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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.

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.

Psychology 2026 personal statement guide

Get the tone right in your psychology personal statement and write about your interest, enthusiasm, and commitment to studying this fascinating, scientific, and rewarding subject.