge or interest in this field? 
 How will the knowledge and skills you will gain help you with the type of work you
hope to do? Think about the type of job you expect to be doing. 
Top tips: 

 You don't need to repeat information you have already given us elsewhere on the
application.  
 Avoid clichéd introductions and content e.g. “Please allow me to introduce myself. My name
is...”, “I would like to thank the XXX department very much for considering my application.” 
 Please give examples where possible, for example on Question 2, show how you have
developed the skills you think you will need, don't just list them. 
 Before you upload your personal statement, get someone you trust to check it over.  
 Be especially careful to check the spelling and grammar.  
 The Admissions team will more than likely be reading lots of applications from people with
similar qualifications, which is why your personal statement really needs to stand out. 
 
What to avoid: 

 Plagiarism (copying) – all statements will be checked for plagiarism. Your statement must
be your own work, so do not use templates.  If a statement is found to be plagiarised, your
application will be withdrawn and any future applications will not be considered. 
 Please also note that students who do not clearly address the questions outlined above in their
personal statement may not be considered, and we would be unable to accept any further
applications for this course for this intake.