Guidelines for Personal Statement / SOP

Personal statement guide for Masters Courses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Given what you know about the required skills for this course, please give (300 words max.)
a) Some specific examples of your skills and experience to date that will help you to succeed and / or
b) Some specific examples of what you will do between now and the start of the course to prepare for
study.
 How does this course relate to your previous studies and how might it build on your previous
learning? If you can, try and include subject-specific language that shows you have a grasp of the
topic.
 As well as discussing your studies, you could also mention extracurricular activities, membership
of clubs or societies, or relevant work experience that you have undertaken. Focus on the skills
that this experience has given you and how they are relevant to the course you want to study.
Your non-academic achievements might also provide evidence of project management, resilience,
and effective communication and so on.
 If you are applying to a practical course then discuss your relevant background in this area.
Similarly, if you are applying for a theoretical course, it would be helpful to demonstrate your
knowledge in this area.
 If the experience is not directly related to your application then think about showing the
transferable skills that you have used and developed extracurricular activities and interests.
3. How could studying this course benefit you in the future? (300 words max.)

 Highlight any career aspirations that you might have and how studying this course will help you
achieve them.
 How will the course enhance your knowledge or interest in this field?
 How will the knowledge and skills you will gain help you with the type of work you hope to do?
Think about the type of job you expect to be doing.

Top tips

 You don't need to repeat information you have already given us elsewhere on the application.
 Avoid clichéd introductions and content such as “Please allow me to introduce myself. My name
is...” and “I would like to thank the xxx department very much for considering my application.”
 Please give examples where possible. For example on question two, show how you have
developed the skills you think you will need, don't just list them.
 Before you upload your personal statement, get someone you trust to check it over.
 Be especially careful to check the spelling and grammar.
 Avoid plagiarism (copying) - all statements will be checked for plagiarism. Your statement must
be your own work, so do not use templates. If a statement is found to be plagiarised, your
application will be withdrawn and any future applications will not be considered.
 The Admissions team will more than likely be reading lots of applications from people with similar
qualifications, which is why your personal statement really needs to stand out.
For UG Courses:
The total word limit is 900 words maximum. It must be in English and in your own words.
Questions:

 Why do you want to study this subject at UWE Bristol?

 Why do you think you are suitable for this course?
 How do your current courses relate to the course you have chosen?
 What have you learnt from your work experience and extra-curricular activities, and how does
this relate to your course?
 What have you done that you're particularly proud of? What makes you stand out?
 Describe any career ideas you have.
Writing a health and social care personal statement
Writing a health or social care personal statement is an important part of your application process,
whether you are applying for a nursing, midwifery or allied health profession course. Health and social
care Admissions Tutors and Course Leaders from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) share
their top dos and don’ts:

Do:
 Show us you are interested in and have an insight into the profession you are applying for.
 Tell us why you want to study your health or social care course.
 Show us that you are motivated and prepared for a career in health or social care.
 Tell us about your relevant experiences, including any clinical visits.
 Explain why you would be a caring, competent and compassionate health or social care professional.
 Visit the relevant professional body website to get a deeper understanding of the issues facing your
profession.
 Demonstrate that your personal values and behaviors reflect the NHS Constitution.
 Check your spelling and grammar.

Don’ts:
 Forget to mention why you want to become a health or social care professional.
 Talk about one particular University (if you are applying to many).
 Forget to talk about your relevant experiences and transferrable skills.
 Be broad in your statement – make it focused on your particular branch of health or social care.
 Come across as not having values that align with the NHS Constitution.
 Rely on your computer spell checker to spot spelling and grammatical errors. Useful health and social
care resources:
 Explore health and social care roles - www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles
 Learn more about becoming a nurse or midwife - www.nmc.org.uk/education/becoming-anurse-or-
midwife
 Information about the NHS constitution - www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/about/workinghealth/nhs-
constitution
 Information about becoming Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered - www.hcpc-
uk.co.uk/audiences/studentsandapplicants
To find out more about health and social care courses at UWE Bristol, visit www.uwe.ac.uk/healthcare