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 optimise 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.

Questions

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.

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

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, 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.

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.

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University of the West of England
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Bristol
BS16 1QY
United Kingdom