Insider tips on writing a business Master's personal statement

We're sure you remember writing your undergrad personal statement. Maybe you were well prepared and it went smoothly; maybe you wrote the whole thing, weeping, on the morning of the deadline.

Either way, your Master's application demands you write another one, so here's some advice to help you get it sorted.

A postgrad personal statement is a similar beast to an undergrad one: it supports your application, lets you tell unis a bit about yourself, and offers a nice shop window for all your skills and qualifications. Ooh, shiny. 

The difference with a postgrad application is that unis like to focus a bit more on why you're applying to the course. That's important at undergrad level too, but there's also a fair bit about why you want a student experience in general. As a postgrad applicant it's time to really zoom in on the programme: why this one, and why now?

It varies, but around 500 words is good. That sounds like lots, but it's several hundred words shorter than this article – so get to the point. No rambling anecdotes. No, not even the story about that one time at band camp.

Here's a handy list. If all of these things aren't in your personal statement, it's not ready yet.

• A brief intro to you. Who are you? What are you good at, and why is that relevant to the course?
• What skills do you have? Include work experience and what it's taught you, whether that's customer service skills, teamwork, sales, or blagging monster staff discounts.
• Why are you applying? What do you want the course to give you, and what are your career goals?
• Why postgrad study? Try to say more than “I like the student discounts, yeah?” 
• What do you like? Talk about your hobbies, interests, sports you play and so on. 

Again: don't ramble. You don't have tons of space, so your writing needs to be sharp. Bring everything back to why you want to do the course and why what you're saying supports your application.

If you're talking about work experience, be sure to cover the skills you developed during that time. If you're talking about the course, be double sure you clearly explain why you want to do it.

Check your spelling and grammar, and then get someone else to check too. It's going to be hard to anyone to concentrate on your persuasive writing if it's full of typos.

You're always told to make it unique. But how? Scented notepaper? Glitter glue? Maybe not. 

Focus on the structure. Have a clear logical flow to your statement.

You've only got 500 words, so don't worry about an epilogue in rhyming couplets. Lead with who you are, then try this order:

• why you're applying for the course
• why you're interested in the subject 
• why you'll be a good fit for the course and what you'll bring to your cohort
• why your previous studies relate to the course you're applying for – and if they don't, why you're changing direction
• anything you do outside of studying that complements your interest in the course (like running your own business, having an Etsy store, or reading entrepreneurs' autobiographies)

And don't be afraid to shout about yourself. Include your outstanding achievements – they could be academic or extra-curricular.

Show you understand the course structure. Be specific. For example, if you're applying for a Management or Finance programme talk about the management or finance modules that really intrigue you (it will all be online). Discuss research in the field and the latest articles that you've engaged with.

It's good to be goal-focused, too. Explain how the programme can get you to where you want to be and highlight the quality of your work experience in your chosen area.

That's normal. Remember, all your personal statement is really there to do is say “I will be an asset to your course, and here's why,” so start from that point. Open with a sentence about yourself that explains your interest in the course and proves that it matters to you. Don't try to sound like someone else – be honest. Probably avoid swearing. 

Then wrap your statement up with your hopes for the future, to end things on an optimistic note. Oh, and please don't make it rhyme – that wrecks your chances every time. 

Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is one of the longest-established business schools in the UK and home to a thriving and truly international community. 

We are a triple-accredited research-intensive business school that combines world-class research with excellent teaching and high levels of student satisfaction. We welcome students and staff from more than 180 countries and have a presence in 24 countries, including campuses in China, Germany, Ghana and Malaysia.  

We challenge and support our creative staff, students and partners to realise their ambitions as they experience a transformational journey that leads to real impact on whole industries, societies and economies.  

Lancaster University is among the best in the UK, and has been the top university in the northwest of England for more than a decade.

To find out more, visit the Lancaster University Management School website.