Digital media, production, and technology 2026 personal statement guide

Get across why you want to work in this developing and in-demand profession by giving admissions tutors some insights into your interest in this career, your existing attributes and experience, and where you see yourself going. 

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 is it that’s made you want to work in digital media, production, and technology? Have you already been following social media campaigns by companies or influencers you like? If so, could you critique what you like about the script or production on one of their digital marketing campaigns?
• Is there anything else you’ve done that’s made you want to learn more about this subject? Perhaps you already post YouTube videos and you’d like to become a professional content creator. Or maybe you’ve been managing the social media account for a charity and you’d like to expand your video production or technical skills.
• Mention books, forums or blogs you read, or people you follow that have influenced you. Elaborate on one or two things – for example, perhaps you learned something on production techniques from reading Digital Media Production for Beginners, or you’ve got an opinion on how the Diary of a CEO podcast uses video on social media.

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:

• Elaborate on specific skills you’ve picked up, such as digital drawing or Photoshop in your art, graphic design or photography A level or equivalent. Think about other skills too, like creativity, innovation, thinking outside the box, project management, and teamwork.
• What else have you learned during your studies? You may have discovered a great mind-mapping technique for revision that you can also use for coming up with creative ideas. Maybe you've learned scriptwriting skills from being in a drama group, or content writing skills from contributing to a section of the school website or magazine.
• 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:

• You’ll have learned things from supercurricular or extracurricular activities, whether that’s good communication skills and teamwork from playing a team sport or using audio editing software for music.
• Mention any volunteering, work-shadowing, or part-time jobs you’ve done. It’s great if you’ve got experience at a digital media or marketing company, or managing social media for an organisation, but if not you’ll have picked up useful skills working in a restaurant, shop or supermarket – like customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Think of any personal experiences and attributes too. You may have taught yourself basic programming, which shows initiative as well as technical skills, and maybe you’ve created a vlog about your hobby or home environment, which has taught you some digital storytelling techniques.

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? 

Write about what culture interests you too, whether you’re into gaming, running, crochet or cricket. If you love running, for example, show admissions tutors how it helps you relax outside of your studies and keep fit – or how you’re looking forward to joining the running club at uni.

Finally, it’s even better if you can relate what you’re saying in your statement answers back to something you’ve read on LinkedIn, Marketing Week, or via a social media agency. 

Some more tips to consider

1. Research the course: Why do you want to study digital media, production, and technology, 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? 
2. Make your work experience count: If you’ve work-shadowed a social media manager, digital marketing manager, or SEO lead, that’s great, but make sure you also spell out what you gained from it.
3. Creativity and innovation: Try and give examples of when you’ve storyboarded or produced a piece of digital media or technology during your studies or in your own time. Mention any awards you’ve entered or won too.
4. Transferable skills: Brainstorm what skills you’ve picked up through extracurricular or supercurricular activities, work experience, or a part-time job that are relevant to your course. If you’ve learned piano, can you explain how that has given you self-motivation, good time management, and perseverance?