English literature and creative writing 2026 personal statement guide

Admissions tutors say they’re looking for a ‘succinct and focused statement’ that specifies the kind of books you enjoy, details the specific aspects of literary study that appeal to you and – crucially – why. And, of course, make sure it’s written in good English (naturally), using correct punctuation, and uncomplicated syntax.

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:

• Start with what interests you about English literature and studying it. Discuss one or two specific writers you're interested in – and preferably one who isn’t on the GCSE or A level (or equivalent) English syllabus. Admissions tutors say ’Be specific about the texts, contexts, and critical tendencies that really excite you. We read hundreds of statements each year, but genuine passion and detail will always catch our eye’. 
• Think of different styles of texts you enjoy, whether novels, poetry, plays, or perhaps you can critique an essay or a critic’s review of a book you’ve read. It’s fine to talk about your wider cultural insights too, such as plays you’ve seen or pieces of journalism you’ve liked. Don’t be tempted to mention obscure books just for the sake of it. An insightful, imaginative, and critical response to literature is what will impress.
• If you have a profession in mind, expand on this (warning: just saying you 'want to be a journalist' will make you sound like thousands of others). Explaining what you hope to achieve while studying English literature and creative writing, not just what you already know, will impress tutors – but if you don't know what you want to do yet, don't worry.

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:

• English literature and creative writing are a multi-disciplinary subject. You can reference something you’ve learned in your history, politics or psychology studies if it’s relevant, such as what you enjoyed about the writing of a particular philosopher or historian and what that taught you about, for example, essay writing.
• University of Bristol admissions tutors want to see some evidence of your analytical approach to the books you've read, and for you to express this in a way that shows clear thinking and understanding. If you mention a book you enjoyed at school or college, be sure to give reasons that relate to how it was written and any literary devices used.
• You may have also picked up analytical and critical thinking skills from studying things like film, sociology or politics. If you can, give specific examples. And mention other relevant attributes you have, such as good research skills or the ability to work well independently.
• 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 clubs you’re part of, part-time jobs you’ve had, and what skills they taught you that will help you during your degree, such as working well with others on a school project or sports team, or good time management balancing your studies with a weekend job.
• Keep your supercurricular activities interesting and brief, and ask yourself why it’s relevant. For example, your experience listening to or coaching readers in your local primary school will probably make more impact than playing badminton.
• How much you dedicate your statement to outside interests will also depend on the kind of English degree you're applying for, or whether you're combining it with another subject. You can mention things like book group membership, theatre attendance, cultural projects, or voluntary work in schools as examples of the kind of activities that would impress – along with anything that demonstrates inquisitiveness or critical thinking.

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?

Think about the things you’re interested in and how it relates to a degree in English literature and creative writing. Perhaps you’ve created a pamphlet or marketing material for a theatre production or film you made at school. Or if you’re into film, tell tutors what genre you like and how this has fuelled your interest in creative writing, for example. Perhaps you’ve read the script version of a film adaptation, as well as the original novel, and you can comment on the different styles of writing? 

Admissions tutors will also want to know what you’ll get out of broader university life, so mention hobbies you have, whether that’s hiking, climbing, or playing football, and how you hope to pursue those at uni. If you’re particularly politically minded or environmentally conscious, you could also talk about how you hope to use your literary and writing skills in the future. 

It's even better if you can link what you’ve written to something you've learned in your studies, or read in The Guardian, The Times, a literary magazine, or on the BBC website.

Some more tips to consider

1. Research the course: Why do you want to study English literature and creative writing, 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? Be sure to make note of the content of the courses you’re applying for, so you can tailor your statement accordingly. 
2. Keep it relevant: Maybe avoid talking about the Beatrix Potter book you were given when you were six, and focus instead on something you’ve read this year. Whilst you need a strong writing style, try and avoid overblown language. Cut lines like 'I was totally  captivated by To Kill a Mockingbird' or 'my achievements at school were vast', and limit reaching for that 'synonyms' button. 
3. Make your work experience count: It’s not just what you've done but how you've reflected on it. If you work-shadowed a speech writer, or at a newspaper or magazine, or helped coordinate a writing competition, that's great, but it will have zero impact unless you spell out what you personally gained from it. 
4. Transferable skills: Whether through extra-curricular or super-curricular 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 – ok, so you take part in swimming competitions; can you explain how that has helped with your problem-solving, self-motivation, and time management?