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We know that it isn’t always obvious what to include and what to leave out; so here are 10 things to think about when writing your personal statement.
When we look at your application for MSc Language Sciences, we use every part to help us make a decision. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to make your application unique. It's your chance to tell us who you are and why you want to study MSc Language Sciences.
It can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't need to be, let's look at some things you can keep in mind when writing your personal statement.
1. You
The point is to provide a personal statement. So make it personal to you: write about your experience and your interests. Let us know why you want to follow MSc Language Sciences, what motivates you, and why.
Keep it simple. We don’t need your life story, but think about how previous study and experience has brought you to this point (and to this programme)?
2. Why MSc Language Sciences?
Although your statement is about you, remember it’s also about the programme you are applying to. Show us that you know what the programme is and that you have an idea what will be involved.
Are there specific modules you’re excited about, have you seen staff or research that interests you? Tell us why.
3. What next?
What do you want to do when you graduate from MSc Language Sciences, and how is the programme going to help you get there? Do you have a specific goal in mind: PhD study; a job; professional development; or is it just for the love of the subject?
4. Go beyond your previous study.
Show us you can think critically. Instead of just listing what you’ve done or the books you’ve read; think about why that study, or how those books, relate to the programme and what you want to do.
5. Your research interests
You won’t be asked to provide a research proposal and the majority of students don’t have a specific research topic in mind before they arrive. So don't worry if you don't have this kind of clear research goal, but if you do, let us know. It’s really helpful for us, and hopefully will be for you too.
6. Be concise
We want to see that you can express yourself clearly and concisely. Stick to what’s relevant and try to resist the temptation to include everything you think of.
When you apply, you will be able to include your personal statement as an attachment (without a word limit). Keeping it to around a single page is a good guide, but don’t worry if you’re a little over or under.
7. Be specific
The personal statement in your postgraduate application is different to the one you might have written for your undergraduate degree in that you get to be specific. You only have to write about a single programme and to show how your experience has prepared you for the challenge of postgraduate study. Try to keep your statement to you and the programme, make sure it’s relevant.
Read it back to yourself. Is there anything that doesn’t add to your statement, or doesn’t relate to the programme?
It’s fine to apply to several different programmes at the same time, but think about your statement if you do. If the programmes are different, shouldn’t your statement be different?
8. Don’t know where to start?
Just start writing why you are applying to study MSc Language Sciences, that’s the most important thing and should be the easiest to express.
9. Proof-read
Applying for postgraduate degrees can be stressful. It sounds obvious, but it's all too easy to just click “submit” without checking your statement.
Is there anything you meant to add? Anything you meant to take out?
If you’re applying for more than one programme make sure your statement is for the correct programme... at the correct university.
10. Relax, and remember to ask
If you’re applying for postgraduate study it’s because it’s something you want to do, so try not to let the personal statement worry you too much. The main points to cover are who you are, and why you want to study MSc Language Sciences – those parts are easy, right?
Always remember, if you have any questions about the programme or the application process you can always contact us at pals.langsci@ucl.ac.uk.
These are just tips to help you think about your application. Don’t worry if there is something here that you did or didn’t do, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for the personal statement.
Remember, it’s only one part of the whole application.