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Top tips: personal statements for

postgraduate study
Posted on December 20, 2021 by Careers Service

So you’ve made the decision to apply for a postgraduate

course and have researched the course and the
University, what’s next?
A personal statement is your opportunity to showcase what you have to o�er and convince
the admissions tutor(s) that you have the motivation, relevant , and
to successfully complete the course and re�ect well on the institution.

Remember, when you have �nished the �rst draft you can have it reviewed with one of our
advisers via our . These can be booked
via mycareer.

Best of luck!

Jenny Livesey, Careers Adviser

B e f o re y o u b e g i n
• Check whether the University admissions team has written instructions on what to
include, word count, etc
• Unless there are contrary instructions, we recommend you write about 500 words,
which equates to approximately 1 A4 page.

A p e r s o n a l s t a t e m e n t s h o u l d a d d re s s t h e s e q u e s t i o n s :
W hy d o y o u w a n t t o s t u d y t h i s s u b j e c t ?

Begin your personal statement with some . Be careful not to waste

space here on general comments that anyone could make, such as that you are “hard-
working” or “enthusiastic”. Both these characteristics should not need to be stated so
instead spend some time re�ecting on phrases that are more personal to why you are
applying.

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Think about speci�c experiences that have motivated you. Perhaps an inspirational talk you
attended, a debate in the �eld that excites you, or the chance to make a real di�erence to
the world. Remember, don’t just make claims either – ensure your motivations are always
. Here is an example of this and clearly re�ects this
applicant’s passion for the subject.

My passion for transport planning was sparked when I attended a talk by John Nash
at the Bristol Festival of Ideas in 2016. Inspired by the concept of modal shift as a means of
reducing tra�c congestion and therefore environmental pollution, I joined the Transport
Planning Society and developed my understanding through their policy reports and attending
regional events every month. I am now seeking to develop my knowledge through a Master’s in
Transport.

Why have you chosen this specific course, at this specific institution?

Re�ect on you’re applying for this course and this institution. Consider what attracted
you to it in the �rst place, and what continues to inspire you about it?

For the course, think about what makes it compared to other universities to show
you understand what it’s about. What excites you about the units? The course structure.
Perhaps you will get to study abroad? Or maybe it’s the reputation of the course within the
�eld?

When it comes to the institution, like ‘you’re an internationally

renowned university’, unfortunately, this will show a lack of research and imagination.
Instead, choose something speci�c about the institution you’ve discovered when
researching it. Is there an academic you’d love to work with? Do they have strong links with
industry? State-of-the-art facilities?

I am applying to the University of Bristol as I was inspired by the ground-breaking

research led by Professor Joan Bateman into the impact of music on children’s development. I
drew on the project’s unique interdisciplinary methodology combining musicology and
psychology in my undergraduate dissertation and would relish the opportunity to contribute to
the development of this research.

W h a t a re y o u r p l a n s ?

Show the admissions tutor that you’re not just doing further study because you can’t think

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of anything else to do. Even if you have not fully planned your next career steps, a broad
statement will su�ce. The example here is very focused, however, it is also acceptable to
cite a , passion for the subject, and developing further knowledge as your
reason for applying for the course.

As I aim to become an accountant, I am particularly attracted to your programme for

two reasons: �rst, it o�ers the accreditation needed; and second the extensive practical
experience opportunities will allow me to develop good practice in advance of joining the work
force and enhance my employability.

A re y o u a c a d e m i c a l l y c a p a b l e o f t a k i n g t h i s c o u r s e ?

Admissions tutors will be looking for evidence of academic capability as well as motivation.
Show that you to take your subject further, and that you
have been developing this knowledge within and outside of your degree.

A good place to start is a dissertation or extended project, as this will show your passion
for a certain area and requires the development of advanced knowledge or skills. You
should also think about relevant units you’ve taken, projects you’ve been part of any
technical skills you’ve developed, and any prizes or scholarships you’ve won.

Attending the weekly seminar series run by the Department of Classics developed my
knowledge of Latin and its reception. In my third year I took two optional units on Latin
language and founded a Latin reading group for non-classicists. As a result, my Latin is now B1
standard. These language skills will allow me to engage with primary material and contribute to
class discussion.

Do you have any relevant work experience?

Key skills for postgraduate study can be demonstrated by a wide range of work experience.
In some cases, relevant work experience might be obvious, but even work experience that
seems irrelevant provides you with . Consider what you’ve been doing
outside of your degree and on the skills you have been developing.

For more tips, do’s, and don’ts, visit the Further Study page of our website and have a look
at Prospects postgraduate personal statement guide.

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Adapted from an original blog post by Dr Tracy Johnson

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