Your personal statement is your chance to tell us about yourself and explain why you want to study your chosen subject. This is your opportunity to share your enthusiasm for the course, highlight your relevant experiences and skills, and reflect on what has prepared you for university-level study.
Please note: if you are applying for one of our Health & Social Care courses our Admissions Team uses the DRIVE criteria to assess your application and evidence of this must be shown in your personal statement.
Tips for writing a personal statement
You only have one personal statement
- Avoid vague statements and focus on giving examples that demonstrate your skills, knowledge, or interest
- Your statement should reflect who you are and why this course or subject area is the right choice for you
- Don't exaggerate or include information that you cannot explain or discuss further if asked
- Your personal statement goes to all your chosen universities, so avoid naming specific ones or courses titles. Focus on your subject area instead
- If you’re applying to multiple subject areas, focus on general skills and experiences relevant to university study. For Health & Social Care courses, be specific about your chosen subject to demonstrate your commitment to the field and profession.
Plan your personal statement
- Write a list of points you want to include and decide how much space to dedicate to each question
- You have 4,000 characters or 47 lines, about one side of A4. For 2026 entry, divide this between the three questions based on how much you want to say for each
- Write a few drafts of your personal statement to make it clear, well-organised, and show your skills and experiences in the best way.
It’s important to proofread
- Be sure to proofread your personal statement thoroughly before submitting your application; you may wish to ask a friend or family member to review it for you.
For more information and guidance on structuring a personal statement visit the UCAS website.