How to apply

1. Tell us your reasons for applying 

What are your interests, ambitions and why you are choosing the course at University of Staffordshire? Show that you have knowledge of the course and University.  

2. Demonstrate that you're ready for postgraduate study with relevant experience

Have you got an undergraduate degree? Have you undertaken related independent work such as a dissertation?What topics are you interested in? 

3. Show your core skills

Including IT, numeracy, organisation, communication, time management and critical thinking. You can also cover grades, awards, placements, reading material or conferences you've attended. 

4. Why you deserve a place

Tell us what you'd bring to the course.

You've got the basics. You know what to put in your statement and what to leave out. Here's how to make it work. 

1. Time 

Allow plenty of time to complete your statement and check it.

2. Research

Research the course and University and demonstrate your knowledge. It shows you're committed. 

3. Structure 

Create a clear introduction, main body and conclusion. Draft, edit, repeat  – When you're happy, ask someone to read it.

4. Draft, edit, repeat 

When you're happy, ask someone to read it.

5. Check it

Spelling and grammar are important. You can use free online tools like Grammarly and Hemmingway Editor to check for mistakes.

Visit how to write your postgraduate personal statement on UCAS for more advice on how to make yourself stand out from the crowd. 

• Negative wording

• Lying or exaggerating statements

• Including anything unrelated to the course

• Repeating information already found in your application

• Using overly long or complicated sentences

• Using an online template or another person's statement

• Using the same statement for each application

• Submiting it without checking for spelling and grammar mistakes