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Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury

A short guide to writing a Personal Statement...

Writing your university personal statement can be a daunting task, but it's also an exciting opportunity to tell your unique story and convince admissions committees why you're the perfect fit for their program. Think of it as your chance to shine and set yourself apart from other applicants.

If you would prefer to watch a video, or just haven't got time right now you can check out our YouTube video here!

What should you include?

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What you want to study at university and why

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Which specific aspects of the course interest you

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Examples of coursework you have completed, practical work you have enjoyed and how those relate to the course you have applied to

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Work experience or voluntary work

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Personal experiences that led you to the decision to study this subject

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Any future plans you have about using your degree to gain employment

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Experience that shows you are a reliable and responsible person – these could be a part-time job, community or charity work, sixth form committee, helping out at school events

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Your interests outside of school or college, what you like to do in your free time such as sport and leisure activities, musical instruments or languages you speak

Questions to get you started:

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What course(s) do you want to apply for or are interested in?

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When did you become interested in them and why?

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Are there any specific parts of the subject you enjoy and why?

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What personal qualities do you have that make you suited to this course?

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Do you have any specific career aims in this subject area?

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Can you think of anything else that relates to your interest and course choice?

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What do you enjoy about your current studies?

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What are of your chosen subject would you like to study in greater depth?

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Have you been on any trips or events that have inspired you?

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Have any of your teachers inspired you and why?

Don’t forget to…

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JUSTIFY IT – make sure you have a goof reason why you want to study the course and go to uni

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EDIT IT – You only have a limited amount of characters (4,000), make them worth it!

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READ IT – Get feedback from family, friends, teachers.

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SAVE IT – This is just good sense, especially if you have written multiple drafts!

TLDR:

DO

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Brainstorm and write several drafts

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Use excellent English

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Show your drafts to people who know you

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Create a sensible email address

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Research the course for hints and tips

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Link everything to your chosen subject

DONT

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Don’t Makes jokes or try to be funny

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Sound arrogant or pretentious

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Lie or embellish the truth

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Repeat things already on your UCAS form

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Include cliches

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Copy anything word for word

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 1

CCCU Health Rep

Official Rep

When applying to a healthcare or social work degree it is important to also include the following in your personal statement:

Values Based Recruitment:
“Values Based Recruitment is an approach which attracts and selects students, trainees, or employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with the values of the NHS constitution. It is about enhancing existing processes to ensure that we recruit the right workforce not only with the right skills and in the right numbers, but with the right values to support effective team working and excellent patient care and experience.”(Health Education England, 2016)

Therefore, in your personal statement, include your individual values and behaviours that align with the values of the NHS constitution that make you stand out against other candidates. The university will be looking for students that have the values and behaviours for their profession.

NHS Constitution Values:

Throughout your personal statement it is important to reference the NHS Constitution Values because this will show the university that you have done your research and understand what they mean. The NHS Constitution Values are:

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Working Together for Patients- Patients come first in everything we do.

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Respect and Dignity- We value every person.

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Everyone Counts- We maximise our resources.

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Commitment to Quality of Care- We earn the trust placed in us.

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Compassion- We ensure compassion is central to the care we provide.

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Improving Lives- We strive to improve health and wellbeing.

6 C’s of Nursing:

When applying for any nursing degrees it is also important to map the NHS Constitution Values to the 6 C’s of nursing. The 6 C’s are:

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Care

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Compassion

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Competence

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Courage

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Commitment

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Communication

Regulatory Bodies:

When applying for a healthcare degree, it is important to research and understand your profession. This means having an insight into what the role involves. In your personal statement, ensure you include the regulatory body for your future career. This is will show the university that you have understood what the profession is. The regulatory bodies consist of:

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RCN (Royal College of Nursing)

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NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

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HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) – set standards of proficiency for Allied Health professions.

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CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapists)

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Social Work England (regulates Social Workers)

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RCSLT (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists)

Also, ensure that you include the above in your interviews too. I hope this helps and good luck in writing your personal statement :smile:

(edited 4 months ago)

Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury

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