Writing a personal statement for your UCAS application
ItÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s likely that writing a personal statement will be a new experience ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ we share our advice on what we look for
What is a personal statement?
The personal statement is your opportunity to tell your admissions tutor why youÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™re the right student to be offered a place on your chosen course. We donÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™t interview all our applicants so this is your one chance to sell yourself for courses that donÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™t require an interview.
If you do apply for a course that does invite candidates to interview, your personal statement may also form the basis of your interview.
When I read your personal statement, the first thing I look for is enthusiasm about the subject. Your statement should paint a picture of why you want to study your degree. If you know what you want to do after the course, that is great but it is not essential.
Your outside interests and work experience can show more about you ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ which topics have already engaged you and which books have you read? Have you been a trusted person at work? Have you volunteered to help others learn at school? Have you trained people in a sport? Any of these things makes you a stronger applicant.
Dr Martin Lavelle
Associate Lecturer
Take advantage of our bespoke personal statement support service
If you have attended one of our open days, our dedicated advisers are ready to help you take the next step and refine your personal statement, ensuring it highlights your strengths and aligns with your ambitions. For more information and support with your personal statement, please email outreach@plymouth.ac.uk.
Applications for 2026 entry
Ensure you are aware of the personal statement changes
The new Personal Statement will be made available for the opening of the 2026 cycle in May 2025.
The Personal Statement is changing from one long piece of text to three separate, guided sections, each with a different question to help shape the focus for your answers.
Each section will have a minimum character count of 350 characters, which is clearly labelled on the question boxes, along with an overall character counter, to ensure you know if you're on track. The 4000 overall character limit (including spaces) remains the same, as does what you're expected to include.
The new personal statement questions
The web page for submitting the personal statement will feature helpful on-page guidance for each question.
The new questions are:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Your personal statement checklist
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JLook at course descriptions and identify the qualities, skills and experience required ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ you can use these to help you decide what to write about.
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JTell the reader why youÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™re applying ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the subject, the course provider and higher education.
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JThink about what makes you suitable ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ this could be relevant experience, skills or achievements youÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™ve gained from education, work or other activities.
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JInclude any clubs or societies you belong to ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ sporting, creative, or musical.
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JMention any relevant employment experience or volunteering youÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™ve done.
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JIf youÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™ve developed skills through the Duke of EdinburghÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s Award, ASDAN, National Citizen Service, the CREST Awards or Young Enterprise, include them in your statement.
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JIf you took part in a higher education taster course, placement, summer school or something similar, include it.