University Personal Statement Examples
Browse over 2,000 university personal statement examples below by subject, from A to Z. For more help and inspiration, please see our top rated university personal statement examples, personal statement examples by university and our university personal statement template.
Accounting and Finance
These two subjects lie at the heart of any business, and a degree in at least one of these will equip you with essential skills for life.
View 47 Accounting and Finance Personal Statements
Actuarial Science
To become a successful actuary you will need to use both mathematical and business skills to solve problems concerning financial risk and uncertainty.
View 13 Actuarial Science Personal Statements
American Studies
Learn more about American culture, society, history and politics with this specialised degree
View 4 American Studies Personal Statements
Anthropology
Study the evolution and history of humanity around the world.
View 24 Anthropology Personal Statements
Architecture
Understand the processes involved in the planning, designing and constructing of buildings and other structures.
View 34 Architecture Personal Statements
Art and Design
Pursue painting, pottery, textiles, sculpture and any other discipline that interests you in the world of art.
View 50 Art and Design Personal Statements
Biochemistry
Investigate biological processes at the molecular level.
View 17 Biochemistry Personal Statements
Bioengineering
Use traditional engineering techniques and apply them to real-world problems.
View 6 Bioengineering Personal Statements
Biology
Study a wide range of biological topics, and choose to specialise in microbiology, ecology, zoology, anatomy or any number of other areas.
View 83 Biology Personal Statements
Biomedical Science
Study and explore medically related subjects such as genetics, physiology, pharmacology and neuroscience.
View 65 Biomedical Science Personal Statements
Biotechnology
Learn how to apply biological organisms, processes and systems to industrial tasks.
View 6 Biotechnology Personal Statements
Business and Management
Give yourself a solid grounding in key elements of business, including economics, marketing, accounting and more.
View 83 Business and Management Personal Statements
Business
Learn all the skills you need to be successful in the world of business.
View 112 Business Personal Statements
Chemistry
Gain a solid theoretical foundation and practical training in this fascinating arm of science.
View 33 Chemistry Personal Statements
Classics
Delve into the literature, history, philosophy and archaeology of the Greeks and Romans.
View 7 Classics Personal Statements
Computer Science
Combine analytical knowledge and technical skills to ready yourself for an in-demand career.
View 101 Computer Science Personal Statements
Computing and IT
Get ahead in IT by becoming an accomplished programmer, learning how computers work and expanding your Mathematics skills.
View 119 Computing and IT Personal Statements
Criminology
Study the science behind criminal behaviour, laws and justice.
View 38 Criminology Personal Statements
Dance
Explore the practice of dance and develop your performance, choreography and teaching skills
View 1 Dance Personal Statement
Dentistry
Study the latest approaches in dentistry, combined with practical clinical experience that will prepare you for your career.
View 13 Dentistry Personal Statements
Dietetics
Qualify as a dietician in the UK with this degree that explores the science of nutrition and how to communicate it to the wider world.
View 2 Dietetics Personal Statements
Drama
Combine theatre theory and practice to help you on your way to centre stage.
View 19 Drama Personal Statements
Economics
Learning the fundamentals of this subject will pave the way to many career options, including a data analyst, stockbroker, forensic accountant and external auditor.
View 147 Economics Personal Statements
Education
Explore how people develop and learn in their social and cultural contexts.
View 22 Education Personal Statements
Engineering
Solve 21st century challenges and real world problems using your creative mind.
View 180 Engineering Personal Statements
English
Improve your reading, creative writing and critical thinking with an English degree.
View 150 English Personal Statements
Environment
Explore different habitats, climates, formations and societies and how we can reduce the human impact on nature.
View 9 Environment Personal Statements
Environmental Science
Learn more about the science of the environment through collaborative research, expeditions and teaching partnerships.
View 12 Environmental Science Personal Statements
Event Management
This varied and exciting field will prepare you for a number of careers, including a hotel manager, charity fundraiser and a tourism officer.
View 4 Event Management Personal Statements
Fashion
Find out more about the fundamentals of fashion and find out more about how to research, design and develop clothing.
View 16 Fashion Personal Statements
Film
Discover the core skills required to become a screenwriter, director or critic.
View 23 Film Personal Statements
Finance
Equip yourself with the basic skills and techniques needed for a successful financial career.
View 57 Finance Personal Statements
Food Science and Catering
Discover more about travel, tourism, event management and food science in this exciting subject.
View 3 Food Science and Catering Personal Statements
Forensic Science
Study a wide range of subjects from chemistry and biology, to criminalistics and toxicology.
View 9 Forensic Science Personal Statements
Gap Year
Personal statements written by students taking a year out before university.
View 6 Gap Year Personal Statements
Geography
Study the earth’s physical structures and scientific processes to prepare yourself for a career in urban planning, environmental consultancy, conservation and many more.
View 58 Geography Personal Statements
Geology
Understand the evolution of the earth, how our planet works and what the future holds for us through both laboratory and field work.
View 13 Geology Personal Statements
Health Sciences
This subject provides a broad base of scientific knowledge and skills applicable to many occupations and potential career opportunities.
View 20 Health Sciences Personal Statements
History of Art
Increase your understanding of ancient and modern society and culture.
View 6 History of Art Personal Statements
History
Study the events and people from the past to better understand what our future could be like.
View 137 History Personal Statements
Hotel Management
Give yourself a solid foundation for many different career options in this exciting and thriving sector.
View 6 Hotel Management Personal Statements
International Relations
Understand how politics, history, geography, economics and law all require international co-operation to resolve global problems.
View 93 International Relations Personal Statements
International Student
Read personal statement examples written by international students.
View 22 International Student Personal Statements
International Studies
A subject that is applicable to a wide range of professions in the private and public sectors, including international agencies and government bodies.
View 10 International Studies Personal Statements
Islamic Studies
Study the foundation and development of Islamic knowledge from a broad and multidisciplinary perspective.
View 4 Islamic Studies Personal Statements
Japanese Studies
Explore Japan’s society, culture and language, with some universities offering the opportunity to spend a year abroad.
View 8 Japanese Studies Personal Statements
Journalism
Develop the full set of skills required for a career in journalism.
View 14 Journalism Personal Statements
Land Economy
This multi-disciplinary social science course focuses on the study of economics, business and law and their relationship to the environment around us.
View 1 Land Economy Personal Statement
Language
Set yourself on the path to an international career with a languages degree.
View 85 Language Personal Statements
Law
Develop a critical awareness of the common law legal tradition and apply problem-solving skills to a range of legal and non-legal settings.
View 164 Law Personal Statements
Linguistics
Learn the science behind languages, and how to understand and interpret language on a global scale.
View 17 Linguistics Personal Statements
Management
Gain a broad foundation in topics relating to business, finance, economics and marketing.
View 44 Management Personal Statements
Marketing
Give yourself the knowledge and skills you need to excel as a professional marketer.
View 23 Marketing Personal Statements
Mathematics
Take your understanding of the theories and concepts of mathematics to a higher level.
View 100 Mathematics Personal Statements
Mature Student
Read personal statement examples written by mature UCAS students.
View 14 Mature Student Personal Statements
Media
This degree is ideal if you want to pursue a career in PR, journalism, film, advertising or broadcasting.
View 43 Media Personal Statements
Medicine
Become a great doctor with one of the most rewarding degrees at a UK medical school.
View 100 Medicine Personal Statements
Midwifery
Gain the necessary skills and clinical experience to become a qualified midwife.
View 9 Midwifery Personal Statements
Music
Develop your ability to create new music by studying topics such as composition, performance and music theory.
View 24 Music Personal Statements
Music Technology
Prepare yourself for a career in the music and audio industry.
View 7 Music Technology Personal Statements
Natural Sciences
Focus on various perspectives of the natural world, including chemical, physical, mathematical and geological.
View 17 Natural Sciences Personal Statements
Neuroscience
Explore the workings of the human brain, from molecules to neural systems.
View 13 Neuroscience Personal Statements
Nursing
Qualify for a rewarding career as an adult, children’s or mental health nurse.
View 33 Nursing Personal Statements
Occupational Therapy
Learn the knowledge and skills to treat people with psychological, physical or social disabilities.
View 8 Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
Osteopathy
Learn the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to become a registered osteopath.
View 1 Osteopathy Personal Statement
Personal Statement
Read example personal statements written by postgraduate students.
View 38 Personal Statement Personal Statements
Pharmacy
Apply for this course to successfully qualify as a registered pharmacist in the UK.
View 20 Pharmacy Personal Statements
Philosophy
Find out how to form and voice your own opinions, and how to analyse and communicate ideas clearly and logically.
View 84 Philosophy Personal Statements
Photography
A course combining academic study and hands-on practice to help you become a skilled photographer.
View 8 Photography Personal Statements
Physics
Learn about the fundamental building blocks and forces of nature and how physics helps us understand the world around us.
View 51 Physics Personal Statements
Physiology
Choose from a medical, human or general physiological science course.
View 3 Physiology Personal Statements
Physiotherapy
Learn the theoretical disciplines and gain the practical experience required to become a qualified physiotherapist.
View 5 Physiotherapy Personal Statements
Politics
Study how governments work, how public policies are made, international relations and other topics to open the door to a wide range of careers.
View 193 Politics Personal Statements
Psychology University
Explore how our minds work and why we behave the way we do.
View 150 Psychology University Personal Statements
Radiography
Help diagnose and treat illness by producing and interpreting medical images, or learn how to treat cancer patients with therapeutic radiography.
View 5 Radiography Personal Statements
Religious Studies
A creative discipline, vital to contemporary understandings of economy, art, politics, media culture and globalisation.
View 4 Religious Studies Personal Statements
Social Work
A popular degree course, with a practical focus, that allows you to develop your professional skills and knowledge as you study to become a qualified social worker.
View 25 Social Work Personal Statements
Sociology
Gain the knowledge and skills required to critically engage with issues facing society today.
View 65 Sociology Personal Statements
Sports & Leisure
Understand the value and purpose of sport in society, as well as the social, cultural and economic importance of sport and contemporary issues in sport and leisure.
View 13 Sports & Leisure Personal Statements
Sports Science
Learn about sports performance and the factors that affect behaviour in sport.
View 13 Sports Science Personal Statements
Surveying
Discover how to manage buildings by exploring topics such as project management, legal and technical advice, building reports, defect diagnosis and conservation.
View 1 Surveying Personal Statement
Teacher Training
Become a qualified teacher with this popular training course.
View 12 Teacher Training Personal Statements
Theology
Understand the different religious and spiritual perspectives in the contemporary world.
View 9 Theology Personal Statements
Travel and Tourism
Prepare for a career in one of the fastest growing industries with this vocational degree.
View 3 Travel and Tourism Personal Statements
Urban Planning
Gather the skills required to help you shape and design the world around us.
View 3 Urban Planning Personal Statements
Veterinary Science
Study the basic veterinary sciences first before learning to apply that knowledge to veterinary practice as a clinical student.
View 5 Veterinary Science Personal Statements
Zoology
Learn about all kinds of animals, including their anatomy, physiology, genetics, and their adaptations for survival and reproduction in different environments.
View 6 Zoology Personal Statements
What is a personal statement?
The UCAS personal statement is an important piece of writing you need to put together for your UCAS application.
It is where students should sell themselves in order to try and secure a place at their chosen universities. This includes your strengths, achievements, interests and ambitions, and you need to convey why the university should choose you over other candidates.
How do I write a personal statement?
We recommend you start by making some notes about what you want to study at university and why, as well as a list of skills and interests, and your gap year plans (if you have any).
We then suggest reading some example personal statements for inspiration, and to see how previous students have successfully applied for courses at university.
This should give you an idea of how to put your own statement together, starting with an attention-grabbing opening that explains what aspects of your subject you enjoy and why.
The next few paragraphs need to cover your relevant work experience and activities outside of school, as well as your interests or hobbies, and anything else you’ve done related to your subject that isn’t already on your UCAS form.
The final paragraph should round off your statement succinctly and talk about your future plans after university, and how a degree can help you achieve these.
Our personal statement template can help you structure your statement correctly.
Remember that the language you use and the way it is laid out will be judged too, so it’s important to get all aspects of your statement right.
Once you’ve written your personal statement, ask family, friends and tutors to read it and give you some feedback. Look through their comments and amend your statement accordingly (if you feel they improve it).
Try to ask for several rounds of feedback to make sure it's as good as it can be before sending it off.
For more advice, please see our in-depth personal statement writing guide, as well as:
- Top Rated Personal Statements
- Personal Statement Editing Services
- Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
- Analysis Of A Personal Statement
- The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
- Personal Statement FAQs
- Personal Statement Template
- Personal Statement Timeline
- 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
- What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.
How do I start a personal statement?
The first rule with opening your personal statement is to avoid using any cliches or over-used phrases or sentences that the admissions tutors have seen a million times before. These include: "ever since I was young/a child", "I have always wanted to be..." and "for as long as I can remember".
If you want the reader to go to sleep or immediately put your UCAS form in the rejection pile, then this is a sure way to go about it.
Instead, try to put together an eye opening sentence or two that will grab their attention and make them want to read on.
Our example personal statements above will help you with this, by showing you how students have constructed successful statements in the past.
Many students choose to start their statement by talking about a specific aspect of the subject they enjoy most and why they are interested in it. Others choose to relate a life experience (avoiding cliches) from their younger days, while some decide to begin their statement in another way.
There's no right or wrong answer - just make sure it doesn't read like hundreds of other statements the tutors have already seen before!
How do I end a personal statement?
You should conclude your personal statement with a concise summary of why you are an ideal candidate for this course, your career plans, and any other ambitions you have for the future.
Try to keep it to no more than three or four lines, but make sure the content sells you as a person and has a positive tone that will encourage admissions tutors to offer you a place.
Take a look at your initial notes to help you - remember, it doesn't have to be perfect at this point, as you will have time to redraft it later.
Again, our example personal statements above will provide you with some inspiration for this part of your personal statement (but please don't copy any of them, or UCAS will penalise your application!).
How do I structure my personal statement?
Your personal statement should have a clear beginning, middle and end.
Structure is important if your statement is to be a coherent creative piece of writing, so all the paragraphs should flow nicely together.
At Studential, we recommend the following approach as a guideline:
- Paragraph 1: Introduction to your subject, the aspects you’re interested in and why
- Paragraph 2: What you have done related to the subject that isn’t already on your UCAS form
- Paragraphs 3 and 4: Work experience placements and relevant extracurricular activities at school
- Paragraph 5: Your interests and hobbies outside of school, particularly those that show you are a responsible and reliable person
- Paragraph 6: Your goal of attending university and a memorable closing comment.
Of course, you may wish to structure yours differently and it's entirely up to you at the end of the day - just remember to make sure it's coherent and flows together well.
For additional help on piecing it together, use our personal statement template, which will give you an idea of how a successful statement should look.
What makes a great personal statement?
Tell the reader why you're applying to this particular course and university – include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the subject, the course provider, and higher education.
Think about what makes you suitable – this could be relevant experience, skills, or achievements you've gained from education, work, or other activities.
You need to show the admissions tutors why you make a perfect candidate for your chosen course, and what value you can bring to their department.
What should you not write in a personal statement?
Avoid these common mistakes if you want your personal statement to be successful:
- Listing your skills, experience etc. Use full sentences and examples to back everything up.
- Any form of negativity - be positive!
- Omitting any relevant skills or achievements
- Embellishing the truth or lying outright
- Not checking for spelling and grammar issues - this sort of sloppiness just tells the admissions tutors you don't care very much
- Not asking for feedback from friends, family and teachers - this is a great way of receiving objective advice
- Stating the obvious or repeating what is already mentioned on your UCAS form elsewhere
- Including over-used words, phrases and sentences, such as "ever since I was a child..." and "I have always wanted to be...".
- Using jokes or humour - this isn't the time or place, and the admissions tutors probably won't appreciate it!
How long should my personal statement be?
For undergraduate courses, UCAS allows students up to 4,000 characters for their personal statement.
This isn't a huge amount of space, so you need to make sure every word counts and you sell yourself in the best possible light at all times!
Once you have put together an initial draft, you can check if it's too long or short with our personal statement length checker.
When should I start writing my personal statement?
We recommend you begin writing some notes during the school summer holidays, and maybe even have your first draft written before going back in September (especially if you're applying to Oxbridge).
The sooner you start writing, the sooner you can get your final draft in place ready for your UCAS form. This also helps to take the pressure off, and means you won't be rushing to get it done at the last minute.
Use our handy UCAS personal statement template to help you structure your statement, and make sure you have included everything you need to.
Personal statement tips
For a successful personal statement, we recommend following these top tips:
- This is your opportunity to sell yourself - so use it! Talk about your strengths, abilities, achievements, personal traits, hobbies, extracurricular activities and anything else relevant that makes you an amazing candidate for this course.
- Start writing your personal statement early - ideally over the summer holidays, which give you plenty of time to get a perfect statement in place by the autumn (this advice especially applies if you are applying to Oxbridge, or for medicine, veterinary science, or dentistry.
- Make sure you back up everything you say with solid examples, using your initial notes to help you.
- Talk about your motivations for choosing this particular course, and showcase all strengths using your own voice.
- Don’t embellish the truth or lie outright (you’ll get caught out at the interview!), and don’t use humour or tell jokes (this isn’t the time or place).
- Use positive language and let your enthusiasm shine through - tutors only want students on their course that are passionate about their subject!
- Don't get someone else to write your statement for you, or buy/plagiarise a statement online. UCAS check statements for similarity, and your chances of being offered a place at university could be affected if they find you have cheated on your statement.
- Ask those you know and trust to provide you with feedback, and incorporate their comments and suggestions accordingly.
- Go through at least several rounds of feedback before polishing your statement into a final draft.
- Don't just rely on a Spellchecker to check your statement for errors - read it through carefully three or four times to make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
These tips and advice apply to all personal statements, whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course. If you follow them, you will have a better chance of securing a place at your chosen universities.
Best of luck with your UCAS application!
Personal Statements By University
Personal Statements By University

Browse our personal statements by university to help you write your own unique UCAS statement.
6 Personal Statement Writing Tips
6 Personal Statement Writing Tips

Follow our top tips to write a successful UCAS personal statement.
How To Write A Law Personal Statement
How To Write A Law Personal Statement

Our guide explains how to write a perfect UCAS law personal statement for university.
Writing A Drama Personal Statement
Writing A Drama Personal Statement

Find out how to write a great drama personal statement for your UCAS form.
Applying To Universities In The US
Applying To Universities In The US

The application system for universities in the U.S is unique, and rather different to the centralised UCAS system found in the UK.
Writing A Medicine Personal Statement
Writing A Medicine Personal Statement

Medicine is one of the most competitive courses, so your personal statement needs to stand out from the crowd.
Top 10 Personal Statement Tips
Top 10 Personal Statement Tips

Our top ten personal statement tips will ensure your UCAS statement shines.
15th January UCAS Deadline
15th January UCAS Deadline

We tell you how to avoid missing that important 15th January UCAS deadline.
UCAS Personal Statement FAQs
UCAS Personal Statement FAQs

Our personal statement FAQs answer all the most commonly asked questions about personal statements.