Media studies 2026 personal statement guide

When it comes to media studies courses, start by being clear about the kind of degree you want to study. Do you want to analyse media, produce content, or a combination of both? Whichever it is, demonstrate that you’re focused about this. Outline why you want to study the course, and the knowledge, ideas, or practical experiences you’ll bring to it.

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:

• If you’re interested in media, you’re interested in culture, so give examples of websites, social accounts, videos, and technology that have inspired your interest in media studies. If you’re a fan of YouTuber Emma Chamberlain or Mr Beast, can you explain what it is about the way they make videos or connect with their audiences that appeals to you?
• There’s a wide span of media courses, ranging from the theoretical to the practical, and your statement should focus on the specific type of course you’ve chosen to apply for. For example, if you’re applying for a fashion, media, and marketing course, focus on fashion vloggers you love, rather than nature documentaries you watch!
• Tell admissions tutors where you hope your degree will take you – do you want to be a journalist, work in content creation or media production? Relate your career aspirations to the course you’re applying for.

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:

• What projects or coursework have you done that’s relevant? Perhaps you filmed and edited a video for a sociology project, or did a critique of British print media for an English project. 
• Mention the skills you’ve picked up during your A levels or equivalent that would suit you to a media studies course, such as digital editing and tech skills in information technology (IT), presentation skills or creativity in art or design technology.
• 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:

• If you’ve been involved in any creative or media-related projects at school, reference those. Maybe you created the posters for a school play and shared them in physical form and on social media, or maybe you’ve been involved with a school magazine or radio project.
• What do you enjoy doing outside of school, such as a team sport, creative writing, or going to the cinema with friends, and how do they relate to this degree? For example sport will give you good teamworking skills, or being knowledgeable about film will give you good analytical and critiquing skills, as well as an insight into one aspect of media.
• Think how media studies might help you achieve your goals. For example, if you feel you don’t see people from your background reflected in the media you consume, how do you hope to change this by pursuing this career?
• Mention the skills you’ve picked up from any part-time jobs too, such as good communications skills and adaptability from working in a shop, cafe, or babysitting.

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’re an expert at making slime and you’ve been sharing your recipe and process on YouTube or TikTok. Explain what you’ve learned from doing it, such as video editing, scheduling, and marketing. Critique media you’re interested in, whether it’s French film, grime music, or an online magazine. Just make sure it relates to the course you’re applying for. 

It's even better if you can then link your interests to something you've learned in your English literature, sociology or psychology studies, or read on The Guardian or Daily Telegraph’s TikTok account, or BBC website. 

Some more tips to consider

1. Research the course: Why do you want to study media studies, 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. Examples of your relevant skills: Can you describe situations where you’ve researched media topics, or demonstrated skills like good communication or teamwork, initiative, or achieving goals? 
3. Mention your interests: Express your interest in staying informed about current affairs and how this influences your perspective on media. If you read The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian, how does their reporting differ on the same news story?
4. Make your work experience count: Mention any relevant work experience, whether shadowing at a magazine, newspaper or production company, or posting or editing videos for a local business, and be clear what you personally gained from it.