Statement of purpose for taught postgraduate course

I did the complete opposite I researched pretty thoroughly what I thought I might want to work on for my dissertation, since I actually found the research proposal easier to write than the personal statement. I was going through a rough patch in my life back then and found it easier to think and write about academia than about myself, if this makes any sense..! I ended up writing on a completely different topic for my MA, so there's no pressure to actually "carry out" your proposal, as it were.

Basically, the research proposal consists of four paragraphs/sections. The first paragraph is usually a broader outline of what you want to work in. The second paragraph zooms in a bit and mentions the scholarship in your field over the past ten years, the third paragraph indicates your methodology and how your research builds upon/differs from past materials, and in the fourth paragraph you can talk about the resources/modules that your prospective university offers, that would help you in your research.

Incidentally I got into all 5 Russell universities I applied to, although my marks weren't that stellar either (non-UK university, GPA 3.5/4.0). Hope this helps, and good luck!

Thanks for your reply! However, I'm not applying to a research oriented masters, but rather a taught one.

I've got a basic idea of what I'd like to study, so I think I'll just say a few things about that.

You'll usually find that even a taught Masters contains a significant research element, in the form of a dissertation or independent project. Mine was one-third of my final mark, even though I was on a taught course.

Thanks for your reply! However, I'm not applying to a research oriented masters, but rather a taught one.

I've got a basic idea of what I'd like to study, so I think I'll just say a few things about that.

The programmes I applied to were all taught masters, just so that you know.

Ok, so do you think I should be researching what I would like to carry out my masters research in, or will I not be expected to have such a clear idea yet?

It's useful to have a rough idea of the direction, but it's not vital to have a specific research question in mind when you apply. You'll find that many students don't finalise their topic until well into their second Masters semester. You can gain a lot of useful insight by talking to your teaching staff during your first term. You'll be finding your supervisor at the same time and it can oil the wheels if you have a dissertation question which has been formulated with their guidance.

Yes, I've understood that, and I've understood that researching what you wanted to do your dissertation on helped you get in.

What I'm asking is - do I need to know what I want to do my dissertation on? Is it that important to have a clear idea about it at this stage?

Thanks

You definitely don't need a clear idea. Some rough idea of even just which field (within the subject) you are interested in would be good, though. At least show that you know something about your subject, and where your interest lies.