There is no single application process for postgraduate
academic study - you need to apply individually to each
university.
In most cases this will be by online application, either
via
UKPASS - the centralized online
admissions service run by UCAS - or via an online application
form hosted by the university you wish to apply to. Further
information about online applications is given in the
Prospects postgraduate pages.
Personal statements are often required in your
application for postgraduate study, in which you will be asked to
provide evidence to support your application or address
specific areas. The following tips may help you write your
personal statement:
- Target your personal statement to the course and university you
are applying for, don't use the same statement for different
courses or institutions
- Make sure you clearly communicate your motivation,
including why you have chosen this course, subject area
and institution. Be specific about what appeals to you
about this particular course and institution as opposed to other
available options. Relate these reasons to your own
experience including reference to relevant modules and
assignments in your first degree, work experience
etc.
- Tell them why you think you should be selected for this course
/ degree. What relevant skills and knowledge have you gained
during your studies, work experience and leisure activities? Why do
you have the potential to do well on this course?
- How does this course fit into your overall career aims?
At this stage this may still be a general direction rather
than a specific career goal.
- Provide clear information about your academic record, including
your grades, and any employment history.
- Give your statement a clear structure with a beginning,
middle and end, and make sure it is clear and concise; you
don't want the important information lost in waffle.
- Proof read your application for spelling and grammatical errors
and ask a colleague to check through it.
- Follow the institution's instructions about supporting
documentation, such as references and transcripts. Supply
them as soon as you can.
A careers
consultant can give you advice on
postgraduate applications and other aspects of postgraduate
study.
Updated: 7/7/2011 By:
John McMenamin