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Personal statement dos and don'ts

The personal statement is your opportunity to talk about you, and why you want to enrol on a particular course. Use these easy-to-digest bullet points to help you decide what you should and shouldn’t include in your personal statement.

Personal statements for 2026 entry onwards

For students applying to university for 2026 entry, the personal statement format will be changing. Here, we'll cover what exactly is changing, why the changes are happening, and how you can prepare for the changes.

Personal statements for 2026 entry onwards

For students applying to university for 2026 entry, the personal statement format will be changing. Here, we'll cover what exactly is changing, why the changes are happening, and how you can support students.

Philosophy 2026 personal statement guide

Whether you’re inspired by Sartre, Noam Chomsky, or Martha Nussbaum, you’ll need to write a philosophy personal statement that’s thoughtful, reflective, and enthusiastic.

Photography 2026 personal statement guide

Whether it's an exhibition you've visited or an artist who inspires you, drawing on your photography influences is key to an impressive photography personal statement.

Physics and astronomy 2026 personal statement guide

If you’re a future physicist – or astronomer – in the making, admissions tutors say they’re looking beyond your grades for a sparkling personal statement that communicates what lights you up about the subject.

Podiatrist

Podiatrists help people live more comfortably by providing treatment and care for foot and leg problems.

Politics 2026 personal statement guide

Why do you want to study politics? Write a personal statement that’s thoughtful, reflective, and enthusiastic if you want admissions tutors to vote for you.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re starting a full postgraduate Doctoral course, you could get a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan. Content provided by Student Finance England.

Postgraduate fees and funding

Postgraduate fees can vary a lot, and funding isn’t always straightforward. Here's the info you need, including funding options, and where to find support.

Postgraduate loans

Find out if you're eligible for the new postgraduate loan, and how to apply.