Biology 2026 personal statement guide

University of Southampton admissions tutor, Dr Malcom East, outlines two key ingredients he would like to see evidenced in your biology statement:

• You understand something about the course you're applying for, with a realistic perception of what it involves.
• You're enthusiastic about the subject and can show some commitment to it. You can demonstrate this by writing about your wider reading, Extended Project, work experience or any other way you’ve engaged with biology beyond the syllabus.

General advice about writing your personal statement 

What do admissions staff at universities and colleges want to see?

Guidance and examples you can use

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

This is your opportunity to showcase your passion and knowledge of your chosen subject area and to demonstrate to universities and colleges why it’s a good fit for you and your future ambitions.

Examples:

• What topics do you find particularly intriguing? Whether it’s human health or disease, the machinery of the cell or the natural environment, reflect on one or two of these interests in your statement. 
• Have you been on an interesting field trip, whether to a zoo, rock pool or museum and what did you take away from it that you want to learn more about?
• Try and get your enthusiasm across. Think about documentaries or YouTube channels you watch that have inspired your passion for biology.
• Think of specific things you like and find interesting about the course you’re applying to, whether it’s field trips, or modules on human biology or infection, immunity and public health. 

Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to shout about the relevant or transferable skills you’ve gained from your formal education and highlight your understanding of how they will help you succeed in this subject area.

Examples:

• Explain how preparing for biology exams has given you the relevant time management and critical thinking skills you’ll need on your university course.
• Think about lab work you did at school and what you learned, such as investigating water potential or understanding the effect of environmental variables.
• If you went on a field trip what did you learn from it, including things like collecting samples and conducting observations. How will this help you on your university course?
• Biology students need to have attention to detail, patience, and perseverance – demonstrate how your studies have taught you these skills.
• Have you done any online courses to boost your knowledge in the subject? For example, why not try Subject Spotlights or Virtual Work Experiences from Springpod to grow your skills and interest? 

Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

This is your chance to talk about any other activities you have undertaken outside of your formal education, or personal experiences which further demonstrate your suitability for the course. This section is likely to be highly personal to you and anything you do include should reflect on why you’re including it.

Examples:

• Think about anything interesting or unusual you’ve done outside the curriculum, such as volunteering in a lab or working at a garden centre or botanical gardens where you learned about plant biology. 
• Mention part-time jobs you’ve had where you picked up skills such as good communication, organisation, teamwork, and even data analysis. 
• If you can, reflect on your general reading, debating, contributing to community life, or any cultural or sporting interests, as many universities are keen for you to continue this at uni. However, don’t worry if your home or personal circumstances mean it has been difficult to extend your knowledge or experiences outside of school or college. Universities will usually be sympathetic to this.
• Relate your statement to your career aspirations, whether you want to work in research, healthcare or environmental conservation. Have you done any volunteering or extra research at home that relates to these topics?
   

How to set yourself apart

The key to setting yourself apart in your application is to remember how important the ‘personal’ bit is to your personal statement. What makes you, you? Maybe you got a science lab kit as a kid and it sparked your interest, or maybe you had birds or snails on your windowsill or garden that fascinated you. Try and get across your unique passion and interest in biology, and any interesting ways you’ve taken it further. 

Talk about any science projects you’ve participated in, whether at school or at home – what sparked your interest? Maybe you’re a twin and fascinated by genetics, or have you always found evolution or ecology exciting thanks to reading about Charles Darwin?

Reference books you’re interested in, such as Dark Matter or The Atlas of Disease, or podcasts you like, such as Radiolab or This Week in Microbiology. Or if you’re interested in the microbiome, have you experimented with fermented foods or tried to change your gut diversity?

Maybe you became interested in science and biology due to personal or family circumstances, like having diabetes and monitoring sugars and its effect on the body. Reference how these experiences have made you think about what you want to learn next, or where you want to take your future career. 

Some more tips to consider

1. Written and communication skills: Use your personal statement to show you can write fluently and communicate ideas clearly and with enthusiasm. Have someone else read it through before you send it.
2. Analytical thinking: To study biology, you need to demonstrate you can gather information, analyse and break down problems.
3. Research the course: Why do you want to study biology, what specific aspects of the course interest you, how does it relate to your academic studies, and what additional reading or other activities have led you to apply? 
4. Scientific flair: Can you show you’re able to use your initiative? Maybe you started a science club at school, or found a clever way to film night wildlife in your local park?
5. Transferable skills: Whether through extracurricular or supercurricular activities, work experience or a part-time job, you’ll have lots of skills that will be relevant to your course. Try to think outside the box – if you’ve learned piano up to Grade 5, can you explain how that has helped with your self-motivation and time management?