Radiography and medical technology 2026 personal statement guide

Examine what skills you’ll need to study this subject, what attributes you already have, and how you can build up the other relevant competencies. That way you’ll achieve the best results for a compelling radiography and medical technology personal statement. 

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 about radiography and medical technology that fascinates you and where does your interest come from? It may have first been sparked if you broke your arm and the radiographer showed you your X-rays, and then developed further when you studied human anatomy during your biology A level (or equivalent), for example.
• Mention books you’ve read or TV shows you’ve watched that have given you further insight, and show you understand the profession you wish to go into. If you were fascinated by Enzo Romero’s TED Talk about 3D printing bionic limbs, can you relate that to what you wish to study during your degree? Or what is it about the science of medical technology that fascinates you the most?
• If you have personal experience of an X-ray or MRI scan, for example, this may have led to you researching how those technologies work, or how people’s experiences can be improved.

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:

• You’ll need to have studied at least one science for this subject, so think about the skills you’ve picked up from chemistry, physics, biology, or psychology already – like technical skills, interpreting data, and conveying complex information clearly.
• Give examples of what experience you already have in exams, written assignments, and giving presentations.
• Are there any specific projects – perhaps in biology or a related subject – that relate to the course you’re applying for? Maybe studying physiology, microbiology, or genetics has made you interested in learning more about oncology, children’s medicine, or patient management?
• 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 managed to get any work experience or visit a hospital or radiology department, make sure you write about it and what you learned. If not, how else can you show you’ve got the skills and knowledge needed for this degree? You or a family member may have been a patient yourselves, so you understand the significance of advancing medical technology and the importance of good patient care.
• You may have worked in a caring role or work-shadowed in a school, care home, hospice, or other clinical environment, and be able to highlight some of the skills you’ve picked up, such as good interpersonal skills, listening skills, and empathy.
• Show you can analyse and interpret data, and you’ve got an interest in the technical side too. Maybe you do an engineering club after school, you love gaming, or you enjoy playing Fantasy Premier League or FM 25. Highlight the relevant skills they’ve taught you.

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?

Can you give examples of hobbies you enjoy that show good teamwork and collaboration? That could be being part of a drama group or choir, playing on a sports team, or taking part in Scouts. When have you shown good professionalism, perhaps during a work placement in an office or medical environment, or doing a part-time job as a hotel or leisure centre receptionist, for example?

Think about how you can show you’re a caring person. If you’ve ever cared for a sick relative, or volunteered for a charity, explain how you showed empathy and resilience. As a radiologist you may also need to be able to put people at ease, so think how you can demonstrate that too.

Maybe you’ve cared for younger siblings or neighbours’ children on occasion, or you’ve volunteered at The Samaritans or a charity shop? Write about if you’ve ever spoken to a radiographer or medical technologist too, as this shows initiative and that you have an understanding of what their roles involve.

Some more tips to consider 

1. Volunteer: Voluntary or paid work in a local hospital, vet’s, care home, or nursing home can provide a great opportunity to observe how radiology and effective care is delivered.
2. Go to uni events: Attend any university events, medical conferences, lectures, or open days that you can get to. While you're there, take the opportunity to interrogate some current radiology and medical technology students about what studying this subject is like, as well as picking up some tips for applying. 
3. Make your work experience count: Keep a reflective diary of any related work or voluntary experience you do. Be specific and write about how particular moments, events, or activities impacted on you or what you learned from them.
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. Try to think outside the box – ok, so you love playing basketball; can you explain how that has given you teamworking and communication skills, and helped with your organising skills and motivation?