I've just finished my degree and got a 2.1 from Northumbria which the Durham admissions team told me was "perfectly acceptable", but given the mediocre ranking of my university I want to ensure my application is perfect when I apply to do a taught MA in English Literary Studies over the next couple of days, so I have a few questions:
1) What are the essential points to cover in my personal statement and what do they like to hear, specifically? Do I need to say why I'm interested in particular modules or say what I plan to do my dissertation on, or be general about my enthusiasm? Also should I play upon my second half of the year marks suffering owing to the fact I broke my humerus twice in a row in April and had to finish my dissertation and assignments one-handed?
2) I have a piece of work that I got 70 for and is 2000 words as they ask, will that do for my example piece (after I've tidied it up a bit)?
3) Any other tips/pointers about getting accepted?
Thanks in advance