Writing your postgraduate personal statement
It may have been some time since you’ve written one, but the postgraduate / Masters personal statement will be different to your undergraduate degree application. It's an important part of the application process, so we've pulled together some tips to really sell your passion for your chosen course.
What should I include in my personal statement?
We want to know why you want to study your chosen course at NTU and your motivation for applying.
It’s your chance to tell us about the expertise and experience you've gained from university, or the knowledge you've developed from relevant work experience. You’ll need to emphasise the qualifications, abilities, and experience that makes you suitable for the course and explain how they'll help you to succeed. Ensure that what you write is as relevant as possible by looking closely at the course page and referring back to the course content.
Your personal statement is a chance to talk about your long-term aspirations and how you think this postgraduate course will help you get there. You might also talk about any preliminary ideas you have for your dissertation, which will show the Admissions Tutor how knowledgeable you are in your field.
How to write a personal statement for Masters or postgraduate courses
Structure your statement as follows:
- use your introduction to summarise your academic and professional experience
- include a middle segment that expands on your skills and abilities
- end with a succinct conclusion that pulls together the most significant aspects of your application and leaves a lasting, positive impression.
Ensure your paragraphs are concise and organised, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Your passion for your subject should shine throughout while maintaining a professional tone of voice.
Remember to include:
- clear and concise wording
- positive, passionate language
- professional tone of voice
- evidence to back up your statements.
Our Application Portal has a 4,000-character limit, so your personal statement should aim to be this length or less. If you have more to say though, you can upload separate documents.
For more advice, visit UCAS’ handy guide to writing your postgraduate / Masters personal statement.
Top tips for writing a personal statement for Masters or postgraduate courses
- Make it relevant. Back up your statements with examples to illustrate how you're suitable for the course and always ensure what you're writing works for the course you're applying for.
- Passion and positivity. Using the right kind of language shows how engaged you are and helps to highlight what makes you want to study at postgraduate level.
- Check your work. Rewrite your statement until you’re satisfied, then have a friend, family member, or careers consultant read it. Proofreading is critical for avoiding mistakes.
International students
Are you an international student? Everything you need for your application is on our international application page.
This includes step-by-step application guides, information on entry requirements and preparation, and lots of advice and support at every stage.
Ready to apply?
When you've finished planning your personal statement, you can use our Application Portal to start your application. If you’re applying for teacher training courses, you can apply through UCAS Hub.
Get in touch
If you have any questions that aren’t answered on this page, please contact our Postgraduate Admissions team on +44 (0)115 848 4200.