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How to apply for a Master’s degree | A guide for students

Thinking of studying for a Master’s degree? It could be the best choice you can make to further your education and advance your career.

Whether you’re finishing up your Bachelor’s degree or returning to higher education, read on to find out more about how to apply for a Master’s degree, a step-by-step guide for applications, available funding opportunities, and more!

What is a Master’s degree?

Benefits of a master’s degree, master’s degree application process: a step-by-step guide, funding opportunities.

A Master’s degree is a level 7 qualification. It is an intense and focused postgraduate degree, and a popular option for students wanting to continue their education after earning their Bachelor’s. Studying for a Master’s degree full-time usually takes 1-2 years to complete, while studying part-time takes 2-4 years, depending on the area of study. Learning is fast-paced and thought-provoking, driven by real-world applications, cutting-edge research and your own interests.

Master’s degrees are split into two types:

a taught Master’s degree (postgraduate taught/PGT) is the most common type and is delivered through lectures and seminars by academics specialising in a chosen subject
a research Master’s degree (postgraduate research/PGR) offers a mix of taught modules and a research project - this helps you develop a deeper knowledge in your chosen subject area, giving you more insight into what it’s like to work in research

If you choose to take your higher education further, with a taught or research Master’s degree, you may also be eligible to apply for a PhD.

Choosing to do a Master’s degree is a big step in advancing your career. Whether you launch straight into a Master’s after your Bachelor’s, or return to university after some time away, the career benefits of a Master’s degree can give you the edge and help you stand out in a crowded job market. This can greatly increase your chances of finding employment, especially in highly competitive fields. It can also help you define your career path, and focus on areas you want to specialise in.

Step 1: Search for a course

If you’ve done your research and know the university you want to attend and the course you want to apply for, you’re already on your way to a successful application.

If not, while you’re deciding, make sure you compare degrees using the course details available on university websites. Explore our courses by reading through the detailed module outlines, which include information on subject facilities, assessment types, awards, fees, and funding opportunities. We have over 300 postgraduate degrees to choose from, so you can be sure we have something for you.

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

The requirements to apply for a Master’s degree vary from subject to subject, but most require at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree, or an international equivalent. For more information, check out the course summaries available online.

If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to show you’ve reached a certain standard of English – both to succeed on your chosen programme and to meet visa requirements to study in the UK. You’ll need to supply an IELTS, TOEFL IBT, Pearson PTE score or equivalent, but entry requirements can vary across programmes so, again, check your chosen course. Check out our English Language Requirements for postgraduate study for further information.

Step 3: Check deadlines

You’ll need to check the application and funding deadlines. There are no official closing dates for applications to the majority of postgraduate courses, but be warned – there can be cut-off points if you want to be considered for funding.

You’ll find an application deadline in the ‘how to apply’ section on your degree programme webpage.

Step 4: Prepare your application

At Newcastle, the application process for a Master’s degree is quick and easy. Current students should apply through the Apply to Newcastle Portal using their existing Student Portal (S3P) login details.

New students and Education Agents will need to register for a new account. You should provide details, such as:

personal statement
programme of study
academic transcripts or progress to date
a copy of your passport
English language requirements and test results (if required)
up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) detailing educational and professional experience
intended funding sources
postgraduate personal statement
details of two referees
relevant supporting documents (degree transcripts, research proposal, etc)

Potential Master’s students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible – at least six months before the start of your course – especially in highly competitive fields where places may fill up faster. You can apply before receiving your academic and English Language results; any offer you may be given would be conditional upon receipt of these.

Step 5: Write your personal statement

Writing a personal statement is an exercise to showcase your individuality, your strengths and achievements, and your chance to tell us why you are right for this course.

For more advice, read our student Kristina’s top tips for writing a personal statement .

Step 6: Apply through the application portal

Unlike undergraduate courses, most Master’s degree applications are made through universities, with some exceptions being made through UCAS Postgraduate .

You can apply online at: applyto.newcastle.ac.uk

Step 7: Complete and submit your application

There are 12 sections to complete within the application process, and you can save your work as a draft at any time. Some courses may have additional questions or requirements that need to be answered, so make sure you plan your responses carefully.

What happens next?

Once we’ve received and considered your application, a formal letter will be sent to you (and your agent, if you are hoping to join us from overseas) by email, outlining our admissions decision. Similar to undergraduate degrees, you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer. If your offer is conditional, you’ll need to work towards meeting the conditions of that offer. For more information about what you need to do and when, check out our Offer Guide .

Newcastle University aims to respond to your application within 30 days, and you can track the progress of your application via the Apply to Newcastle Portal. If you are successful, you will be given an offer to study and can start making arrangements for finances and accommodation. This will begin your journey into postgraduate education!

If you are an international student, you will need to secure an unconditional offer first before applying for your visa, as well as a copy of your passport and proof of English language proficiency. You can get advice and guidance on your student visa from our Visa Support Team .

Students in the UK usually fund their studies using a combination of formal funding such as scholarships and bursaries, together with loans, savings and part-time work.

Most funding opportunities are advertised between September and May, and it is recommended that you start your research for funding early – up to 12 months before your year of entry – as formal funding is very competitive.

All students : 2% discount if you pay your annual fees in full before the end of registration week. A tuition fee instalment plan is available to spread the cost of your studies.
UK students : 20% Alumni Progression Discount for eligible Newcastle University alumni from disadvantaged backgrounds. International students : 10% discount for close relatives of Newcastle University students and graduates.
All students : support to meet additional costs associated with studying specific degrees. Non-repayable and awarded by various organisations, including charities and trusts.
UK students : the Postgraduate Master’s Loan Scheme is available to help with course fees and living costs. This is administered by Student Finance England. Where you live and your awarding body will dictate how much you can apply for; other eligibility criteria may also apply.
All students : £1,000 Alumni Progression Scholarship for eligible UK and International Newcastle University alumni (not available for students receiving the 20% Alumni Progression Discount).
UK students : funded or partially funded scholarships are often based on academic merit or specific eligibility criteria. Non-repayable, they can be awarded by a variety of organisations, including Newcastle University, private companies, professional organisations, charities, trusts and the UK government.
International students : we aim to create a strong global community and support this via scholarships for international and EU students. We also participate in scholarship schemes such as Commonwealth and Fulbright.

Published By Jenny Shippen on 22/01/2024 | Last Updated 02/07/2024

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Applying to a UK university? Read a personal statement sample to get you started

16 December 2019

A personal statement for university is an essential part of the application process.

It shows how your academic achievements, extracurricular activities and other relevant experiences have made you interested in taking the course. With university places in high demand, your personal statement gives you the perfect opportunity to stand out.

Although you won’t need to follow a set structure, we have an example to get you started.

Start with why the subject interests you...

It’s important that your personal statement shows the university why you want to study on their course.

There’s no need to go right back to your childhood, but make sure you have a paragraph that outlines why you want to dedicate the next few years of your life to this course and why you’re interested.

Business Management example

Growing up with both of my parents running their own businesses gave me an early interest in how businesses work, especially the relationship between the workforce and the employer and how this affects the huge decisions companies have to make in order to succeed.

I have a strong ambition to use my knowledge to develop a career within the business sector. I am looking forward to learning from a wide range of modules in areas associated with running businesses such as ethics, entrepreneurship and business analysis.

Mention any extra activities you have taken part in that relate to the course

You need to show that you’re serious about studying your chosen topic and the best way to do that is to talk about your previous experience.

If you want to study Business Management, for example, it could be some work experience you’ve undertaken. Anything you’ve done related to the course that wasn’t compulsory looks great to the university. Make sure to talk about the skills you gained too.

Biomedical Science example

My voluntary work experience at a doctor's surgery gave me an exciting insight into the healthcare industry. The best part of my week was shadowing the general practitioner. I had the chance to watch him talk to patients, quickly extract key information and identify potentially serious conditions to escalate.

This has led to my interest in gaining a better understanding of how the human body functions in health and illness. I want to play a role in developing preventative approaches or new treatments for a range of common diseases.

Include any specific books, talks and theories you have engaged with

This doesn’t have to just include textbooks or lessons from school, but the studies outside of the classroom. This will show the admissions tutor that you are excited to learn about your subject and you have the motivation to get out there and understand more.

Law example

Through my wider-reading, I discovered in American criminal cases, defendants did not receive a lawyer until 1963. In ‘Gideon Vs Wainwright’ the Supreme Court unanimously interpreted the Fourteenth Amendment to provide counsel for those who need it.

I want to read more about Law and take my degree further by becoming an advocate for justice.

Showcase your skills

Make sure you get across the skills and attributes you have to study on the course.

You can include examples of when you’ve worked under pressure, met a tough deadline or got full marks on a difficult test.

Computer Science example

I created a new programme with my classmate. This project has helped strengthen my programming capabilities, taught me new skills and also strengthened my basic knowledge.

Make your conclusion memorable

Make sure your personal statement has an obvious ending. It’s important you talk about the key points to show how amazing you are and why they need you on their course.

Civil Engineering example

I believe that my passion for science, combined with my enthusiasm for problem-solving and overcoming difficult challenges, will allow me to succeed in this course. I have confidence that engineering is a field where I can apply my skills best and use my potential.

Important information to know for your personal statement

UCAS says a personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 4,000 characters . It’s also important to structure your personal statement in clear paragraphs.

Don’t be tempted to copy a personal statement from online or your classmates. Every personal statement received by UCAS is added to their personal statement library, which means they’re able to quickly identify if your personal statement is too similar to someone else’s.

As an international student, there are a few extra things you should mention in your personal statement.

why you want to study in the UK
your English language skills and any tests you’ve taken
why you want to be an international student rather than study in your own country

You might think it’s too soon to start looking for jobs and building your professional identity. However, it’s never too early to make sure you’re on the right path to your future career. That’s why we’ve created our helpful ‘Get Work Ready Guide’.

Get ready with our guide to work, CVs and interviews

At Newcastle University, we’re dedicated to supporting you in whatever career path you take. We can help you with everything you might need but there are certain things like interviews and securing a job in the UK after university that you have to do by yourself. Don’t worry, you can always ask our Careers Team for advice.

Download your own guide now for tips when it comes to CVs and working life.

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FindAMasters
Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Ben Taylor

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 of mental trauma in several loved ones in recent years, I’m determined to place myself in a position where I can help the recovery of others in unfortunate circumstances.

I’m currently in the final year of an English Literature degree and am course to achieve a 2.1. My interest in Psychology has manifested itself in my module choices on this course, including one that examined the relationship between trauma, memory and Holocaust literature, and an elective that I took in my first year on the Philosophy of the Mind. My dissertation looks at representations of post-traumatic stress disorder in First World War literature, contemporaneous news accounts and medical textbooks. I hope that my knowledge of the cultural background and theory of Psychology will stand me in good stead when I begin my postgraduate studies, providing with me with an extra lens through which to consider the issues at hand.

The MSc in Psychology programme at your institution appeals to me because it offers a rigorous, BPS-accredited grounding in the foundational pillars of Psychology, as well as the opportunity to pursue more specialised modules in Neurotrauma, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Occupational Psychology. After finishing my Masters, I hope to gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS before applying for a doctoral degree that allows me to pursue my interest in psychological trauma and its treatment, eventually becoming a qualified psychiatrist.

Last summer I shadowed a psychologist who supported adults with complex needs, which gave me an insight into the difference that this kind of work can make to people’s lives. I’ve also been a listening volunteer for the Samaritans helpline for the past two years, an experience that has taught me the importance of compassion and open-mindedness when speaking with people in psychological distress. In addition, I’m a student ambassador and have supported my university at many open days, study fairs and graduation ceremonies over the past few years, requiring excellent organisational skills and a friendly, professional manner.

I’ve worked on a part-time basis for a local pub since 2017, something that has given me plenty of confidence and excellent interpersonal skills. Once I’ve finished my dissertation, I plan to spend my summer working full-time at the pub, saving up enough money to concentrate on my postgraduate studies next academic year.

I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of beginning an MSc in Psychology soon and see it as the natural continuation of my academic career to date, as well as the perfect way for me to put my extra-curricular experience into practice.

MSc Psychology

Leiden university faculty of behavioural and social sciences, msc - psychology, university of plymouth faculty of health, psychology - msc, liverpool hope university department of psychology, psychology (conversion) (online) msc, keele university school of psychology, forensic psychology - msc, newcastle university school of psychology, find a masters in psychology.

If you're interested in a studying Psychology, then why don't you check out our regularly updated catalogue of available Psychology Masters courses .

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Applying to graduate school
How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

A personal experience that changed your perspective
A story from your family’s history
A memorable teacher or learning experience
An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
How does it fit into the rest of your life?
What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

What first sparked your interest in the field?
Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Newcastle University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 1 Writing gives me the freedom to create a world where I set the rules, where the characters act the way I want them to, a world where everything is exactly how I want it to be and I know that I am the one who controls everything...

Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example I have always been fascinated by the vast jobs robots are able to perform, and by the way all these cars around us were designed. The problem is, my interest was not satisfied by revolving around the outer appearance of these machines or by how well they achieved their functions, but was constantly demanding to learn more about how they managed to do so, and what inner complexities I was not allowed to meet closely made it capable of attracting my attention...

Maths Personal Statement Example 3 I am extremely enthusiastic about my decision to read Mathematics at university as for as long as I can remember Maths has always been my main academic interest. From learning to count at primary school, to studying calculus towards my Mathematics A level, I have found this subject intriguing due to its obvious application to the real world...

History Personal Statement Example 5 As the descendant of an Auschwitz survivor, my family history allows me to understand the influences that the Second World War has had on people's families and the victims of the Nazi regime in occupied Poland...

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 I have always had a creative ability and a fascination with how things work. The challenge of solving practical problems inherent in the field of engineering appeals directly to these traits. I am particularly interested in electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) because it is such a rapidly evolving discipline...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 1 I believe that having a visual stimulus in your environment is important. For example, if I'm walking down the street I want to see an eclectic mix of buildings that I find exciting to look at, rather than rows of uniform houses...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 1 When I saw Gatz, John Collin's eight hour interpretation of The Great Gatsby, I noticed that Fitzgerald changes the colour of Daisy's hair every time he describes it. It is "like a dash of blue paint", "yellowy" like her daughters and then "dark, shining"...

English Literature & Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 1 'I write for the same reason I breathe- because if I didn't, I would die.' I believe that Isaac Asimov sums up writing particularly aptly. Whilst it could be classed as hyperbole, I feel my sentiments are similar...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 3 When I was seven years old, I first read 'Twist of Gold' by Michael Morpurgo. When reading the book I was captivated by the absorbing plot, beguiling characters and incredibly vivid imagery. Since that time, I have been a passionate reader, particularly admiring the fluidity and profound depth of character and emotion that can be found in work by authors such as Sylvia Plath and Doris Lessing...

Law Personal Statement Example 11 My desire to study law at university is firmly rooted in my interest in world events and also with helping others. Law effects our everyday lives almost without us noticing. If we look at the news, there is always an aspect of law up for debate...

Postgraduate Medicine Personal Statement Example Quite simply it is my curious nature which has always underpinned my desire to study medicine; the sheer complexity of both the human body and its healing processes have always fascinated me and, during my time in 6th form and subsequently while studying for my BSc...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 8 From the very first day of college I’ve been gradually developing a great interest in all aspects of Chemistry and Maths. Having recently read, “Beyond the Molecular Frontier: Challenges for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering” I have discovered what an imperative role chemists and chemical engineers play in industry and how, by working together, they contribute to an improved future...

History (Ancient and Modern) Personal Statement Example 1 It is those things we don’t yet know or understand that make history a fascinating, intellectual puzzle. We know a remarkable amount about history and the development of society but new archaeological discoveries, the dedicated efforts of historians, translators and other academics and advancements in areas such as archaeometry mean that the body of historical information is still expanding...

History Personal Statement Example 35 With such a range of different interpretations for any given era, what fascinates me most about History is the opportunity for debate and analysis. Studying the American Civil Rights Movement, it has been interesting to analyse the motives behind the efforts of Franklin Roosevelt and John F Kennedy to improve the lives of African Americans...

Economics Personal Statement Example 28 While working in the stock broker I became 100% sure that I wanted to study Economics at university. I gained employment at a Stock Broker office as a Monitor Operator in Bangladesh and my duty was to monitor the daily price list of trading of shares at the beginning of the day and then preparing trading reports at the end...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 67 Studying the history of medicine made me realise what a huge impact doctors have on people’s lives. I’ve always wanted a career involving people as I’m fascinated by our unique nature and the human body itself...

PPE/Politics and Economics Personal Statement Example 1 I have a strong interest in the close relationship between political events and economic developments, highlighted by a study of Russia in the lead up to the 1917 revolution. I was grabbed by the film adaptation of Ten Days That Shook the World, with its emphasis on its power of the masses...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 70 The challenge of spending my working life immersed in the fascinating, ever-evolving world of the medical sciences, and the opportunity to use this knowledge to benefit others, has drawn me to seek a career in medicine...

Spanish and Chinese Personal Statement Example My passion for Modern Foreign Languages is what drives me to pursue a degree in Chinese and Spanish; my fascination and curiosity to explore the cultures of not only China and East Asia, but also of the Hispanic world, motivate me to learn and discover the languages of these regions...

Politics and International Relations Personal Statement Example 11 Throughout my life, I have been fascinated but also deeply fearful of the power that politicians around the world possess. Having grown up in the years following Lithuania's departure from the Soviet Union and joining the European Union, I have observed how imperative it is that political decisions should be made responsibly...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 3 Have you ever heard the Tuvan throat singing technique? Beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The question that's bound to accompany a throat singing performance is how the human voice could possibly produce such a sound...

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Personal statements for postgraduate applications

Your Masters personal statement is an essential part of your postgraduate application as it's this document that will convince admissions tutors that you're worthy of a place on a course. Discover how to write a Masters personal statement and take a look at some examples for inspiration

What is a personal statement?

A Masters personal statement is a piece of writing that you submit as part of your postgraduate application . It's your first real chance to sell yourself to the university and to demonstrate to admissions tutors that you're right for the course.

It's likely that you've already written a personal statement for your Bachelors degree , so this should give you some idea of what to expect. However, don't be tempted to use your undergraduate personal statement as a template. You will have progressed academically since then and admissions tutors will want to see evidence of this.

Your postgraduate personal statement should be unique and tailored to the course that you're applying to. Use the opportunity to show off your academic interests and abilities, and to demonstrate that the programme will benefit from your attendance as much as you'll benefit from studying it.

'Personal statements have a two-way function in the application process,' explains Steve Carruthers, head of postgraduate admissions and student visa compliance at the University of East Anglia (UEA). 'They are critical to demonstrating the student is right for the course, showing their experience, knowledge, background and personality, as well as their interest in the subject. They also enable the admissions team to ensure the selected course is the best fit for the student's aspirations and goals, or to make alternate recommendations to ensure all options have been equally considered.'

How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?

A Masters personal statement should be around 500 words. This equates to one side of A4. However, some universities require more, often two sides. Some institutions also set a character limit instead of a specific word count, so it's important that you check the application guidelines before starting to write your statement.

As they're relatively short, don't waste words on autobiographical information. This isn't necessary in postgraduate personal statements. Instead, focus on why you want to study a particular programme and your potential to successfully complete the course.

What should I include in a Masters personal statement?

'The statement is a snapshot of who you are and why you've chosen your course, so include everything that helps an academic or admissions team see that clearly,' advises Steve.

You should tailor your personal statement to fit the course you're applying for, so what to include will largely depend on the course requirements. However, in general you should write about:

Your reasons for applying for a particular programme and why you deserve a place above other candidates - 'demonstrate your interest and passion for the course and subject. This tells admissions staff you're more likely to fully engage in your studies,' says Steve. Discuss your academic interests, career goals and the university and department's reputation, and write about which aspects of the course you find most appealing, for example particular modules or work experience opportunities. Show that you're ready for the demands of postgraduate life by demonstrating your knowledge and experience.
Your preparation - address how undergraduate study has prepared you for a postgraduate course, mentioning your independent work (e.g. dissertation) and topics that most interested you.
Evidence of your skillset - 'show your writing skills, intellect and ability to succeed academically, as well as the effect and impact you may have on the cohort as a leader, influencer, or enthusiastic team member,' adds Steve. Highlight relevant skills and knowledge that will enable you to make an impact on the department, summarising your abilities in core areas including IT, numeracy, organisation, communication, time management and critical thinking. You can also cover any grades, awards, work placements, extra readings or conferences that you've attended and how these have contributed to your readiness for Masters study.
Your goals - 'Your long-term plans and aspirations are also important to cover, as they both help ensure you've selected the best course to achieve these, but also give the academic team an understanding of how they might best support you through your studies,' says Steve.

Address any weaknesses, such as lower-than-expected module performance in your undergraduate degree or gaps in your education history. The university will want to know about these, so explain them with a positive spin. Cover how these gaps and weaknesses have been addressed and what will be different in your postgraduate studies.

How should I structure my personal statement?

Your personal statement should follow a logical, methodical structure, where each paragraph follows on from the one before. Make sure paragraphs are short, succinct, clear and to the point. Remember, you only have 500 words so use them wisely.

Capture the reader's attention with an enthusiastic introduction covering why you want to study a particular Masters. Then, engage the reader in your middle paragraphs by summing up your academic and employment background, evidencing your knowledge and skills and demonstrating why the course is right for you.

Your conclusion should be concise, summarising why you're the ideal candidate. Overall, aim for five or six paragraphs. You can use headings to break up the text if you prefer.

The majority of postgraduate applications are submitted online directly to the university. If this is the case, present your personal statement in a standard font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, text size 11 or 12. If your course application is submitted through UKPASS (UCAS's postgraduate application service) font style won't matter, as personal statements are automatically formatted.

How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?

Give yourself plenty of time and don't rush . Your personal statement can make or break your application so it needs to be right. Tutors can tell if you're bluffing, and showing yourself up as uninformed could be costly. Before you start, read the rules and guidelines provided, check the selection criteria and research the course and institution.
Use AI tools responsibly - 'Remember, this is a 'personal' statement, so make sure it's all about you,' stresses Steve. 'Using AI such as ChatGTP or Google Bard to generate a statement may be easier, but generalised statements that miss out you, your personality and experiences will never be as effective. Personal stories and experiences really bring your statement to life, and this is one of those times it's ok to talk boldly about all you've achieved, and your qualities.'
Adopt a positive, enthusiastic and professional tone and write in clear, short sentences . Avoid elaborate or overly complicated phrases. Unless otherwise stated, all postgraduate personal statements should be written in English and your spelling, grammar and punctuation must be spot on, as the personal statement acts as a test of your written communication skills..
Don't use the same supporting statement for every course . Admissions tutors can spot copy-and-paste jobs. Generic applications demonstrate that you have little understanding of the course. In order to stand out from the crowd, Masters personal statements must be unique and specific to the course and institution.
Draft and redraft your statement until you're happy . Then ask a friend, family member or careers adviser to read it. Proofreading is incredibly important to avoid mistakes. Memorise what you've written before any interviews.

What do I need to avoid?

follow online examples too closely, use them as a guide only
use your undergraduate UCAS application as a template
be negative
lie or exaggerate
use clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used words such as 'passion' or Americanisms
include inspirational quotes
make pleading/begging statements
needlessly flatter the organisation
include irrelevant course modules, personal facts or extra-curricular activities
use overly long sentences
repeat information found elsewhere in your application
leave writing your personal statement to the last minute.

How should I start my Masters personal statement?

Steve believes there is no right way to start a personal statement so try not to waste too much time coming up with a catchy opening. The more you try, the more contrived you'll sound and the more likely you are to fall into the trap of using clichés. 'A good rule of thumb is to make it interesting, personal (avoiding bland generalisms) and enthusiastic for your choice of study.’

'Your opening lines could include how your current interests (we're less interested in you as a six year old) have led you to apply for this course, and how you see it helping you achieve both your full potential and future aspirations,' says Steve.

Avoid using overused phrases, such as:

For as long as I can remember…
From a young age…
I am applying for this course because…
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
I have always been interested in…
I have always been passionate about…
I have always wanted to pursue a career in…
Reflecting on my educational experiences…

Admissions tutors read hundreds of applications per course so the opening paragraph of your personal statement needs to get straight to the point and make a real impact. Avoid overkill statements, gimmicks and popular quotes.

If you're really struggling, come back and tackle the opening once you have written the rest.

How should I end my personal statement?

Conclusions should be short, sharp and memorable, and leave no doubt in an admissions tutor's mind that you deserve a place on a course.

The perfect ending should pull all of your key points together without waffling or repeating yourself.

Like the rest of your Masters personal statement, keep the ending simple. Be succinct and make it clear why you'll be an asset to the university and end on a positive note, with a statement about why the institution would be lucky to have you as a student.

What are admissions tutors looking for?

'Passion for the subject, and an understanding of the key challenges and problems it's currently facing, as well as the research being undertaken to solve these or to move the field forwards, really endears you to the academics who you'll be interacting with,' explains Steve.

'Strong writing skills are a gift, so be clear and concise about what you want to say, and always get a second pair of eyes to check spelling and grammar as well as readability.'

Make sure you also provide:

an explanation of how the course links your past and future
an insight into your academic and non-academic abilities, and how they'll fit with the course
evidence of your skills, commitment and enthusiasm
knowledge of the institution's area of expertise
reasons why you want to study at the institution.

Personal statement examples

The style and content of your postgraduate personal statement depends on several variables, such as the type of qualification that you're applying for - such as a Masters degree , a conversion course or teacher training . Here are some postgraduate personal statement templates to help you get started:

Business management personal statement

Postgraduate courses in business management are popular among graduates. To make your application stand out your personal statement needs to cover your motivations for choosing a specific course at a particular university, your career goals and how the Masters will help you achieve them. Be sure to mention relevant transferrable skills and work experience. Read up on management courses .

Computer science personal statement

If you'd like to complete a Masters but studied an unrelated subject at undergraduate level you'll need to explain why you'd like to change disciplines. In the case of computer science your personal statement will need to show that you possess the technical, mathematical and analytical skills necessary, as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the subject area. Gain an insight into the information technology sector .

Law personal statement

You'll apply for an LLM the same way you would for any other Masters, directly to the university. Whether you're undertaking a general LLM or a more specific programme, such as an LLM in human rights or international business law, you'll need to convey why you want to study the law in more depth and how this could potentially aid your career. Discover more about LLM degrees .

Nursing personal statement

If you didn't study the subject at undergraduate level but you'd like to apply for a postgraduate course in nursing your personal statement needs to convey your reasons for choosing this career path, as well as demonstrate a specific set of skills, knowledge of the working environment and relevant experience. Find out more about working as an adult or children's nurse .

Psychology personal statement

Applications for conversion courses such as these are fairly straightforward and made directly to individual institutions. You need to explain why you want to change subjects and how your current subject will help you. Explain what experience you have that will help with your conversion subject, and what you hope to do in the future. Learn more about psychology conversion courses .

Social work personal statement

If your Bachelors degree was in an unrelated subject but you now have ambitions to work as a social worker you'll need a Masters in social work (MSW) to qualify. Social work Masters have a substantial work placement element so you'll need to cover what you hope to achieve during this time as well as demonstrate other relevant experience. Find out more about social work courses .

PGCE primary personal statement

As well as detailing why you want to work with this particular age group, a PGCE primary personal statement should highlight the ways in which your educational background has inspired you to teach. You'll need to cover relevant skills you have gained and any related work experience, as well as demonstrate your knowledge of the primary national curriculum. Read up on PGCEs .

PGCE secondary personal statement

You'll need to cover why you want to teach at secondary level while also acknowledging the pressures and challenges of working with older pupils. As you'll be teaching a specific subject, you'll need to evidence your knowledge in this area and demonstrate how your first degree was relevant. It's also essential to highlight any related work or voluntary experience. Learn more about teaching personal statements .

Find out more

Search postgraduate courses .
Find out what else you must consider when applying for a Masters degree .
Completed your application? Discover what postgraduate interview questions you may be asked.

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Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Get some inspiration to start writing your Medicine Personal Statement with these successful examples from current Medical School students. We've got Medicine Personal Statements which were successful for universities including Imperial, UCL, King's, Bristol, Edinburgh and more.

Personal Statement Examples

Read successful Personal Statements for Medicine
Pay attention to the structure and the content
Get inspiration to plan your Personal Statement

Personal Statement Example 1

Check out this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, UCL, QMUL and King's.

Personal Statement Example 2

This Personal Statement comes from a student who received Medicine offers from Bristol and Plymouth - and also got an interview at Cambridge.

Personal Statement Example 3

Have a look at this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, Edinburgh, Dundee and Newcastle.

Personal Statement Example 4

Take a look at this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for King's, Newcastle, Bristol and Sheffield.

Personal Statement Example 5

Pick up tips from this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, Birmingham and Manchester.

Personal Statement Example 6

This Personal Statement comes from a student who got into Graduate Entry Medicine at King's - and also had interviews for Undergraduate Medicine at King's, QMUL and Exeter.

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How To Write Your Postgraduate Personal Statement

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What are the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement?

What's on this page?

What is a personal statement, preparing to write your personal statement, opening your personal statement, work experience and future plans, ending your personal statement.

Your postgraduate personal statement is your chance to get noticed for your expertise and experience you’ve gathered. It’s an important part of the application process as it allows you to talk about yourself and your passions and prove the value you can bring to your chosen university.

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to write a postgraduate personal statement that stands out and gives you the best chance of being offered a place on the master’s programme you’re applying for.

Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

You’ll have already written a personal statement for your undergraduate study, so you’ll know the importance of preparation. There are two things to think about when you’re planning:

The practical and factual information you need to get across.
Then, the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else.

Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you’d want your chosen university to know about you, and get them down on paper.

Questions to focus your mind

Why have you chosen this master’s programme?
Why are you passionate about this subject matter?
How has your undergraduate study influenced your decision to apply?
Have you got any work experience that might help you?
What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
What achievements can you talk about to support your application?
Why do you want to study at this particular university?
What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Three top tips

Be specific.

Remember that a postgraduate personal statement needs you to talk specifically about the university you’ve chosen.

Demonstrate experience

Universities will be looking for postgraduate students who are able to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject – so include that.

Show what you've learnt

Tell the university about your university life as an undergraduate and include any clubs or societies you were involved in.

Admissions tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start.

You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber but here are the main things for you to think about.

Don’t overthink the opening . Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
Avoid cliches . Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you.
Keep it relevant and simple . You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 50 words when ten can make your point?

Talking about the course

Now you’re ready to start talking about the course and subject you’re applying for.

There are four main areas you’ll need to cover in this section of your personal statement.

Why are you applying for this master’s? Think about your undergraduate study and how this master’s will develop your expertise further. Do you have career aspirations this course will help you achieve?
Why does the subject interest you? This is your chance to show your passion and really demonstrate who you are. If you have work or volunteering experiences related to the subject, include them here.
Why do you think you’ll be an asset to the university? Your personal and practical skills combined together create a unique picture of who you are and why you’ll be a successful postgraduate student, so include both.
How does your previous undergraduate study relate to the course? Showcase your enthusiasm for your current study and take the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge now, and how you want to build on that.

Next, you’ll need to write about your personal skills and achievements.

Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so passionate about the programme you’ve chosen.

Your personal skills and achievements

Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of., include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school., what are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique .

Your work experience and future plans are important to include in your personal statement. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course.

Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that’ll make you successful on your course.
If you know what you’d like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience you’ll gain.

It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start. You want to see the ending as your chance to end in a way that’ll make the university remember you.

This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course.

Read our full guide on How to finish your statement the right way .

Aakriti Labra – MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology, University of Surrey

Now you’ve written your postgraduate personal statement, you’ll need to do a couple of final things before you submit it.

Have you proofread your personal statement? Don’t just rely on spellcheckers. We’d recommend reading it out loud as that’s a great way to spot any errors as well as checking it sounds like you.
Have you asked for feedback? Ask friends, family or your undergraduate university tutors to have a read through your personal statement and take their feedback on board.
Check out our personal statement dos and don'ts Have a look at the common pitfalls against your final draft to make sure you haven't made any obvious errors!

More advice

Use the UCAS’ personal statement tool alongside this guide to help you structure your ideas.

Do you want to understand the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement? Take a look at our guide here.

Why study a postgraduate course? Find out here.

What funding is there for postgraduate courses?

Word Limit for Postgraduate (PG) Personal Statements for Newcastle University

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Medical School Applications

Discover solutions to common queries regarding medical school applications. Find advice for completing your application form and personal statement.

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Applying for medical school

Where to apply

Applications for degrees in medicine are completed through UCAS . Search their website for courses. If you are unable to apply online, then contact UCAS.

Transferring to medicine during first year at Newcastle

Stage one Newcastle University students on selected Biomedical Science courses can apply to transfer to stage one of Newcastle University’s undergraduate Medicine course. You make your application in January.

There are a limited number of places available each year. Students are selected on the basis of their academic performance in stage one, UCAT score, personal statement and panel interview performance.

Our School of Biomedical Science hosts talks from Medical School Admissions on the transfer process. These take place in the autumn with dates/times advertised in the school.

Entry requirements

Most medical schools require a 2:1 or above.

Some will accept a 2:2, but this is uncommon due to high levels of competition. All applicants to medicine need specific health and background checks for clinical courses.

Whether this is acceptable depends on the course and the individual course provider. For example, Newcastle Medical School's accelerated programme considers applications on an individual basis. They do not need you to have studied a science.

If A-level chemistry is a prerequisite for your course, you could take a year out after your degree to study it. Check the entry requirements for your chosen courses. These are regularly updated.

Many universities have places particularly for international students, so check with individual institutions.

Most UK universities will not publish a full list of accepted international entry qualifications. If your qualification isn't listed, contact the individual institution.

Other considerations include your entry qualifications and English language skills. Most clinical courses have patient contact quite early on. They need a higher level of English language than many other degrees. Most medical degrees require an IELTS of above 7.

Details of entry requirements for medicine are available on each medical school website.

Completing the application

Follow our steps and see an explanation of each section of the application.

You don’t need to calculate your predicted grades. Your referee, who should be an academic tutor, will do that for you.

You don't need to add your UKCAT/GAMSAT/BMAT scores to the qualifications section on the form. Your scores go to the university directly.

In the education section you will need to add Newcastle University as your place of education. You will then be able to enter the details of your degree and the modules you have studied.

You may find when trying to add an institution that 'INTO Newcastle' appears. Please DO NOT select this. Continue to type Newcastle University in the box and select the ‘Add school’ option that appears. You may need to include a space after Newcastle University for this box to appear.

At Newcastle University, the institution code is: 40655.

If you are applying with a degree from a different university, you will need to check the institution code with them.

You will now be able to add your qualifications, modules and marks:

click 'add qualification'
you will need to use the manual ‘search for qualifications' section to add your degree
search for BSc Hons (UK). For those studying an integrated Masters degree you can use the Master of Science (UK) option. The awarding organisation is NCL if you went to Newcastle University.
add your modules, which will be displayed as 'module/unit*'

Add in all your modules and marks. The university may look at your transcript as part of your application. This needs to match your application details.

For the module qualification dates, semester 1 modules are 'January' and then the year. Semester 2 modules are 'June' and then the year.

For any incomplete modules, use 'pending' as the result. Otherwise, all your results should be listed in percentages.

Choose your reply from the drop-down list or enter your own details in the box.

Sharing that you have a disability with your course provider is generally recommended. This question relates to supporting you in your studies.

Your offer might be subject to an occupational health assessment. Book a guidance appointment if you want to discuss sharing information about a disability with your course provider. (Link to booking form)

EmployAbility also offer free advice to students on sharing information about a disability.

Book an appointment to talk to us about sharing a disability.

Your fee code depends on your personal circumstances. Check the UCAS guidelines first and check with your Local Education Authority (LEA). Getting the fee code wrong won't impact your shortlisting.

Your referee should be someone who can comment on your academic suitability. We recommend using your personal tutor. If not, use an academic who knows you well, like your dissertation supervisor.

Let your referee know early that you want to apply. They need time to reflect on the qualities you will bring. You may also want to provide them a copy of your personal statement if you have it written. The start of term is busy for academic staff and there may be several people asking them for a reference.

Your reference must have been added to your application by the deadline on the 15th October.

We recommend adding reference details in the UCAS hub about 4 weeks before the deadline. This will provide your referee time to add the reference and predicted grade.

When you are add your references details you need to select the ‘Request Reference’ option.

This will send an access code to the email address you have listed for your referee. They will then be able to access your application to add their statement and predicted grade. You may want to email and notify your reference once you have done this so they know to look out for the email. Remind them to check their junk folder if they haven’t received anything.

Your referee can only see the qualifications that need predicted grades. They cannot view your full application.

Your referee can call the UCAS Teachers and Advisers Contact Team if they have any difficulties. This is open Monday to Friday 08:00 – 18:00 (UK time). 0345 123 8001 or [email protected] . This is a priority service for teachers and advisers.

Once the referee has completed the reference, UCAS will notify you. You will not be able to see the reference.

The UCAS form only allows you to add one referee. You can ask course administrators if you can email them another one, if you think it will enhance your application.

Advice for the person writing your reference can also be found on the UCAS website .

Creating a strong personal statement

Alongside showing academic ability, your personal statement allows you to reflect on work experience. It should show you have the skills required for medicine.

It is important to create a strong personal statement that stands out. This is because at some stage, your suitability for the course will be assessed using it. Some medical schools will use your personal statement as the basis of your interview. Whereas others put less emphasis on its importance.

Focus on your reasons for applying. Show how your work experience has prepared you for the course and career. Include supporting information, such as extra-curricular activities.

You have a limit of 47 lines or 4,000 characters (including spaces). The form will cut off if you go over the limit. Leave room for breaks between paragraphs if possible.

Personal statements are often very descriptive or list candidates’ experience. The selectors aren’t only interested in what you’ve seen. They want to know what you learned. For example:

What did you learn about good patient care?
How did your experiences challenge your views of the profession?
What does this mean for you as a prospective professional?

Be specific. Talking clearly about your experiences should convey your enthusiasm. Don’t say ‘I have always longed to be a doctor’ but say ‘I have wanted to be a doctor since I was 11, after my experience of....’

If you don’t know how to express why you want to be a doctor, it can help to ask "Why not?":

Why a doctor and not a nurse practitioner?
What is the difference between the roles?
What does the first role provide that the second doesn’t?

These mistakes can make your statement less effective. Try not to be:

too descriptive - don’t just list what you saw, or enjoyed, say what you learned
too general - don’t simply say that the doctor’s empathy skills calmed the patient down. What did they do specifically? Was it their tone of voice or body language?
too romantic - the selector will want to know that you understand the realities of medicine. Words like ‘enlightened’, ‘privileged’ and ‘longed’ are too romantic for a personal statement
unstructured - your statement should follow a logical structure. It should explain why you want to pursue this career. It should say how you have prepared with work experience. It can end by explaining your other skills/hobbies/interests
a name-dropper - you don’t need to give the names of practitioners, hospitals, or practices. The selector is more interested in what you learned about the profession and patient care
Medical School Council application guide
Medical School Council advice on your personal statement
Medical School Council guidance on the core values and attributes needed to study medicine (PDF: 1.30 MB)
MedicPortal.com - advice on writing a personal statement

Feedback on personal statements

As a Newcastle University student or recent graduate , you can get Careers Service feedback on your personal statement. You might also get feedback from your personal tutor, if they’re willing.

All our careers consultants have experience of personal statements for medicine. The Careers Service does not check grammar or proof read.

Please see the Academic Skills Team for advice on using grammar and punctuation. They do not offer a proof reading service.

After applying

When to accept an offer and what to do if you are unsuccessful.

With UCAS applications, universities don't know where else you have applied. The form that each university receives only includes information about the course/s you have applied for at their university.

If you have applied for two courses at the same university then they will know which two courses. They won't know where else you have applied. This is unless you mention it in your personal statement or it gets mentioned in your reference.

If you’ve had an offer, but are still waiting to hear back from your first choice, you will need to continue to wait. You can only reply when you've received all your decisions. See UCAS advice on replying to your offers for details.

You will need to wait until the following year to reapply. Reflect on your last application. Consider whether any of your skills need further development. Use this analysis to inform your choices.

Consider applying for related jobs during that year. For example, you could work in practice administration, as a healthcare assistant or a hospital porter.

You could also apply for jobs outside healthcare and continue volunteering or work shadowing in your spare time.

Book an appointment with us for more help.

Newcastle University specific course information

Additional guidance.

COMMENTS

Application Help
Postgraduate Admissions Service. Our Postgraduate Admissions Service process all Newcastle University's postgraduate applications. Once you apply for your course, we'll email the address you give on your application form if we need to contact you. To make sure you receive our emails you can whitelist our e-mail address.
Advice and Resources
chosen Newcastle University; how you will apply your current skills, knowledge and experience. You may also consider showing how the course fits into your career plans and ambitions. Tips: write your personal statement in a word processor before adding it to your application; save at regular intervals
Find and apply for Master's
Find information on when and how to apply for a Master's. We also have advice on writing a personal statement. When to apply. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a place and any available funding. During the autumn term (or about 12 months before planning to start your course) is an ideal time to start.
How to write a personal statement for a Master's
Tips for writing a university personal statement 1. Rediscover your old statement as a reminder. Writing a personal statement for a Master's degree is much the same as writing one for an undergraduate degree. My first tip would be to search through your old files and find the personal statement you submitted to UCAS all those years ago.
How to write a personal statement for university
Let's take a look at some of the basic personal statement dos and don'ts. Do: write in clear paragraphs, avoiding flowery language. be truthful. relate your strengths, experience and achievements to the course you're interested in. follow our steps to plan, structure, and check your statement. Don't:
How to apply for a Master's degree
At Newcastle, the application process for a Master's degree is quick and easy. Current students should apply through the Apply to Newcastle Portal using their existing Student Portal (S3P) login details. New students and Education Agents will need to register for a new account. You should provide details, such as: personal statement ...
Applying to a UK university? Read a personal ...
Read a personal statement sample to get you started. A personal statement for university is an essential part of the application process. It shows how your academic achievements, extracurricular activities and other relevant experiences have made you interested in taking the course. With university places in high demand, your personal statement ...
Personal Statements Webinar
Find out how to write the perfect UCAS personal statement when you're applying for a course at Newcastle University.Our panel of took questions from students...
PDF How to write your personal statement for university
Your personal statement should be: no more than 4,000 characters (including spaces) in size 12 font. in clear paragraphs. the truth. written by you, to University admissions staff. nd shouldn't repeat anything already on your form"The personal statement is t. e first thing we actually see that you've written. I.
Postgraduate Personal Statements
These are some of the most essential attributes of a successful postgraduate personal statement: Positive, enthusiastic language. Professional tone of voice. Compelling evidence to back up your claims. Concise and clear sentences. Meanwhile, this is a list of the tendencies to avoid in your personal statement:
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 ...
How to write a personal statement
To help, we've created a package of resources to guide you through planning, writing and submitting your undergraduate personal statement. 1. Getting started. For a simple five-step guide to personal statements, watch our video. Get an overview of how to write a personal statement plus some valuable tips to get you started.
How to Write Your Personal Statement
A personal statement is a short essay of around 500-1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you're applying. To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application, don't just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to ...
Newcastle University Personal Statements
All personal statements. These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place. You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal ...
How to write a personal statement for postgraduate study
How do you make your application for postgraduate study stand out to convince the academic selector of your enthusiasm for the programme? This 10-minute mast...
Personal statements for postgraduate applications
A Masters personal statement is a piece of writing that you submit as part of your postgraduate application. It's your first real chance to sell yourself to the university and to demonstrate to admissions tutors that you're right for the course. It's likely that you've already written a personal statement for your Bachelors degree, so this ...
Applications and Offers
Here, you'll gain expert help and support in preparing you to apply for a course at Newcastle University. You'll discover how to write your personal statement and find what to include. You'll also get useful interview preparation tips and discover the application preparation required for MPhil, PhD, MLitt, MMus and MRes programmes.
6 Real Examples Of Successful Medicine Personal Statements
Personal Statement Example 6. This Personal Statement comes from a student who got into Graduate Entry Medicine at King's - and also had interviews for Undergraduate Medicine at King's, QMUL and Exeter. Get some inspiration for your Medicine Personal Statement with these successful examples from current Medical School students.
How to Write your Fine Art Personal Statement
Tips and advice for writing your Fine Art personal statement when applying to university.For more information see: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/degree...
How To Write Your Postgraduate Personal Statement
Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve. Avoid cliches. Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. Keep it relevant and simple.
Personal Statements
A key part of that process is writing a personal statement. This is also your greatest opportunity to make your application stand out. With our free guide you can learn how to write a personal statement that will catch the eye of admissions tutors. Helping you to secure a place on your dream degree.
Word Limit for Postgraduate (PG) Personal Statements for Newcastle
We have been in touch with our PG Admissions team and they have told us that there is no official limit on the PG Personal Statements however a sheet of A4 paper is usually sufficient enough. If you would like to speak to anyone about personal statements or Postgraduate study at Newcastle University, feel free to chat to a current student via ...
Medical School Applications
Feedback on personal statements. As a Newcastle University student or recent graduate, you can get Careers Service feedback on your personal statement. You might also get feedback from your personal tutor, if they're willing. All our careers consultants have experience of personal statements for medicine.

How to apply for a Master’s degree | A guide for students

What is a Master’s degree?

Step 1: Search for a course

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

Step 3: Check deadlines

Step 4: Prepare your application

Step 5: Write your personal statement

Step 6: Apply through the application portal

Step 7: Complete and submit your application

What happens next?

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Applying to a UK university? Read a personal statement sample to get you started

Start with why the subject interests you...

Business Management example

Mention any extra activities you have taken part in that relate to the course

Biomedical Science example

Include any specific books, talks and theories you have engaged with

Law example

Computer Science example

Make your conclusion memorable

Civil Engineering example

Important information to know for your personal statement

Get ready with our guide to work, CVs and interviews

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How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Table of contents

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

Tips for the introduction

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Tips for the main body

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

Tips for the conclusion

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Newcastle University Personal Statements

Personal statements for postgraduate applications

What is a personal statement?

How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?

What should I include in a Masters personal statement?

How should I structure my personal statement?

How can I write a good postgraduate personal statement?

What do I need to avoid?

How should I start my Masters personal statement?

How should I end my personal statement?

What are admissions tutors looking for?

Personal statement examples

Business management personal statement

Computer science personal statement

Law personal statement

Nursing personal statement

Psychology personal statement

Social work personal statement

PGCE primary personal statement

PGCE secondary personal statement

Find out more

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Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Personal Statement Example 1

Personal Statement Example 2

Personal Statement Example 3