Personal statements

The personal statement is an integral element of the UCAS application form and inevitably the section that can prove to be the most challenging.

The personal statement is an opportunity for students to demonstrate to Admissions Tutors their passion and enthusiasm for their chosen course and to highlight the transferable skills that they have that will make them successful when studying.

As part of your personal statement students will be answering 3 questions: 

  • Why do you want to study this course or subject?
  • How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
  • What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

There isn’t one set formula for writing the perfect personal statement, each will require time, patience and several redrafts to ensure that the finished piece really is the best representation of a student’s capabilities. The toggles below provide a few examples of what students might want to think about for each of the questions: 

The first question for your personal statement should be an introduction explaining why you have chosen your course(s). It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate a real interest and passion for your subject area. Examples of what you might want to include here could be:

  • Motivations for studying the subject area or course
  • Your knowledge of the subject area and interests
  • Your future/career plans, and how this course might help

This question is all about what your academic studies, and how they will help you in your chosen course or subject area. Try thinking about: 

  • How your studies or training relate to your chosen course(s) or subject area. 
  • What relevant or transferable skills you have that make you a great candidate
  • Any relevant educational achievements

The final question for your personal statement is all about what you are doing outside of your studies. This includes hobbies, clubs, jobs - everything that doesn't fit into one of the first two questions. Try thinking about:

  • Work experience, employment, or volunteering
  • Personal life experiences or responsibilities
  • Hobbies and any extracurricular or outreach activities
  • Achievements outside of school or college
  • Post-education activities

Remember to keep linking back to your chosen course or subject area. This could be through your personal experiences or transferrable skills learnt. 

For more information about what to include in each section the UCAS website has created new guidance for 2026 applicants. 

Next steps

Preparing for interviews
Student experience