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Masters English Personal Statement

Hi

Im applying for my masters in english, except i have no idea at all what to include in my personal statement for it and could really use some guidelines or help.

Please help :smile:

Reply 1

princessnavi22

16

In mine, I've put why I've chosen the university, why I've chosen the course, my personal interests and my future career aspirations.. those were in my guidelines.. but I'm doing a MA Education, not English

Reply 2

thatfineframe

3

I'm doing mine now! It has stuff about what I'd like to dissertate on, the experience I've had studying those/similar areas, why I want to do the course, and why the institution would be a good fit (in terms of theoretical emphasis) for my interests. Then, following TSR advice, I'm briefly going to mention some conference-type stuff that I did.

Reply 3

tigermoth99

13

This might help (from University of Kent):

Personal statements are frequently required in applications for postgraduate study, in particular business courses, such as MBAs, but are also required for areas such as postgraduate teacher training. You are typically allowed about 1 page of A4 (250-500 words) to "sell yourself". Sometimes you will simply be asked to "provide evidence in support of your application" whereas sometimes the question will be much more prescriptive:

" Describe briefly your reasons for wanting to teach giving the relevance of your previous education and experience, including teaching, visits to schools and work with other young people" PGCE - (teacher training) application form.

Sometimes (as in the example given above), you will be given a very clear indication of what you should write, but in the absence of this, here are some guidelines. Don't use the same statement for all applications. Each statement will need a slightly different emphasis, depending on the university you are applying to. Make sure that you answer the questions asked in each statement. Research the university and course/research area. Find out what sets your choice apart from other universities.

Use good English. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the crowd. Read your statement very carefully. Do your draft on a word-processor and spell and grammar check it, but also give it to a friend to read. Be clear and concise. Don't woffle! Show the ability to put the salient points across in a few words. Stay within prescribed word limits. Pay attention to presentation - type the statement if your handwriting is at all poor. Be positive and enthusiastic – selectors will read many personal statements and you want yours to stand out.

Give your statement a structure with an introduction, a main body and a conclusion. The opening paragraph is important as it is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement. The middle section might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as your knowledge of the field. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals use in conveying this information.

Get your final draft checked by friends, academics or the duty careers adviser. A careers adviser is on duty to help with queries between 10.30 am - 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 - 5.00 p.m. every weekday in the Careers Service. You don't need to book an appointment to see the duty careers adviser - just ask at reception to see them.

Possible content for your statement

Why do you want to do the course/research?

Try to convey your enthusiasm and motivation for study/research. Don't try to write what you think they want to hear, write your real reasons. Write about any projects dissertations or extended essays you have done if they are relevant or demonstrate relevant skills. Mention any prizes you have won, also travel or study abroad and relevant employment. Describe anything that shows creativity, dependability or independence.

Why this subject?

Be clear about why you have chosen this. Is the programme noted for a particular emphasis, speciality or orientation? When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it? What insights have you gained? How have you learned about this field - through classes, seminars, work or conversations with academic staff?

Why this university?

Be specific – don’t make bland statements such as “Because you are an internationally-renowned university with an excellent academic reputation”. Is the programme noted for a particular emphasis, speciality or orientation? Are there specific academic staff you want to do research or study with? What is it about the structure of the course, or the choice of modules, that appeals to you?

What academic skills have you got to offer?

Computing skills, knowledge of relevant scientific techniques etc. If your A levels were poor (or you didn't do these, try to show an upward progression during your time at University).

What personal skills can you offer? e.g. ability to work in a team, with little supervision.

Demonstrate that you've done your homework about the course/research and that you've seriously considered your strengths and weaknesses for postgraduate study or research. If you have done vacation jobs, what skills have you learned: teamworking, communication, working under pressure? Have you had to overcome any obstacles or hardships in your life? This may show evidence of determination/resilience.

What are your strengths?

In what ways are you better than other applicants? If you can't answer this question, don't expect the selectors to answer it for you!
What is the relevance of your first degree to this study?
Point out any circumstances that may have effected your academic results, that you think should be considered by the selectors.

What are your career aims?

You may not have a very clear focus on what you want to do afterwards, but you should have some ideas. A clear direction will strengthen your commitment to do well in your studies and selectors will know this. Your desire to become a lawyer, lecturer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience in your statement.

Reply 4

Tashaxx

OP

Thank you so much :biggrin:

Will get started on it today then now i know what to include :biggrin:

Reply 5

evantej

19

Tashaxx

Hi

Im applying for my masters in english, except i have no idea at all what to include in my personal statement for it and could really use some guidelines or help.

Please help :smile:

I thought you were applying for a teaching qualification? Nevertheless, most universities give guidance about what to include in your personal statement, and I would offer one particular bit of advice: be specific if you can. It is obvious that you are interested in the programme, otherwise you would not have applied, but it is much better to be specific and say why. Why this programme and university? Mention particular lecturers, modules, and resources that you would use when you are at the university. For example, one of the things I mentioned (if I remember right) on my application for York was a resource that is not actually in York; the British Library Boston Spa facility, 15 miles away. Why I would want to use it is obvious, but it shows that I know about the area, the facilities and that the university, for example, even has a fortnightly minibus that goes to the library. Little things like this make you stand out.

If you want I can email you one of my seven personal statements that I wrote for my masters to give you an idea about what to include and in what format.

Reply 6

Tashaxx

OP

evantej

I thought you were applying for a teaching qualification? Nevertheless, most universities give guidance about what to include in your personal statement, and I would offer one particular bit of advice: be specific if you can. It is obvious that you are interested in the programme, otherwise you would not have applied, but it is much better to be specific and say why. Why this programme and university? Mention particular lecturers, modules, and resources that you would use when you are at the university. For example, one of the things I mentioned (if I remember right) on my application for York was a resource that is not actually in York; the British Library Boston Spa facility, 15 miles away. Why I would want to use it is obvious, but it shows that I know about the area, the facilities and that the university, for example, even has a fortnightly minibus that goes to the library. Little things like this make you stand out.

If you want I can email you one of my seven personal statements that I wrote for my masters to give you an idea about what to include and in what format.

Thanks..It would be great if you could mail me one of yours so i can see what sorts of things to include..

Reply 7

evantej

19

Tashaxx

Thanks..It would be great if you could mail me one of yours so i can see what sorts of things to include..

Personal message me your email address and I will send a couple that way rather than attempting to copy and paste them across the website.

Reply 8

Dann

15

I wrote like 3/4 about what I was interested in studying, and the rest about how the department in question was appropriate. I'm not sure that's ideal though, I didn't really know how to do it...

Masters English Personal Statement

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