International Office

Advice on personal statements

The personal statement is crucial for the admissions tutors to make a decision on your application.  It is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself and your suitability for the course. You should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course and the skills you have gained from activities outside the classroom. We suggest you include the following:

• Your reasons for choosing the course
• The aspects of your chosen course that interest you most
  
• Any work experience, placement or voluntary work you have undertaken, particularly if it is relevant to your subject.  Include the skills and abilities you have gained from these activities
• How your choice of course fits in with your future career plans
• Why you would like to study in the UK
  
• Details of any non-examination activities you have undertaken in preparation for higher education
• Your social, sports and leisure interests
  
• If you have taken, or are planning to take, a year out - please give your reasons why
• If you are not currently in full-time education, please give details of your current or previous employment

Please also include evidence to demonstrate that you can successfully complete a higher education course that is taught in English.