Paramedic science 2026 personal statement guide

Write about why you want to pursue paramedic science, the personal traits that make you suited to this career, and any experience you’ve had in a medical environment or with the emergency services. 

General advice about writing your personal statement

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

Working out what to include in your personal statement can feel daunting, but we’ve got some tips to help get you started.  

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:

• Explain what’s sparked your desire to study paramedic science. Have you always wanted to save lives? Can you remember where that desire came from – a first aid course at school, doing your Rookie Lifeguard Award, or something else?
• Reference books or articles and further reading you’ve done that shows you understand what a career like this entails. Elaborate on one or two things, whether that’s an interest you have in paediatric or mental health or the desire to make a difference in the community.
• You could also give reasons why you feel you’re particularly suited to paramedic science. Perhaps you know you’ll enjoy the fast-paced, changeable nature of the job. You may know you’ll get high job satisfaction from making an impact on people’s lives. Consider also showing you know it can be a tough role, which requires resilience and adaptability.

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:

• Most courses require biology A level, or equivalent, so mention something specific you’ve learned in anatomy or physiology, for example, and why it will be relevant during your degree.
• Explain what other skills you’ve developed during your studies that you can use on this course, such as practical skills, writing skills, working to deadlines, planning, evaluation, and good teamwork.
• Have you joined any extracurricular or supercurricular clubs that can demonstrate your commitment and leadership skills, such as joining the school council or being a team captain in football or basketball?
• 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:

• It’s helpful if you have some understanding of the NHS and how it works. Write about any work-shadowing you’ve done at a hospital, care home, GP’s practice, or any other healthcare environment, and reflect on what you learned from it.
• If you’ve worked or volunteered in a caring or service role, especially with people who are ill, disabled, disadvantaged, or vulnerable, highlight the skills you learned there too, such as empathy, understanding different people’s needs, and the importance of observation.
• Demonstrate your other attributes, such as self-discipline and a commitment to something you enjoy through having learned a musical instrument or competed in a sport or other activity.

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 your outside interests, whether you enjoy rock climbing, hiking, playing The Sims, or watching Marvel movies. Explain what you hope to get out of wider university life, but also how some of the skills you’ve picked up from your hobbies may help you during the course.

You may be brave, quick-thinking, adaptable, and able to react well under pressure. Perhaps you can also show how you deal with frustration, and how you cope when things don’t go as planned. Give specific examples, such as having travel or holiday plans disrupted, having to resit an exam, or not getting on to the team in a sport you love.

Give further insight into your personal qualities too, such as kindness, patience, and perseverance. Perhaps you’ve taught yourself a skill – whether woodwork, learning a musical instrument, or fixing a bike – and you’re able to tolerate frustration. Maybe you care for an elderly or sick relative, or you volunteer at a charity or local community group, demonstrating your caring nature and compassion for others.

Don’t forget to relate what you write in your statement answers back to something relevant, like something you’ve read in Fighting For Your Life: A Paramedic’s Story, or seen on 999: On The Front Line, heard on The Resus Room, or watched on the news recently.

Some more tips to consider

1. Research the course: Why do you want to study paramedic science, 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? Remember, you may get invited to a selection event and/or interview after you apply, so make sure you know your stuff before you go. 
2. Examples of relevant skills: Use part-time jobs or studying for exams as examples of how you’ve effectively managed your own time, and built your communication, analytical, or critical thinking skills.
3. Volunteer: Voluntary or paid work in a local care home, hospital, or other clinical setting can provide a great opportunity to observe how effective care is delivered. You could also try to interview or shadow a St John Ambulance volunteer.
4. 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. Ok, so you captain the cricket team; explain how that has given you leadership, teamworking, and communication skills, and helped with your organising skills and motivation. 
5. The six Cs of care: NHS roles rely on you understanding and demonstrating the six Cs of care. Make sure you read up on these and explain how you follow these values.