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Your personal statement is an important part of the application process. It is how you show a university that you are right for their course. Writing a good one can take a lot of work, but don’t worry. This isn’t a test, but an opportunity to show yourself off in the best possible light. You need to show them what would make you a good student. Be clear, be honest, and be enthusiastic about your course.
Here are the updated Personal Statement support slides
Here are the updated Personal Statement support slides
The new 3 question personal statement structure will be effective from the 2026 entry so please do take some time reading through and understanding the information below.
The new 3 question personal statement structure will be effective from the 2026 entry so please do take some time reading through and understanding the information below.
The character limit is 4000 and a minimum of 350 characters per question!
The character limit is 4000 and a minimum of 350 characters per question!
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education and why are these experiences helpful?
Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education and why are these experiences helpful?
Guidance from UCAS
Guidance from UCAS
These guides are a brilliant way to get started on your personal statement! There are a wide range of subject support links on this page; you can click on your subject and read through tailored support so please do click the link!
For example if you were to click on Biomedical Science; you will find specific support on the page; for example some specific further reading that can broaden your research!
It is well worth your time to read through these guides in detail based on the subject (s) you are interested in!
Other Articles
There is also general guidance from UCAS here: The New Personal Statement for 2026 Entry and How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses: 2026 entry
Further Support and Top Tips
Further Support and Top Tips
DO
DO
Plan your structure
Plan your structure
Sell your best skills and experience
Sell your best skills and experience
Be honest and sound natural
Be honest and sound natural
Show self-awareness and reflection
Show self-awareness and reflection
Proofread and get someone else to proofread
Proofread and get someone else to proofread
Make it person to you
Make it person to you
DON'T
DON'T
Leave it to the last minute
Leave it to the last minute
Make it up
Make it up
Try to sound funny or smart
Try to sound funny or smart
Just write lists
Just write lists
Have too many proofreaders
Have too many proofreaders
Plagiarise other statements
Plagiarise other statements
Example 1: Just noting what you have done which seems more like a list...
Example 1: Just noting what you have done which seems more like a list...
“I spent two weeks working at a department store. I enjoyed speaking to customers and helping them with their enquiries”
Example 2: An expanded explanation of what you have done which also links to key skills and the degree....
Example 2: An expanded explanation of what you have done which also links to key skills and the degree....
“I spent two weeks managing customer enquiries at a department store. I learned how to interact with customers and handle complaints. The experience highlighted the importance of positive communication between a business and its customers, and taught me how to manage difficult enquiries effectively. I would like to develop this skill further by studying a degree in public relations.”
Skills and activities bank
This bank is here to support you with examples of skills and activities you can use in your personal statement, in case you are feeling stuck!
Problem solving skills
Creativity
Coordination
Concentration
Communication
Teamwork
Entrepreneurship
Communication
Networking
Data Handling
Leadership
Time management
Responsibility
Organisation
Presenting
Critical thinking
Listening
Educational Clubs
Art
Performance
Volunteer Work
Sport
Student politics
Student societies
Part-time job
Cultural
Languages
Music
Social Activism
Books
Articles
Journal
Radio
Ted Talks
Taster Days
After the personal statement session; you can send your personal statement to brookesengage@brookes.ac.uk for a staff member to provide feedback!
After the personal statement session; you can send your personal statement to brookesengage@brookes.ac.uk for a staff member to provide feedback!
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