Undergraduates

Personal statements

What is a personal statement?

Your UCAS personal statement is your opportunity to showcase who you are and prove you deserve a university offer. It is submitted as part of your UCAS application and is a crucial element of your application.

  • Maximum length: 4,000 characters (including spaces)
  • You write one statement for up to five course applications
  • It is checked by the UCAS detection service for originality (so your work must be your own)

What do you need to include?

Your personal statement should clearly answer three key questions:

1. Why do you want to study the course?

Explain what motivates you to choose this subject. Show your enthusiasm and interest.
You could include:

  • What sparked your interest in the subject
  • Topics, books, or experiences that inspired you
  • Future career goals linked to the course

2. How have your qualifications and studies prepared you?

Talk about relevant subjects, skills, and knowledge you have gained. Be specific:

  • Mention subjects you study and how they relate
  • Highlight key skills (e.g. analysis, problem solving, research)
  • Include examples of coursework or projects

3. What else have you done outside of education?

Include extracurricular activities such as:

  • Work experience or part-time jobs
  • Volunteering
  • Clubs, sports, or leadership roles
  • Independent reading, online courses, or projects
  • Explain what you learned and how it helps prepare you for the course.

Tip: You must write at least 350 characters for each question

Top tips from Admissions tutors

  • Be concise: Avoid repetition and unnecessary words.
  • Every sentence should add value.
  • Use evidence: Don’t just say you are interested or skilled, prove it with examples.
  • Proofread carefully: Spelling and grammar mistakes are easy to fix and make a big difference.
  • Redraft your work: Write multiple versions. Ask teachers, friends, or family to review it.
  • Be yourself: Make it personal and unique. Avoid clichés and overused phrases.
  • Stay focused: Keep most of your statement relevant to the course.
  • Use a formal tone: Write professionally but still sound like yourself.
  • Meet deadlines: Submit your statement on time and don’t miss internal deadlines.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Copying from online examples
  • Being too general or vague
  • Listing achievements without explaining them
  • Going off-topic or including irrelevant information
  • Using quotes (they take up valuable space and add little value)

Final advice

A strong personal statement clearly demonstrates your passion, preparation, and potential. Focus on showing why you are suited to the course and what makes you stand out. Take your time, edit carefully and make sure your final version reflects the best version of you as a future university student.

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