personal statement for psychology examples

Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
Non-Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
Oxford PPE 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Economics 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Modern Languages 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Land Economy 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Psychology 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge English 24/25 Entry
Oxford Human Sciences 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge History 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Geography 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Philosophy 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Classics 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Architecture 24/25 Entry
Cambridge HSPS Programme 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
Oxford Biomedical Sciences 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Engineering 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Natural Science 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Maths 24/25 Entry
Oxbridge Computer Science 24/25 Entry
Oxford Physics 24/25 Entry
Oxford PPL 24/25 Entry
Cambridge Veterinary Science 24/25 Entry
Oxford Chemistry 24/25 Entry
Oxford Biology 24/25 Entry
Oxford Biochemistry 24/25 Entry
Non-Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
Non-Oxbridge Dentistry 24/25 Entry
IMAT Medicine 24/25 Entry
Can’t Find Your Subject?
Law Interview Programme
PPE Interview Programme
Economics Interview Programme
Oxbridge Medicine Interview Programme
Natural Science Interview Programme
Engineering Interview Programme
Maths Interview Programme
Dentistry Interview Programme
Medicine MMI Interview Programme
Our Guarantee

Our Students

Student Success Stories

University Access Scheme
New Tutor Application Form
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does It Work?

Enrol before the 17th May and get 4 hours of A-Level tutoring. Book your consultation here.

Students who enrol on a Programme before the 17th May will get 4 hours of A-Level tutoring as a complimentary addition. Begin by booking your consultation here.

+44 (0) 208 068 0438
[email protected]

SCIENCE PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

HUMANITIES PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

GET STARTED

Can't find your subject?

OXFORD TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

CAMBRIDGE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

MEDICINE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

View Our Free admissions guides & resources

How UniAdmissions Cracked The Oxbridge Formula

Applying for Oxbridge is an opportunity seldom approached correctly. So how do you enter the top 16% of a strong cohort of applicants that get an offer? Discover how UniAdmissions get 2/3 of our students in.

How To Stay Motivated During Your A-Level Exams

With A-level exam season in full swing, we've put together 6 useful tips and tricks to stay motivated and achieve those expected grades.

Inside The UniAdmissions Portal: The UA Advantage

UniAdmissions students have access to the world's first dedicated Oxbridge admissions preparation platform, and this guide will help you discover exactly how the Portal will help you get your offer.

Discover all guides

ABOUT UNIADMISSIONS

Learn about who the world's first Oxbridge prep school are.

Learn about the Portal; the heart of our Programmes.

UniAdmissions' Foundation

The Foundation is our charitable arm to support disadvantaged students.

Students & Tutors

Discover who a UniAdmissions student is and our admissions criteria.

Learn about our high-performing Oxbridge tutors.

We're proud of our alumni. Read about their journey with UniAdmissions here.

Admissions Resources

Free Admissions Guides

Visit our Learning Centre and read our in-depth free guides.

We are the world's biggest Oxbridge application publisher. Learn more here.

Teachers Learning Hub

Learn about how to help your students get their place at Oxbridge.

Get Started

Access Student Portal
Oxbridge Programmes
Open Day Webinar
Tutor Application Form
Common Questions
Download Our Prospectus

Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it.

Today, we are looking through a Psychology applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Psychology Course at Oxford is a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates their academic interests and initiative.

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Psychology comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts.

With our Oxbridge Psychology Premium Programme, your tutor will give you regular actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.

Discover our Premium Programmes today to learn how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.

Psychology Personal Statement

How does the mind work? The mind is a mystery housed within the most complex mechanism known to man: the human brain. My innate curiosity compels me to find out more about such a mystery through the study of Psychology.

I have long been interested in how our minds differ: for example, why have I always been a strong mathematician while my brother finds it challenging? Being a musician, I found Kathryn Vaughn’s research supporting a correlation between musical and mathematical abilities particularly thought provoking, while I have also wondered whether my childhood obsession with jigsaws helped me develop problem-solving skills, which are particularly relevant in Geometry: the area with the biggest rift in our abilities. Ann Dowker’s argument, in ‘Individual Differences’, that educational methods influence such differences was also particularly compelling. Therefore, in my gap year, whilst helping struggling learners in KS3 Mathematics at a local school, and, when I help educate children in Tanzania as an International Citizen Service volunteer with the VSO charity, I will evaluate the success of different educational methods. This will give me experience of carrying out my own research, and, will develop skills such as empathy, which is important in the more sensitive areas of Psychology. Furthermore, I recently assisted a University of Oxford researcher conducting follow-up assessments with children in local primary schools. These measured reading-age, language comprehension and numeracy level, and are used to gauge and refine the Catch-Up charity’s numeracy intervention programme. As some of the children being assessed were from a control group, my involvement also enlightened me to ethical aspects of research.

Differences that occur in the criminal mind are also of great interest to me. As an elected Student Ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau earlier this year, where I learnt about Rudolf Hoess. Hoess exterminated thousands of families, yet lived with his own family just outside the camp. This ignited an interest in complex behaviour; therefore I read Stanley Milgram’s research into whether ‘the Germans are different’, and learnt about his Theory of Obedience. This developed an interest in Forensic Psychology, and I subsequently attended a Forensics course at Nottingham University, where I learnt about a Forensic Psychologist’s role, during Mental Health tribunals, for example.

Deterioration of the mind, and methods to counteract this, also interest me. Reading the Psychologist has given me an insight into how the effectiveness of such methods could be analysed using a high-resolution 3D brain atlas; while a presentation from Claire Rytina enlightened me to useful cognitive treatment designed to rebuild and retrieve memory following her Viral Encephalitis. I have also voluntarily worked at a Nursing Home with some Dementia sufferers, and noticed that many sufferers enjoyed me playing music from their past, and sometimes, this triggered some of their memories. This made me wonder whether the music stimulated neurones which had lain dormant for years, similarly to when neurones are used for the first time, as Hubel and Weisel’s nature/nurture research has shown. Studying this in A level Biology gave me an interest in neuroscience, while Biology also stressed the importance of controls and fair tests, which are invaluable during Psychology experiments too. My mathematical skills in statistics will also be beneficial when analysing empirical evidence; and, the deep level of analysis and evaluation used for varying sources in A level History will be useful when studying case studies, while my essay techniques will help me when writing reports, and when considering issues from different perspectives.

Overall, I feel that my broad interests and skills will enable me to thrive as a Psychology student at a demanding University, where I would also make a positive contribution to University life.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Successful personal statement for economics at cambridge, successful personal statement for land economy at cambridge, successful personal statement for chemistry at oxford, successful personal statement for geography at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at oxford, successful personal statement for law at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at cambridge, successful personal statement for engineering at cambridge, successful personal statement for philosophy at cambridge, successful personal statement for veterinary medicine at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychological and behavioural sciences at cambridge, successful personal statement for history at oxford, successful personal statement for physics at oxford, successful personal statement for cambridge mathematics and physics, successful personal statement example for computer science at oxford, successful personal statement for english at cambridge, successful personal statement for oxford english language and literature, successful personal statement for medicine at oxford university, successful personal statement for modern languages at oxford, successful personal statement for engineering at oxford, successful personal statement for natural sciences (biological) at cambridge, successful personal statement for economics & management at oxford, successful personal statement for ppe at oxford, successful personal statement for law at cambridge, successful personal statement for dentistry at king’s college london, successful personal statement for medicine at cambridge.

Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This statement is powered by a broad range of academic interests — all of which the candidate has explored to a deep and commendable level. They are able to articulate how these interests came about, why they are important and how they intersect. In so doing, the candidate clearly demonstrates their ability to think independently, undertake independent projects and foster a wide-ranging curiosity. Furthermore, they clearly illustrate how their academic interests have had a bearing on their actions outside of the classroom; activities that require a substantial amount of initiative and endeavour.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

While the consideration of a range of different areas of psychology is illustrative of a consistently curious individual, this statement would have benefited from greater cohesion as an overall piece. The candidate could have also found a less rhetorical way of opening their statement; their tone at this point is not a mode of speech that they return to elsewhere, and as such, it seems somewhat like a non-sequitur. Their prose thereafter is much more engaging, and it seems unfulfilling and irrelevant to include such mystifying text at the start.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This candidate maturely presents their academic interests and particular areas of personal pursuit. As a result of this, they are able to demonstrate moments at which they have taken impressive amounts of initiative, and have really gone out of their way in order to experience their academic interests outside of the classroom. They are thereby able to fashion themselves as a curious, energetic, academic individual, who is able to think independently and develop their own work. There are potential areas for stylistic improvement within the statement, but they do not hinder the overall impression given of a capable and committed candidate.

This Personal Statement for Psychology is a great example of demonstrating academic interest and initiative. The candidate’s interest and passion are clearly shown which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Go to our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Psychology application.

With our Oxbridge Psychology Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal Statement , score highly on the TSA and teach you how to Interview effectively .

Discover our Premium Programmes by clicking the button below to enrol and triple your chances of success.

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

Ai writing & ucas personal statements: what you need to know.

When it comes to writing in the 2020s, AI-Generation has become one of the most important issues for many industries,…

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

As a teacher, you will support students with their UCAS Personal Statements every year, but what about Personal Statements for…

UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

On January 12th 2023, UCAS announced that the traditional Personal Statement would be replaced by a multi-question form for university…

Writing an Economics and Management Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we…

Successful Personal Statement For Computer Science At Oxford

Read through a successful Computer Science Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why…

TSA Section 2: The Essay

Section 2 of the TSA is an extended essay responding to an excerpt of text. The best way to guide…

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

We cracked the Oxbridge formula . Find out what we discovered here.
Looking for application support? Don't work with a random tutor. This is what you need to know first.
Get up-to-date Oxbridge advice with our webinars. Follow our Open Days led by our experts and stay updated.
Begin your Oxbridge journey with UniAdmissions through our programmes of support by clicking here.

Personal Statement Starter Guide

We have developed an 80-page E-Book filled with expert Personal Statement Advice. Inside, you’ll find guides on planning and writing your personal statement, as well as our full collection of 25+ Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements.

Get it directly to your inbox by registering your email.

New Oxbridge Admissions Tests Explained!

How much do you know about the admissions tests changes for this application cycle? Join us this 1st of June at 2 pm and learn everything you need to know to prepare effectively with the new updates on the ESAT, TMUA & BMSAT .

How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?

Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology

A student smiling while holding a pen and writing a personal statmement

Why Strong Personal Statements are so Important for Graduate School

In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story. Crafting a compelling personal statement requires insight, precision, and guidance. However, finding quality personal statement for graduate school examples can be challenging. Magoosh is committed to supporting graduate applications with detailed analyses, specific feedback, and comprehensive support throughout the admissions process.

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements

We’re excited to showcase two standout personal statement for graduate school examples covering two different psychology tracks. The first, used to apply to Columbia University, explores the therapeutic power of storytelling in the aftermath of trauma and the writer’s dedication to studying the pathways from traumatic experiences to psychopathology. This essay seamlessly weaves together the applicant’s academic pursuits and professional experiences, underlining a deep-seated commitment to understanding and fostering resilience and growth post-trauma.

personal statement for psychology examples

Second, written for UC Berkeley, takes us on a captivating journey—from volunteering in Haiti to navigating the urban complexity of New York, and finally, to a meaningful role in tutoring across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This narrative eloquently captures the author’s evolving insight into the significant role counseling plays in psychological well-being and the drive to effect change within the psychology field.

Examples with Expert Annotated Feedback

Our feedback on each personal statement highlights strengths, suggests improvements, and offers strategic advice to boost the essay’s impact and emotional appeal. This feedback reflects our thorough grasp of the admissions process and our dedication to helping candidates refine their narratives.

Now explore our personal statements and expert commentary for inspiration on your application narratives. Whether starting your essay or finalizing it, our resources, expertise, and support guide you through the admissions journey.

Finally, our aim is to help you create a personal statement that surpasses admissions expectations, compellingly showcasing your unique story. Explore our blog for further tips, inspirational success stories, and expert advice , and move forward in your graduate school journey with confidence. Our platform is your ally in turning your graduate school aspirations into achievements.

View all posts

More from Magoosh

A student lost in thought while reviewing their personal statement

Please leave any questions or suggestions in the comments, we try our best to respond within a few days! Your email address will not be published.

Personal Statement Example For Psychology

With every academic paper and publication, I read since studying Psychology at GCSE, my interest in the subject has grown. In light of my fascination with behaviour and the mind, as well as my interest in science, Psychology is my chosen subject for further study. It is extremely important to me to continue learning and building upon my knowledge, and I am passionate about engrossing myself in this subject at university.

At present, the debate of nature versus nurture is the most significant area of academic psychology that I am interested in. As a result of my interest in this argument, I have read Philip Zimbardo’s Lucifer Effect, which has furthered my intrigue and guided me in new directions. My fascination with environmental influences on human behaviour, and the idea that our surroundings can influence how we treat others, is greatly enhanced by my exploration of these concepts. Through my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue research in this field of persuasion-based behavioural studies based on Cialdini’s principles of social influence.

Weekend jobs have helped me broaden my skill base and diversify my already acquired competencies while in school, as I have been able to widen my skill base and diversify my competencies. Having worked in a Deli with one other colleague gave me the opportunity to develop my organizational and motivational skills. We ran the shop alone and worked both as a team and alone while providing high-quality customer service under pressure. I gained confidence in my leadership abilities and also learned how to function well within our small team, hit set targets, deal with customers, and assist my colleague when he was short-handed. I feel prepared for large workloads, pressured deadlines, and projects involving both team and individual work, as I have made an effort to prepare myself for the demands of higher education by having these skills while studying psychology – the benefits of having these skills will be invaluable whilst reading psychology.

As a credit controller for Harlands Services, I have developed my analytical and statistical skills and developed my eye for detail. As a result of examining and investigating unpaid contracts, my critical and numerical skills have greatly improved; I am confident of my capabilities in this field and look forward to applying them in the future. Having this position at Harlands has also been valuable – it has taught me persuasive tact when dealing with outstanding payments, and it has illustrated the benefits of dealing patiently with sometimes abusive clients. In order to develop these communication skills, I worked in the community teaching skateboarding – communication is an essential aspect of psychology, and I intend to use this aptitude in practical seminars and in projects that require interviews and verbal testing.

My ambition is to continue my studies and pursue a PhD, eventually leading to a career in academia. As part of my postgraduate studies, I am interested in the British prison environment and rehabilitation process, as well as institutional aggression. During my undergraduate studies, I realize that these interests can be developed, or even superseded.

As a member of The British Psychological Society and avid reader of The Psychologist, I have attempted to academically prepare myself for my undergraduate course over the past two years. In addition to providing excellent insight into world news and opinion, The Economist also provides informed writers and a diverse range of viewpoints. Being able to study at university offers us many opportunities to positively influence our environment and to support others. I value being aware of global events and issues.

My dedication and perseverance show that I am motivated to study psychology for academic reasons as well as to acquire the crucial skills required to be successful in college.

My career will be launched with this undergraduate degree, thus my expectation and motivation are already very high. As someone who studied psychology at both the GCSE and A Level, I feel prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and am eager to meet them with the knowledge and abilities I have gained from work experience and education, as well as those I have yet to acquire.

Read our guides:

How To Write A Personal Statement For Psychology
UCAS Personal Statement
Psychiatry Personal Statements
Neuroscience Personal Statements

Successful Psychology personal statement example

Growing up, I was fascinated by psychology after seeing a psychiatry and researching Milgram’s Electric Shock Experiment. People can apply potentially fatal shocks to innocent people, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can shape a person’s mental state. As a result of these early exposures, I developed a passion for psychology and a desire to specialize in childhood development psychology to help others navigate their own internal struggles much as my psychiatrist had helped me.

This desire was further reinforced when I had the opportunity to serve as a reading mentor to a group of children, including one with autism. This role allowed me to work with a diverse group of children, hone my patience, and observe firsthand the impact of various learning styles. I also initiated a mentoring program for children with Type 1 Diabetes, drawing on my own experiences with the condition to provide support and reassurance. My work in a pharmacy and participation in campaigns to raise funding and awareness for diabetes research have also given me valuable experience interacting with patients and advocating for their needs.

In addition to psychology, I am currently studying sociology, and business studies, and have previously studied government and politics. Group work and presentations are a regular part of my studies, enabling me to strengthen my teamwork and presentation skills. One of my favourite theories that I have explored in psychology is Bowlby’s attachment theory, which delves into how children form attachments and how these shape their development, ultimately influencing the person they will become.

Over the last 5 years, I have volunteered at a local independent charity shop on Saturdays and during my last 5 summer holidays, I volunteered three times a week. I am entrusted with a great deal of responsibility, including handling the day’s banking. I am also actively involved in campaigns to raise funding and awareness for diabetes research, including participating in walks and writing letters to my local MP. In my free time, I enjoy listening to psychology podcasts from the University of Oxford, such as “How is depression treated?” These podcasts have provided me with insight into the evolution of treatments and the varied effects of physical and psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

I also gained practical experience collecting qualitative and quantitative data as part of a joint study between the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol on cyber-safety. Aside from attending lectures, I also worked with final-year undergraduates on their projects at the University of Bristol’s Brain Week. During his research, one student examined the effects of alcohol on coordination while driving. In spite of its brief duration, this experience was extremely enlightening and sparked my excitement regarding the possibility of attending university, deepening my knowledge and understanding, and possibly conducting my own research.

Health Psychology personal statement example

I am excited to apply to study psychology at the university level as someone who has always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology first developed during my time at King David School, where I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in a psychology research project as part of the UK secondary school competition. This experience sparked my curiosity and passion for understanding the complexities of human behaviour, and I knew that I wanted to pursue this further.

Throughout my time in secondary school, I was an active member of the psychology club, where I enjoyed discussing and debating various psychological theories with my peers. I also took an extra-curricular psychology course, which allowed me to delve deeper into the subject and develop a greater understanding of its various sub-disciplines. In addition to my coursework, I also completed several independent research projects on topics such as the effects of social media on mental health and the role of attachment in romantic relationships. These projects further fueled my desire to explore the psychology and deepen my understanding of the human experience.

Outside of the classroom, I have always been drawn to helping others and have volunteered at a local mental health clinic, where I was able to witness firsthand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. This experience further solidified my desire to enter psychology and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I am confident that my passion, curiosity, and dedication to psychology make me an ideal candidate for this program, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my studies at the University level. I believe that the combination of my academic achievements and real-world experience makes me uniquely qualified for this program, and I am eager to contribute to the dynamic and diverse community at the University.

Personal Statement Examples

Anthropology personal statement examples
Statistics Personal Statements
PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
Classics Personal Statement Examples
Theology Personal Statement Examples
Physics Personal Statement Examples
Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
Oncology Personal Statement Examples
Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
History Personal Statement Examples
Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
Finance Personal Statement Examples
Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
Film Production Personal Statement Examples
Events Management Personal Statement Examples
Counselling Personal Statement Examples
Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
Social Work Personal Statement Examples
Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
Journalism Personal Statement Examples
English Literature Personal Statement Examples
Marketing Personal Statement Examples
Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
Product Design Personal Statement Examples
Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Geography Personal Statement Examples
Business Management Personal Statement Examples
Politics Personal Statement Examples
Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
Zoology Personal Statement Example
Sociology Personal Statement Example
Fashion Personal Statement Example
Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Philosophy Personal Statement
International Relations Personal Statement Example
Biochemistry Personal Statement Example

How to Write a Psychology Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

This blog leads you through some of U2's Oxford and Cambridge-educated Psychology graduates' tips for building content for, writing and structuring your Psychology personal statements.

Most University level Psychology courses do not require that students have taken Psychology at A-level or IB (in fact, some professors advise that students don't take it, because the A-Level/ IB syllabus is so different from what you learn at University).

So, how do you demonstrate your aptitude for the course at university level? Whether you have studied Psychology at school, or are starting afresh, this blog will teach you how to ensure your Psychology personal statement stands out to interviewers for the top UK universities.

Creating a Psychology Personal Statement: Brain Scan and Academic Symbols on iPad

Tips for your Psychology Personal Statement

Few students will have written anything like a UCAS personal statement before - an approximate side of A4 on what exactly you have to offer. For some general tips on how to write a high-level and original personal statement, check out our blog on 10 Top Tips for Writing a Standout Oxbridge Personal Statement .

Your personal statement should integrate your personal interests, subject knowledge and extracurricular experience. For Psychology, we suggest focusing on three main areas: (1) highlight your personal interest in psychology, be it clinical psychology or the stigma surrounding mental health, and link this more explicitly to the range of ways you have explored the subject;

(2) emphasise your academic abilities and how these will ensure you suit the course e.g. You may mention your mathematical/ scientific abilities and how this complements/ facilitates your interest in empirically studying human behaviour; (3) discuss extra-curricular activities and how these also relate to your subject interest. E.g. Essay competitions, projects, lectures etc.

(1) Highlight your personal interest in psychology and link this more explicitly to the range of ways you have explored the subject

If you have an initial interest in Psychology, but have not had a chance to explore it in-depth, or beyond the school syllabus, this should be the first step. Do not regurgitate your school syllabus. You’ll need to read and research the subject, refining your interests and building evidence of your wider exploration e.g. through reading books, articles and scientific research papers.

Ideas to direct your wider subject exploration:

One way of developing an early understanding of key aspects of Psychology is to briefly look at the compulsory modules of the courses that interest you and gain an initial overview of key themes/ topics through reading and research. E.g. The undergraduate psychology course at Oxford University covers: Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Neuroscience, so you could try to gain a quick appreciation of each module through research. Cambridge also provide a useful A-Z of key topics in Psychology.

After an initial introduction into broad areas of psychology and what they involve, focus in. Which areas pique your interest most? Keep a file with notes on each topic, read articles to extend your knowledge, and remember to relate concepts to your personal experience (e.g. examples from everyday life, real-world applications of concepts) so you don’t end up turning your personal statement into an essay. Why does [Insert topic] make you want to study Psychology at degree level? What catalysed your interest in [Insert topic]? Can you think of examples in your everyday life that relate? :

E.g. Following some research, you may find you are interested in Social Psychology, in particular group identity. What interests you about it? You may have read about ‘outgroup homogeneity’: the failure to see differences between members of of an out-group. Can you think of examples in your everyday experience? E.g. Racial prejudice?

Conversely, you may have started with thinking about racial prejudice, if that is something you are particularly passionate about, and that could have led you to research the psychology behind it, which could have brought you to Outgroup homogeneity. Either method is great. When it comes to writing your personal statement, it can be best to start with the personal experience/ interest and mention how this spurred you on to the academic research/ how your interest deepened with wider exploration.

Psychology Personal Statement Reading Recommendations

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver Saks: This book provides case histories of patients who have suffered a range of neurological disorders. E.g. Patients who have lost their memories, patients with violent tics, those with disabilities, but who are mathematical geniuses.

Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman : Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences laureate, Kahneman, developed ‘Prospect theory’, a theory of the psychology of choice, which has been central to the relatively new field of behavioural economics.

The book provides a good overview of a variety of key topics and is particularly useful for those with a penchant for economics (thinking about interdisciplinarity and how your subjects of interest link is always great for your personal statement), or for those simply interested in real-world applications of theories.

Try to think of examples from your everyday life e.g. How decision making can be influenced by advertising and product placement.

Bad Science - Ben Goldachre: Dr Ben Goldacre is the author of the Bad Science column in the Guardian. This humorous book should encourage you to critically appraise articles that you read and stimulate a broader discussion on subjectivity/objectivity and empiricism in psychological research. Humans introduce bias into all research - e.g. Look into the spurious findings of fMRI research when researchers do not adequately account for ‘noise’ in the data.

The Memory Illusion – Dr Julia Shaw: Forensic psychologist and memory specialist, Dr Julia Shaw, uses the latest research to show the many ways in which our brains can be led astray by memory. Learn about how errors in reconstructing memory reflect inherent biases.

If you would like to learn more about memory, check out our co-curricular division, Minds Underground™’s Mind-Enhancing Articles for Psychology, where our Oxbridge psychologists examine the role of memory and other key psychology topics/ questions.

Four Wider Reading Psychology Books: Essential for a Strong Psychology Personal Statement

Also try to read some scientific papers and start thinking critically about them, and stay updated on developments in psychology and psychology in the news. E.g. Through reading The New Scientist - Psychology News , Neuroscience News , Naked Scientist Psychology articles & podcasts, or the Royal Society of Psychology research articles, podcasts and blog posts.

(2) Emphasise your academic abilities and how these will ensure you suit the Psychology course.

Throughout your personal statement, you should demonstrate how you have built skills in preparation for university and for studying Psychology .

To begin preparation, brainstorm your academic abilities and skills, and how these ensure you will suit the course/s you are applying for. Extensively research your top university choices, and see if they have a page dedicated to what they want from applicants. Fill a table as in the example below to help you relate your skills to the study of Psychology.

Table for Students to Fill Out Motivations for Studying Psychology: Psychology Personal Statement Preparation

(3) Discuss extra-curricular activities and how these relate to your subject interests

Many students mistake “extra-curricular activities” for non-subject-related activities such as sport, art, or music. Whilst you can mention these at the end of your personal statement, you are much better off mentioning co-curriculars that directly link to your subject, especially if applying to Oxford or Cambridge (non-academic activities should be 2-3 lines maximum to round-off your personal statement in this case).

If you can’t think of co-curricular activities to mention, now is the time to start finding opportunities to take part in! Here are some ideas:

Psychology Essay Competitions

Minds Underground hosts a Psychology Essay Competition each year. This year, the competition includes a Psychology Research Proposal Challenge, which is perfect for demonstrating independent research & initiative, and will encourage you to learn about experimental design, data collection, handling and analysis.

Also check out Oxford and Cambridge-run essay competitions e.g. Newnham College runs a Psychological & Behavioural Sciences competition each year.

Research Projects

You could task yourself with curating your own independent research project to mention on your personal statement.

3 Example Human Psychology Projects:

Investigating the effects of colour, word type, or other non-semantic factors on memory/reaction time/false memory recall of word lists

Influence of age/gender/multilingualism or any number of other factors on memory, number & word processing, any easily quantifiable metric.

An investigation into behavioural economics in the style of Kahneman & Tversky, looking at Type 1 & 2 decision making and how this can be influenced, for example, by advertising and product placement.

If you are looking to undertake a project under the tutelage of a Psychology subject expert, we also run specialised guided research projects through Minds Underground, usually a month in duration, with weekly project tutorial sessions (these are paid). E.g. “A Psychology or Medicine Project with a Research Associate for the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Oxford University Hospital Trust (NHS)” or “Psychiatrists & Pharmaceuticals: Alzheimer’s Research Project” with Psychology & Philosophy Oxford graduate, Georgia, who is studying for an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at UCL.

The aim is to combine teaching of high-level subject-specific content with exposure to real-world applications of these concepts, giving you the opportunity to undertake a project that is both useful for a university application and potential future career.

The projects are great to mention on personal statements, and make impressive talking points at your interview, particularly for top UK universities such as Oxbridge (our project hosts are all Oxbridge-educated), who favour applicants with an interest in scientific research.

Societies, Summer Schools & Lectures/ Talks

Are you part of your school’s Psychology Society ? If the school doesn’t have one, could you start one up? Or if they have a STEM society, could you introduce a Psychology element or invite speakers for lectures?

We host a fantastic Psychology Summer School for university applicants, hosted by our team of Psychology Oxbridge graduates. The weekly sessions, running from July to September, will provide a taster of University level Psychology, to provide material which students can write about in personal statements, an discuss during their interviews

There are a plethora of online lectures and talks for you to access online - E.g. Gresham College Psychology lectures, or Ted Talks on Psychology

Psychology Summer School Course Outline: Enhancing Your Psychology Personal Statement

Additional Psychology Personal Statement Advice for those applying to Oxbridge: Oxford, Cambridge

Applying to leading courses like Cambridge's Psychological and Behavioural Sciences or Oxford's Experimental Psychology course requires a tailored approach in your personal statement. Here's how you can make your statement stand out for these Oxbridge courses, compared to non-Oxbridge programmes:

Research-Centric Focus:

Highlight your interest in research from the very beginning. Discuss specific research projects you've been involved in or research findings that have fascinated you.

Look into the cutting-edge research conducted at Cambridge or Oxford and see if anything aligns with your academic interests.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

Emphasise your readiness to explore the interdisciplinary aspects of psychology. These Oxbridge courses often connect psychology with other fields. Mention your interest in related subjects such as neuroscience, biology, or even philosophy, if relevant.

Discuss how these interdisciplinary connections will enrich your understanding of psychology and your research capabilities.

Critical Thinking and Independent Study:

Both Cambridge and Oxford value independent learning and critical thinking. Share your experiences with independent research, coursework, or self-study that demonstrate your ability to think critically and engage deeply with psychology.

Specific Course Features:

Relate some of your content to the unique features of the course at either Cambridge or Oxford. For example, Cambridge's Psychological and Behavioural Sciences course includes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding human behaviour. Oxford's Experimental Psychology course focuses on research design and data analysis.

Explain how these aspects align with your academic goals and career aspirations.

Psychology personal statement checklist with icons: light bulb for ideas, book for academic achievements

Use of Research Methods:

Try to demonstrate your familiarity with research methods and data analysis tools, as these are central to both courses. Highlight any coursework or projects that have developed your skills in these areas.

Looking Beyond the Classroom:

Mention your involvement in psychology-related co-curricular activities, such as higher level topic areas, clubs, volunteer work, or internships, to demonstrate your dedication to the field beyond academic requirements.

You could seek guidance from your teachers or one of U2’s Oxbridge Psychology tutors, who are familiar with the specific requirements and expectations of Oxbridge courses. They can provide invaluable insights and help you refine your personal statement. Contact us if you’d like to learn more.

Next Steps: Drafting & Structuring Your Psychology Personal Statement

Try to narrow your interests down to 2 or 3 topic areas which you can use as overarching themes for your personal statement, e.g. (1) Theories of Mind, of Consciousness, (2) Psychology & Gender, (3) Social Psychology - Group Identity.

Ensure you can address these themes in depth. Have a range of resources to draw from e.g. a scientific paper, a book, research you undertook as part of an essay competition.

Ensure a strong narrative , including linking of concepts between key sections.

Demonstrate personal critical analysis to show your engagement and interest in the subject.

Example Psychology Personal Statement Structure

Aim for around four main paragraphs:

1st paragraph (introductory): What is your motivation to study Psychology? Be specific: what do you want to explore at university? What is distinctive about studying Psychology that makes it worthwhile? Ensure you talk about what motivates your study of the subject now, not a catalyst from your childhood as the interviewer will find it clichéd and less relevant.

2nd paragraph: Explore your interest in [Insert topic] through [Insert activity: e.g. Summer School]. Which of your abilities did this highlight? Link the topic to an interest in [Insert research form: An experiment, article etc.]. Link this to [Insert another activity e.g. a Cambridge lecture on X].

3rd paragraph: Link to paragraph two. This paragraph can follow the same format, but deal with a different topic/ theme.

4th paragraph: Mention extra-curricular activities that don’t relate to your subject interests really briefly (e.g., music, volunteering, anything else of relevance) and demonstrate how these have built skills in preparation for university and for studying Psychology.

You could mention your other A-Level/ IB subjects, perhaps describing how they have enhanced your study of Psychology.

You could mention any prizes or roles of responsibility which you have had at school, including any clubs that you might organise, such as the school newspaper or student council.

It can be useful to conclude your personal statement by returning to your aptitude for studying the subject in a final few lines . Which core skills do you possess which will equip you to excel at degree level? It’s important to strike a balance between enthusiasm for the subject and evidence of skills.

Example Successful Psychology Personal Statement

Looking at personal statement examples can help you to understand how to structure your own statement and what to include. Below, we have included an example of a successful Cambridge Psychology personal statement, written by one of our 1st Class Cambridge PBS tutors. N.B. The statement is by no means perfect, but should provide an exemplar for how to weave your academic interests and co-curricular endeavours into your statement.

Over 100 trillion synapses connect to form neural networks in the brain – an engine so close to home yet more enigmatic than some of the cosmos. How can the very matter we use to think and learn unlock mysteries of the universe, yet not know exactly how it stores memories? It is these existential questions that fuel my fascination for studying the delicate mechanisms of our minds. Year one of my A-levels, what started as curiosity became increasingly interesting to me. Psychology lessons were deeply thought-provoking, particularly when biological and cognitive psychology were the topics of study. The biology behind the metaphysics of consciousness and perception has since captured me, especially when considering neurological disorders. Fascinated by these phenomena, last year I attended a lecture by Baland Jalal; he discussed his own research into a cure for sleep paralysis, as well as demonstrating his enthusiasm for the field which was a perfect cross-section of various disciplines that I love. To further explore this new intricate field of interest, I read “The New Science of Consciousness” by Paul Nunez; this book offered me a profound insight into the philosophy and “hard problems” that this science faces; whilst explanations for Alzheimer’s and Free Will are difficult to retrieve, the questions we need to ask are even harder to formulate. Cures for neurodegenerative diseases are currently beyond our grasp, which I believe will be changed with further years of research that I would be honoured to be a part of. The challenges and speculations associated with understanding the brain and our behaviour draws me into the subject as I enjoy combining abstract and logical thinking to decipher problems. Both studying logical programming in Computer Science and my EPQ (an investigation into creating a handmade Wilson Cloud Chamber) showcase the interface of these types of thinking. Self-teaching has been a critical aspect of advancing my knowledge of Neuropsychology as at A-Level there is no depth into more peculiar cases (many of which I discovered after reading “The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat” by Oliver Sacks) such as Anton-Babinski Syndrome – a rare symptom of brain damage that causes people to be “cortically blind”, yet inexplicably deny their blindness. Using my own learning techniques, in Year 12 I helped tutor students in Year 7 physics classes. The significant change in learning style developed my methods of tutoring, teaching me to work with and teach peers of varying ages and enhance my ability to describe difficult concepts in an appropriate and understandable way. During year 12 I was accepted onto the Sutton Trust US Programme – a competitive Fulbright programme for high-achieving state-school students. I was one of 150 students picked from 1000+ applicants. Learning to deal with additional, international examinations and workload alongside school, being the guitarist in a band, and rock-climbing has been essential for my personal development, allowing me to handle substantial pressure. I was awarded a visit to Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s graduate laboratories where I saw leading research into many disciplines of science. This year however I decided that the more specialised curriculum offered in the UK was better suited for me – nevertheless, I am still an alum and volunteer for the programme and was chosen to be an advisor at USA college day this year. I gave individual advice to hundreds of young people, ensuring they had information and advice they needed to pursue undergraduate studies ideal for them. As a member of my school’s Student Wellbeing team, it is evident to anyone that a distinct and recurring interest of mine is to help people. I believe this perfectly ties into my desire to research the brain, as I am driven to be part of the research that will prevent neurodegeneration, aid mental illness and answer the fundamental questions that make us human. As written by Paul Nunez, “The phenomenon of consciousness is the major unsolved challenge of our age”.

Finally, remember not to start thinking about your personal statement too late! The content building part is by far the most important - without well-thought out content and a wide range of evidence for your independent exploration, you will not be able to write an engaging personal statement. The writing part will be easy if you have lots of exciting content to draw from.

Best of luck!

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Psychology Application?

Psychology personal statement tutoring.

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Psychology personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidate’s own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxbridge Psychology Tutoring

We have a large team of Oxbridge-educated Psychology mentors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates, who support students throughout the process, including personal statement, admissions test and interview preparation.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge Psychology graduate as a mentor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Psychology at the University of Oxford and Cambridge, and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour diagnostic session , where the mentor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Psychology application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate.

Mentors ensure each student refines their interests within Psychology, and is exposed to a range of key themes and topics.

Throughout there will be a focus on the experimental side of psychology, by centering the course on real studies, and discussing the techniques and limitations involved in psychological experiments. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during the interview.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and mentor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , Psychology summer school and Oxbridge mock interview days .

Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced.

Sessions from £75/h + VAT.

Related Blogs and Resources

How to Prepare for Your Oxbridge Interview

University Entry, Application & Admissions Tutoring

Oxbridge Psychology Interview Preparation Guide

How To Get a 9 In English GCSE: Our Oxbridge-Educated GCSE English Tutors’ Top Tips for 2024

Applying for french at university in 2024 what to read and watch for your personal statement and oxbridge interviews.

Personal Statements

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. The following tips will help you get started in addition to the supplemental articles from the APA. Students who are looking for a course that breaks down all of the steps in applying to graduate school (including writing your Personal Statement) should consider taking PSY 396C , Preparation for Graduate Programs in the Field of Psychology. This course is recommended Fall of junior year.

General Tips for any Personal Statement

Follow the directions and answer any questions or prompts provided by your programs.
Your Introductory Paragraph should share what ignited your passion or interest for the field (NOT TOO PERSONAL).
Give details, include names of agencies, labs, and or faculty to help paint the picture of what you did.
Share not only your duties but also what you learned from the experience and how that has solidified the work you want to do.
The conclusion needs to show fit to the school/program/faculty member. (PhD programs you need to name who you are applying to specifically).
Ensure your statement flows. Paragraphs need to have transition sentences to connect the ideas. Telling your professional story chronologically helps.
Edit, edit, and edit again. Ask many people to read and edit your statement before submitting it to your programs.

Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs

An applied master's program is a program that is hands-on and provides coursework and experiences such as internships and field placements to train you to do the work in your chosen field. Some examples are Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. There are many others. These statements aim to convey your interest for the field, share your relevant hands-on experiences as evidence of your preparation, and demonstrate how you are a good match for the program.

Personal Statements for PhD Programs

Ph.D. programs are primarily research-based programs. Even if they provide Clinical Training (e.g. Clinical and Counseling Psychology), they are still fundamentally rooted in producing scientific research. Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself in terms of your research interests, previous research experience, and research goals. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professional in tone.

Personal Statement Editing

Are you in the process of writing your personal statement for graduate or professional programs and need tutoring/editing services? The University of Arizona Writing Skills Improvement Program is your answer! They offer free and fee-based services. Students can schedule appointments or attend drop-in tutoring . Check it out!

Advice from the American Psychological Association

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement

Preparing your Personal Statement for Graduate applications

Finding Fit: Personal Statements

Log in
Site search

Psychology personal statement

Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) and Masters courses in psychology are one of the most popular conversion courses available. Take a look at our personal statement example to help with your application

A personal statement for a psychology conversion course isn't significantly different from an application for any other subject. You'll still be expected to discuss your reasons for choosing the course and particular institution, as well as your relevant skills and experience along with your career goals.

In addition, you will also need to cover:

your motivation to change subjects/careers, with evidence to back up your decision
any preparation you have done to help you study psychology at postgraduate level. This might include relevant aspects of your current undergraduate degree, independent reading or other ways you have engaged with the subject.

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in a psychological profession, relevant volunteer or work experience is valuable evidence to back up your decision to move into psychology. Rather than describing your experience, reflect on how it has shaped your motivation and what you have learned about your chosen profession.

This example should be used for guidance only. Copying any of this text could significantly harm your chances of securing a place on a course.

Psychology personal statement example

Working as a listening volunteer with Nightline throughout my degree in politics and international relations prompted me to embark on a career that helps others. Here, I gained an insight into mental health conditions and saw the impact that empathetic listening and an opportunity to talk can have on those experiencing them. The training I received was my first insight into psychology, introducing me to concepts that inform our approach, such as the development of self-concept and the role of unconditional positive regard in building rapport with callers.

Learning about the theory underpinning my work at Nightline motivated me to develop a deeper understanding of psychological theories and approaches. I have undertaken a range of independent reading that I can build upon in a more structured way through the MSc in Psychology. Reading texts such as How Emotions are Made and The Body Keeps the Score to learn more about the experiences of Nightline callers has given me an insight into the complex interplay of biological and social factors that shape emotions and responses to trauma, while introducing me to research from biological and social psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience.

I am now working as a support worker in a community mental health team where I have observed the different applications of psychological approaches by clinical psychologists, therapists and counsellors. I have recently been able to sit in on meetings between clients and a clinical psychologist and observe the different approaches to assessing client's conditions as well as witness the ways the psychologist worked in partnership with clients to develop and monitor a tailored combination of practical and therapeutic support. The focus on taking evidence-informed approaches and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions motivated me to apply for the Masters in psychology to develop an in-depth understanding of the research that underpins psychological perspectives and theoretical approaches.

I chose the course at XX University due to the optional modules focused on mental health. I am excited by the applied focus of these modules and the opportunity to learn from the research practitioners teaching on the course. I have a particular interest in mental health stigma and holistic approaches to mental health management that I look forward to exploring in more depth with a view to completing my dissertation in this area.

My undergraduate degree has prepared me to engage with the scientific approaches used in psychology. Modules on social science research methods and an introduction to statistics have provided me with a good grounding on qualitative and quantitative research design that I can build upon during the MSc course. I applied my learning from the introduction to statistics module in my dissertation where I conducted statistical modelling using previous voting patterns to assess the potential impact of proposed constituency changes on future local and general elections. Throughout my degree I organised my time effectively to complete coursework, presentations and group tasks alongside my volunteer role and part-time work, consistently achieving a 2:1 in my work.

I intend to continue my support worker role part-time alongside the Masters in psychology to apply my learning and build further experience to support my application for an assistant psychologist post on graduation. The Masters in psychology is an exciting step towards my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist and, in combination with my work experience will support me in pursuing the Doctorate in clinical psychology in the longer term.

Find out more

Search for a psychology Masters .
Discover what psychology conversion courses involve.
Learn more about personal statements for postgraduate applications .
Find out more about applying for a Masters .

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

Dislike 1 unhappy-very
Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

Applying to Uni
Apprenticeships
Health & Relationships
Money & Finance

Personal Statements

Postgraduate
U.S Universities

University Interviews

Vocational Qualifications
Accommodation
Budgeting, Money & Finance
Health & Relationships
Jobs & Careers
Socialising

Studying Abroad

Studying & Revision
Technology
University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

I enjoyed research methodology as I gained a deeper understanding of how to conduct research, the different methods in research and the importance it plays in psychology as it gives scientific evidence on the new perspectives of psychology, psychological theories and factors affecting mental health.

In addition to the courses, I did an internship at Agnes Special School where I worked as a special educator for children with Learning Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism and Mental Retardation.

Through this internship, I got to know more about childhood disorders and the obstacles they face in their everyday lives. It was extremely challenging

During, my second semester I had courses such as physiological psychology, personality theories, psychological testing and positive psychology.

I enjoyed reading about personality theories especially, Alfred Adler’s Individual psychology where he describes inferiority and superiority complexes and also about the birth order and how it influences the style of life.

By learning the theories, I gained insight on how personality influences human behaviour. I also had a practical paper on Assessment of Personality where, I was exposed to the various types of personality tests such as Draw a person test, Eysenck personality questionnaire, locus of control, Neo five-factor inventory and many more.

During the third semester, I learned about counselling psychology, psychological intervention and psychopathology.

I found psychopathology very interesting as it taught me about the different psychological disorders, their aetiology, diagnosis and the signs and symptoms that make up the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.

I became interested in relationships between various biological and environmental factors which can induce disorders.

By the end of my third semester, I worked as an intern for two months at two hospitals. My first clinical internship was at XXX for 3 weeks under Dr. XXX. During my time there, I learned how to collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations (MSE).

I conducted various psychometric tests such as Standard and Coloured Progressive Matrices, Seguin Form Board and LD checklist, and also observed various behaviour therapies, parent guidance and counselling, sessions for home training for children with special needs on conditions like mental retardation, learning disability, autism, hearing impairments, cerebral palsy and multiple handicaps.

I also presented a poster on Learning Disability as a part of the academic presentation, defining Learning Disability, the problems children with LD face, the management of LD and the rights these children have.

My second clinical internship was at XXX for four weeks where I worked under the supervision of XXX at the Psychiatric Department. The hospital had in-patient care as well as outpatient care where I could collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations.

I got insights into the numerous disorders. I gained an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a clinical psychologist. I also attended several therapies that the psychologist conducted such as Group Therapy for de-addiction patients, Stress Management and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and various psychometric tests such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and Rorschach inkblot test.

I also conducted psychometric tests such as Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale for Children, CAGE questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Binet Kamat Test etc.

In the fourth semester, I had courses on behaviour modification and counselling children, adolescents and adults. I was trained in numerous psychotherapy techniques such as Jacobsons Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, Systematic Desensitisation, and Yoga.

I also had to present several case studies that I collected during my internships. I had a 5 days internship at XXX Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts which was aimed at preventing and management of Substance abuse with the focus soon early intervention , community based holistic approach and people’s participation.

During my time here, I interacted with several patients who has problems with substance abuse where I was able to take a session on assertiveness training for the patients and also conducted several relaxation techniques such as JPMR and Autogenic training.

Further, I got to know how the rehab centre worked and the different treatment methods used for the patients. I had another 5 days internship at XXX Palliative care, where I counselled with patients who were terminally ill by giving psychological snd social support to the patients and their caregivers.

Another internship I had was at Riya Hope Farm which was a residential centre for children with special needs. I was assigned to a child who had autism and conducted behavioural assessment of the child. Once the assessment was over, behaviour modification process was started as the child had difficulty in following the instruction that were given to him.

I also had to submit a dissertation as a part of the master’s programme where I presented a research study on “ Marital Adjustment in relation to Life Satisfaction and Gender among Young Adult Married Couples.”

I was interested in this topic due to the increasing divorce rates in India notably among the Young - Adult population and to find out whether life satisfaction influences the marital adjustment between couples.

In addition to my courses, I have attended several workshops on counselling and psychotherapy, basic and advanced hypnosis, “Dementia - Remember me” and Paranormality.

After finishing my master’s in psychology, I am currently interning at a psychiatric clinic for where I am working as an assistant counselling psychologist under the guidance of Dr XXXp.

During my time here, I have met patients with a wide range of mental health problems that may occur such as mental health disorders including depression, psychosis, personality disorder, negative life events, bereavement, domestic violence, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, traumas and relationship issues.

I have witnessed counselling of both clients and their families, and I have learned to administer and score several psychological tests used in clinical assessment.

I have enjoyed working in the clinic and found it very rewarding, not only because of the idea of helping but also because the work was interesting and challenging, as every patient is different and different approaches of counselling are needed.

As an assistant counselling psychologist, I was able to learn the different counselling techniques and how to guide patients through empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Upon completion of this masters programme, I intend join a Doctoral programme in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and to practice as a clinical psychologist, where I can provide a positive influence in the lives of people struggling with psychiatric disorders.

My personal characteristics are perfectly adaptable to this profession and I’m highly interested in this field. Moreover, my academic achievements signify my capability to reach the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

I’m also interested in research work and understanding the various mental illness, their treatment as well as their effectiveness. My work experience has proven to me how much more I need to learn before I can attain my goal of becoming an accomplished clinical psychologist.

I am interested to join Goldsmith’s University of London for the Masters course in Foundation in Clinical Psychology and Health Services by the strong emphasis on clinical practice and research methodology as it goes particularly well with what I am looking for in a program.

I would be very excited to join the upcoming class for 2018. I feel I am well prepared to enter graduate study, and my strong motivation and career goals are a good match for what the university has to offer.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course Search & Discover

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

Northeastern University - London

London (Greater) · 100% Recommended

The University of Law

London (Greater) · 92% Recommended

Swansea University

Wales · 100% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

Bangor University

Boost your employability with a Computer Science degree!

University of Southampton

Study Geology at Southampton, a course with a high degree of fieldwork!

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, not sure what to search for, take our quick degree quiz.

Find the ideal uni course for you with our Course Degree Quiz. Get answers in minutes!

Take our full degree quiz

Get more tailored course suggestions with our full Course Degree Quiz and apply with confidence.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE BSc Psychology Personal Statement

Submitted by Bethany

Study Psychology at a BPS accredited Uni

Discover the wide world of Psychology, from human development to influences like biology and socialisation at Bangor.

Calling all curious minds! Delve into the depths of human behaviour at Swansea.

Get expert scientific training and unlock the secrets of the mind with Swansea's Psychology degrees. Explore their wide range of degrees and discover how you can tailor your studies to your interests.

BSc Psychology Personal Statement

My decision to study psychology was not a difficult one. It is something that plays a key part of our day to day lives, hence my choice to study this at a higher level. I have always been fascinated into how the mind communicates to the body, and why humans act the way they do. From studying this at GCSE level and then further at A level, alongside my other academic subjects, I feel like this has helped to confirm this is the right choice for me, with reinforcing my love for the subject, helping to make more educated and informed decisions. I am always willing to throw myself in to something I am passionate about, to apply myself effectively, and to gain the most out of an amazing educational opportunity.

I have developed skills that are easily transferable into the required attributes to the course, from my part time job as a sales assistant. I have learnt the importance of teamwork, as well as being independent and taking my own initiative, with constantly having to think on my feet to come up with a resolution to any given problem. I feel like this is a key and valuable skill for studying psychology, from my research into the course about the importance of research methods, all being able to come together to come to a final conclusion. From this job, I would also consider myself extremely reliable, due to my time management, commitment, as well being trustworthy, with having to deal with money. This job has also made me aware of my attention to detail, ensuring everything I do is up to a high standard, and making sure the shop looks the best it can, whilst working under pressure. These skills are easily transferable to a psychology course, helping to gain a better understanding into this world.

During years at Boswells, I have also assisted in the running of the ‘Boswells Amateur Dramatics Company’ consecutive years in a row, teaching younger years such as year 5 and 6 vital drama skills which can then be built upon. This has increased my leadership skills, as I often took charge, which involved script writing, organising costumes and scenery, as well as directing. These skills are easily applicable to an everyday setting, demonstrating how I can put myself out there with my ideas, constantly taking things into my own hands. As a result of my devotion and enthusiasm, I was awarded the ambassador award for performing arts two years in a row.

My hobbies include dance, which I have done competitively since the age of 12 until present. From this being a very team oriented sport, I have learnt a lot about compromise, and working together in a team to achieve a very high standard, which led to my team winning second place in the ‘Britain Does Variety’ national final, alongside many other first place positions. From dancing, it shows how flexible I can be, as well as my commitment and dedication. This is also demonstrated by annually committing to perform in the school’s productions.

All aspects, from the social to cognitive to biological all fascinate me about the world of psychology, a course which I will benefit greatly from studying it at a higher level. It is a limitless subject with countless opportunities for further employment due to its complexity of intertwining attributes and skills, and something I wish to throw myself in to at the best of my ability.

Recommended Course

Recommended Statements

Submitted by anonymous

Psychology and Philosophy Personal Statement

For centuries humanity has pondered the definitions of truth and falsehood. For many, the truth is simply ...

Psychology Personal Statement

While growing up, an individual experiences countless differing fields of psychology without even realisin...

My first experience in the field of psychology was in year 9, I was asked to complete a project of my choo...

My desire for wanting to pursue psychology in higher education not only stems from a personal perspective ...

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Northeastern Uni

114 courses

Swansea Uni

1319 courses

Uni of Surrey

750 courses

Uni of Roehampton

468 courses

Photo of Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths, UOL

344 courses

Photo of West London Institute of Technology

West London IoT

Kingston Uni

617 courses

Uni of Brighton

407 courses

Photo of Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Met Uni

501 courses

Uni of Reading

685 courses

Uni of Kent

580 courses

Uni of Portsmouth

761 courses

Middlesex Uni

634 courses

467 courses

Escape Studios

Uni of Chester

645 courses

Photo of University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)

886 courses

548 courses

Uni of Sunderland

340 courses

Uni of East London

575 courses

Photo of University for the Creative Arts

Uni for Creative Arts

672 courses

Uni of Winchester

259 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

454 courses

Uni of Westminster

503 courses

Uni of Bradford

390 courses

Heriot-Watt Uni

334 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

584 courses

Staffordshire Uni

472 courses

Photo of New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, NMITE

Uni of Leicester

432 courses

Queen's Uni

635 courses

UWE, Bristol

497 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

668 courses

Uni of C.Lancashire

798 courses

709 courses

Coventry Uni

480 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

656 courses

Uni of Essex

1400 courses

Wrexham Uni

289 courses

Uni of Suffolk

186 courses

Leeds Arts University

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Anglia Ruskin Uni

808 courses

Ravensbourne

103 courses

Uni of Hull

498 courses

Edge Hill Uni

383 courses

Bath Spa Uni

520 courses

Nottingham Trent

912 courses

FIND THE IDEAL COURSE FOR YOU

Degree Course Quiz

Find the ideal university course for you in minutes by taking our degree matchmaker quiz today.

Find the latest from Uni Compare

University of Law

Ranked Top 20 amongst English universities in the 2023 National Student Survey!

Cardiff Metropolitan Uni

Ranked as the most sustainable university in Wales (P&P Uni League 2023/24)

IMAGES

77+ Personal Statement Examples
Personal Statement Example
Psychologist CV Examples & Templates
Counselling Personal Statement Writing
Personal Statement Essay Examples for PhD, Masters, and More
Counselor Personal Statement Sample

VIDEO

Personal statement advice: Psychology
Personal Statement Example
A luxury saloon #haircut #hair #hairdresser
MY GKS PERSONAL STATEMENT + TIPS
Cognitive Biases
The Statement #psychologyfacts #psychologicalfacts #facts #motivation #inspiration #psychologyquotes

COMMENTS

Psychology Personal Statement Examples
Find out how to write a successful psychology personal statement for your UCAS application. Browse 14 examples of personal statements for different psychology courses and get tips on structure, content and style.
Psychology Personal Statement Examples
Degree Course Quiz. Find the ideal university course for you in minutes by taking our degree matchmaker quiz today. Browse our range of Psychology personal statement examples. Gain inspiration & make sure you're on the right track when writing your own personal statement.
Psychology Personal Statement Writing Guide and Example
Personal statement example for psychology Here's a sample personal statement for psychology: As a recent graduate from Clinical Health College of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in psychology, I am thrilled to apply for admission to the graduate program for clinical psychologists at the College of Professional Psychology at Nashville. I am an enthusiastic student with experience working ...
Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford
This Personal Statement for Psychology is a great example of demonstrating academic interest and initiative. The candidate's interest and passion are clearly shown which is vital to Admissions Tutors. Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal ...
Preparing your personal statement for graduate school applications
Nearly all doctoral programs and many master's degree programs in psychology require submission of a personal statement as part of the application package. In my experience advising students as well as serving as a graduate dean for many years, few things in the application process cause students as much anxiety and prompt so many questions.
Psychology personal statements
These psychology personal statements are written by real students. Among them you will find personal statements that have formed part of successful applications to universities such as Royal Holloway, Aberystwyth and Aberdeen. ... Clinical psychology degree personal statement example (1a) MSc P. Personal Statement:Psychology with linguistics ...
Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology
In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you're a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story.
Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample
This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement. The effects of psychological trauma can be diffuse and difficult to treat, with wide-ranging causes and an unfortunate range of symptoms. Having witnessed first-hand the consequences ...
Writing a psychology personal statement: expert advice from
Remember that a personal statement should be written to persuade the admissions tutor that you're a good fit for the course and have the skills to succeed. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what would convince you. Be honest but avoid false modesty. Sell yourself as a future psychologist in the making.
Psychology Personal Statement Advice
Five things to include in your psychology personal statement. The University of Bristol highlights five elements of a strong, academically focused psychology statement: Ensure it is well structured and well written. Give details of any specific interests or ambitions you have that relate to the content of the course.
Psychology Personal Statement Examples
Successful Psychology personal statement example. Growing up, I was fascinated by psychology after seeing a psychiatry and researching Milgram's Electric Shock Experiment. People can apply potentially fatal shocks to innocent people, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can shape a person's mental state.
How To Write A Successful Psychology Personal Statement
Next Steps: Drafting & Structuring Your Psychology Personal Statement. Try to narrow your interests down to 2 or 3 topic areas which you can use as overarching themes for your personal statement, e.g. (1) Theories of Mind, of Consciousness, (2) Psychology & Gender, (3) Social Psychology - Group Identity.
Writing a Personal Statement
When applying to graduate schools, you will be expected to write a statement of purpose, commonly called a personal statement, or personal essay. This is a very important part of the application process, and it is your one opportunity to showcase your best qualities and achievements. Graduate committees from the colleges and universities that you apply to will review this document to help in ...
Personal Statements
A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. ... Some examples are Social ...
Psychology Personal Statement 12
In particular, looking into the past developments of the law over time. For example, the process of including defences for psychological issues that the defendant may be suffering from, as this hasn't always been considered. Also by looking at how further laws might need to be eradicated to become fairer for society, my analytical skills have ...
PDF Personal Statement Workshop
Example: UNC-CH Personal Statement Prompt § On a separate page, write a personal statement that includes the following: • a. Description of any work experience relevant to psychology and research (bibliographic, laboratory or other) that you may have done (or are doing) either as part of employment or to complete your present program.
Psychology personal statement
Learn how to write a personal statement for a psychology conversion course with this example from Prospects.ac.uk. Find out what to include, how to structure it and what to avoid.
Psychology Personal Statement 5
Psychology is a subject that really stimulates my mind and my desire to challenge my perception of mental health. As well as this, my interest has come from a personal point. Witnessing a family member with mental health issues has made me want to understand why he behaves that way and why his illness cannot be treated in the same way we treat ...
PDF Organizing Your Personal Statement
Eye on Psi Chi, 1(1), 14-15. Merry Sleigh, PhD, earned her BA in psychology and English from James Madison University (VA). In 1996, she received her PhD in developmental psychology from Virginia Tech, with a specialization in prenatal and infant development. She first served as faculty advisor to Psi Chi at George Mason University (VA), where ...
Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Personal Statement Example
This personal statement is unrated. My initial decision to major in psychology was rationalised with the idea that I could use my degree to help people. Everyone struggles at one point in their lives and being able to help someone is a great opportunity. Furthermore, studying psychology provided something for me that the other subjects didn't ...
Psychology Personal Statement
PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Psychology Personal Statement . Submitted by Jenny. All Psychology Statements Search Psychology Courses . Calling all curious minds! Delve into the depths of human behaviour at Swansea. Get expert scientific training and unlock the secrets of the mind with Swansea's Psychology degrees. Explore their wide range of ...
BSc Psychology Personal Statement
PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE BSc Psychology Personal Statement . Submitted by Bethany. All Psychology Statements Search Psychology Courses . Calling all curious minds! Delve into the depths of human behaviour at Swansea. Get expert scientific training and unlock the secrets of the mind with Swansea's Psychology degrees. Explore their wide range ...

Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford

Table of Contents

Psychology Personal Statement

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

Successful Personal Statement For Computer Science At Oxford

TSA Section 2: The Essay

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

Personal Statement Starter Guide

New Oxbridge Admissions Tests Explained!

Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology

Why Strong Personal Statements are so Important for Graduate School

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements

Examples with Expert Annotated Feedback

More from Magoosh

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Personal Statement Example For Psychology

Successful Psychology personal statement example

Health Psychology personal statement example

Personal Statement Examples

How to Write a Psychology Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

Tips for your Psychology Personal Statement

Psychology Personal Statement Reading Recommendations

Psychology Essay Competitions

Research Projects

Societies, Summer Schools & Lectures/ Talks

Additional Psychology Personal Statement Advice for those applying to Oxbridge: Oxford, Cambridge

Next Steps: Drafting & Structuring Your Psychology Personal Statement

Example Psychology Personal Statement Structure

Example Successful Psychology Personal Statement

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Psychology Application?

Oxbridge Psychology Tutoring

Related Blogs and Resources

How To Get a 9 In English GCSE: Our Oxbridge-Educated GCSE English Tutors’ Top Tips for 2024

Personal Statements

What is a Personal Statement?

General Tips for any Personal Statement

Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs

Personal Statements for PhD Programs

Personal Statement Editing

Advice from the American Psychological Association

Psychology personal statement

Psychology personal statement example

Find out more

How would you rate this page?

In this section

You are here

Profile info

Related Personal Statements

Clearing Universities & Courses

Popular Course Categories

Course Search & Discover

Search by Type

Northeastern University - London

The University of Law

Swansea University

Search Open Days

Bangor University

University of Southampton

Ranking Categories

Top 100 Universities

About our Rankings

Guide Categories

Take our full degree quiz

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE BSc Psychology Personal Statement

Study Psychology at a BPS accredited Uni

Calling all curious minds! Delve into the depths of human behaviour at Swansea.

BSc Psychology Personal Statement

Recommended Statements

undergraduate Universities

Northeastern Uni

Swansea Uni

Uni of Surrey

Uni of Roehampton

Goldsmiths, UOL