What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is an application essay written by a prospective student applying for a foundation course, undergraduate degree, taught master's degree or a PhD.

To whom do I address my Personal Statement?

The admissions tutor of the course at your chosen institution. 

What is the purpose of a Personal Statement?

Your course admissions tutor will decide if you are suitable for studying on their course based on your Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement is YOU presenting yourself as a MOTIVATED and TALENTED student. After reading your Personal Statement, you want the admissions tutor to be so impressed and say, 'I am impressed. I want this student on my course.'   

What do I need to avoid in my Personal Statement?

• Do not ask for a scholarship; this is not the purpose of a personal statement
• Do not add personal comments such as, "My name means a Precious Gift" this is irrelevant
• Do not tell them your country is on the African continent; the admissions are well informed. They know where your country is, and telling them is a pointless statement
• Do not tell them that your country is poor this supports stereotypes of Western images
• Do not use informal English, slang, figures of speech, and conversation-like writing style
• Do not forget to mention why you chose that particular institution and that course
• Do not tell them that their institution is the best in the world nor tell them their Professors are the best. This is not true, and British Culture does not like false claims.

What do I need to include in my Personal Statement?

In red is what the paragraph should communicate. In black below is an example.

Personal Statement (always add this title)

1. Reasons for choosing this subject(s)

Developing my skills and knowledge in data science and analytics will provide me with an employment longevity career trajectory. Data collection and storage is an unstoppable feature of modern society, and how it is analyzed, interpreted and applied will be the determining factor. For example, sports analysts use statistics on and off the pitch to make better scouting decisions and monitor their players' health, fitness and nutrition. In 2014, the German national squad gained a competitive advantage over other groups by using sports analytics software to research opponents' performance, including average ball possession, ball touches, distance travelled, positioning and speed of passing. Hospitals have been collecting reams of health data to improve patient care in the healthcare sector. Forty-seven per cent of hospitals in the US are already using predictive analytics to cut costs and predict operating room and staffing demands. Some experts even believe that big data will enable hospitals to cure disease and prevent it in the future. 

2. Current studies and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)

I have always expressed an interest in the IT sector, illustrated by my graduation from XXXX University, Country, in 2010 with a BSc in Information and Communication Technology. In 2014, I graduated from XXXXXX University with an MSc in Information Technology. 

3. Experiences and how these relate to your chosen topic (s)

The UK master's degree enabled me to secure a job in Kulala Lumpur, Malaysia allowing me to discover and work with data analytics. As I am sure, we all appreciate that the IT industry covers categories, aspects, disciplines, and so much more that it would be almost impossible to encapsulate in a sentence. Both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are general concerning IT. With hindsight, I should have chosen more vocationally focused masters. I want to study for a second master, and I want to develop my practical knowledge and specialise in data analytics. I understand that I am Level seven, and by studying for another master, there is no progression. However, I know that second masters can be justified if a career trajectory is an outcome, and I believe I meet this criterion. I am taking my general IT qualifications and experience and building on these attributes to focus on longevity employment from specialising in data science and analytics at the University of XXXXXX.

4. The features you like about the course (modules, placement), the university (research and ranking) and UK education 

I have looked at several UK universities and their courses. xxxxside, xxxdford, xxxford and xxxxoln, for example. I kept coming back to XXXX as they are BCS accredited. One-year industry placement option to gain real industry experience. UH, graduates are now data scientists, data engineers, and data analytics consultants working for BT, IBM, and Microsoft. The University of XXXXX has been rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

5. Your future after university

Upon graduation, I would like to seek further employment abroad. By abroad, I mean not my home country, Nigeria. My secondment to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has given me the confidence and the skills to work in a different culture. I am considering applying for a UN Internship open for 12 months after graduating masters and PhD students. 

6. Summary including why you'll make a great student

I know I will be an asset as a student at the University of XXX, and I am not a young girl who is not focused. The time and money invested in studying for an MSc in Data Science and Analytics are my own, and I want ROI in the whole study experience at UH. I will work hard, and I will play hard, meaning I want to join in with clubs and societies and immerse myself in what will be my final trip to UK Higher Education. And on graduation, I will be proud to be a Uni XXX graduate and one of your finest ambassadors.

I am looking forward to receiving a conditional offer to study for an MSc in Data Science and Analytics and the University of XXXXX.

7. Type style and format

 Use Arial or another linear type face, serif Times Roman typeface is old-fashioned.

Range left ragged right. Justified page format gives rivers in the text and you are most likely using Microsoft Word not a book publishing software.  

Always send a Personal Statement in pdf format.

You are not alone, writing an original Personal Statement is not easy. Your World Student Advisors Application Manager will proof read, check your Personal Statement and give feedback on any editorial recommendations.

Good luck!